A weekend getaway Bendigo is the answer or consider a summer holiday exploring the goldfields of Victoria Bendigo makes a well positioned hub for getting around.

Bendigo is only two hours drive from Melbourne, the town is visitor friendly with cafes, galleries and events year round to welcome visitors both local and international. Yet Ballarat is much closer to Melbourne,  Ballarat has the fabulous Sovereign Hill with its stagecoaches, 19th century main street and gold panning.  Yet Bendigo has a gold mine,  with a tour that is definitely ‘real’, a vintage talking tram and a personality that is Bendigo.   Bendigo is authentic, it is heritage Victorian goldfields and is a place that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Bendigo is not better than Ballarat.  The two towns offer different experiences.

Highlights

Tram stops include 

• Deborah Gold Mine, a must do adventure exploring an original gold mine tunnels. 
• Charing Cross (Alexandra Foundation) stop where the Victorian, ornate Alexandra Fountain is a distinctive landmark.  The foundation was opened by two of Queen Victoria’s grandsons, a mark of the wealth of the gold mining industry. 
• Bendigo Tramways Depot (tram museum) is a collection of historic trams and a workshop dedicated to the upkeep of Bendigo trams. 
• Lake Weeroona, Nolan St is a park for all age groups with playgrounds, ducks to feed, cafes and walking tracks.  It is a favourite for locals to exercise and congregate. 
• Tysons Reef Hotel, Weeroona St, classic pub food in a heritage listed hotel.  Like all good historic buildings, slightly creaky with lots of character.
• Bendigo’s Joss House Temple (Finn St) is the Chinese Dragon Museum location.  The Chinese miners, at the peak was one in five males (1850’s) was Chinese.  Their stories and other immigrants can be read at Many Roads: Chinese on the Goldfields. The Golden Dragon Museum celebrates the area’s Chinese heritage through artefacts and artwork.  Intimate and detailed record of Chinese immigration contribution to Australia is stored in the library.  The Museum has a gift shop.

Culture & Art  

Let your fingers do the scrolling and check out  Markets, Bendigo Farmers Market – Explore Bendigo which market is open and obtain up to date information.  Fresh produce, locally produced wine, preserved goods and locally crafted artisan goods.  During winter some stalls might not attend weekly markets.

Bendigo Pottery Established in 1858, Bendigo Pottery offers pot-making workshops and ceramics displays.  The museum is a snapshot of 19th century pottery techniques with modern technology providing a contrast between yesterday and current pottery manufacturing practices.  The shop has an extensive collection for sale.  There is a shop selection of seconds which have not passed the quality control process yet are considered for sale at a discounted price. Bargains with a flaw.  PIck up a gift from the extensive premium or seconds displays.  A great reminder of your Bendigo weekend.  Attached to the pottery premises are a number of independent artisans and craft vendors.  The workshops include sculptures in iron and woodwork. 

Distance from Bendigo Town Centre 6.5km.

Bendigo accommodation choices galore to suit every budget.  Stay in Bendigo & Heathcote – Explore Bendigo is an excellent place to start for information about where to stay in Bendigo.  Our guide recommends you stay within walking distance of major attractions, check with google maps where the proposed stay is in relation to the talking tram or town hall.

Travel pack information

• Support Australian Automobile Association. The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is the peak organisation representing Australia’s motoring clubs and their eight million members.  The AAA advances the interests of all road users to ensure transport systems are safe, affordable and transparent.
• Australian Geographic – Bendigo in Melbourne, support Australian Geographic with a visit to their Bendigo shop.
• Bendigo things to do on a weekend away: Getting the royal treatment.  Australian Traveller article with more tips about your great weekend destination, Bendigo
• Bendigo Visitor Information Centre is a goldmine of information.  

Walks and trails Eureka Heritage Reef Walk PDF

Bendigo City tour map PDF

Bendigo is a place you can return to.