Grab a Lekker bike from Mercure Schaller Hotel and cycle to beautiful Lake Weeroona for breakfast at The Boardwalk (they also run waterside yoga sessions here on weekends).
Next, head to the Golden Dragon Museum to discover the living history of the Chinese people of Bendigo, from the gold rush to the present day. Then make your way to The Great Stupa, the largest Buddhist stupa (monument) outside of Asia, and home to the largest gem-quality Jade Buddha in the world.
Alternatively, visit Bendigo Pottery to watch potters at work, or throw a pot yourself. They run wheel-throwing lessons through the day during the week, plus kids classes in the school holidays.
Lunch at Balgownie Estate should be a relaxed affair so you can savour the rich, ripe reds and elegant whites from Bendigo's gold-bearing soils. With over 30 cellar doors to choose from, a visit to the Bendigo Wine Region is up there with striking gold.