The heart of Central Victoria and one-time richest city in the world, Bendigo has been attracting people from across the globe since the 1850s gold rush. These days, frenetic fortune hunters have been replaced by a new breed of creative "tree-changers", who have brought with them a passion for the arts, design, food and wine. The dynamic regional centre continues to celebrate its contrasts, setting vibrant arts hubs and buzzing bars and restaurants against grand architecture and a storied history.

Try a three-day break that captures the energy and flavour of this grand old city.

  • Start your day with a stroll through the beautiful Rosalind Park before heading to Bendigo Gallery, Australia's largest regional art gallery. See a touring international exhibition, or familiarise yourself with the contemporary names in the permanent collection.

    Prepare for a night out Bendigo-style with dinner at The Woodhouse bar and Grill. Then it's on to the new Ulumbarra Theatre to catch a performance in the 1860s Sandhurst Gaol building. Or you can devote your night to the blues, catching a gig at the Rifle Brigade Hotel, Hotel Shamrock, Gold Mines Hotel or the Old Church on the Hill.

    After such an artistic day, it's fitting that you should rest your head amid the original artworks, large-scale sculptures and mosaics at Mercure Schaller Hotel, inspired by Mark Schaller's working studio.

  • Set the tone for a bumper Bendigo day with breakfast at Percy and Percy. Then join your local guide and take the Food Fossicking Tour of Bendigo's gourmet hotspots, discovering chocolate making, seasonal fruits and vegetables and sourdough bread.

    Discover more tales of the city founded on one of the world's richest goldfields by sitting back on a historic Bendigo Tramways tram and visiting key local landmarks.

    You've well and truly earned a drink by now. Head to Chancery Lane, arguably Bendigo's trendiest laneway, and have a pre-dinner tipple at The Dispensary. 

    Finish a jam-packed day with dinner at Ms Batterhams. Housed within the old school hall at Mackenzie Quarters, this relaxed lounge bar offers a southern European menu, paired with a locally-sourced wine list, delicious cocktails and a wide range of craft beers.

  • 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.