Bendigo : History & Heritage

Witness the legacy of the gold rush in grand heritage buildings, wide avenues and cultural museums. Start your adventure at the historic Post Office – home to the Bendigo Visitor Centre, the Living Arts Space and Post Office Gallery – or the Town Hall, both opulent remnants of Bendigo’s golden age.

The discovery of alluvial gold on the banks of Bendigo Creek in 1851 sparked gold fever. Experience life as it was for the diggers on an underground tour at Central Deborah Gold Mine. Delve into gold mining history as you descend between 61m and 228m below ground (depending on your tour), explore authentic mine tunnels and try your hand at mine drilling. Fortune seekers from all over the world made for the goldfields, including thousands from China. By 1857 Bendigo’s Chinese population reached 26,000 and their influence on the city is still felt today. See this heritage on display at Dai Gum San (Big Gold Mountain), a cultural precinct that connects the Golden Dragon Museum with the Yi Yuan Gardens and Kuan Yin Temple.

Art & culture Find world-first art exhibitions and outstanding Australian art on permanent display at Bendigo Art Gallery. One of the oldest and largest regional galleries in Australia, its renowned for a stellar program of national and international exhibits and permanent collection featuring works by Patricia Piccinini, Bill Henson, Emily Kame Kngwarreye and many more.

Feeling inspired? Watch the hand throwing demonstration then throw your own wheel at historic Bendigo Pottery. Check out the ye olde wood fired kilns in the interpretive museum and pick up original ceramics to take home.

Outdoor adventures While away an afternoon in glorious Rosalind Park, with its expansive green lawns, tree-fringed avenues, playground and historic conservatory. Visit in spring to witness the breathtaking sight of over 30,000 tulips in bloom for Bendigo’s annual display.

Outdoor adventures abound in the surrounding bushland, bike trails and tranquil waterways. Take in the sights and sounds of Bendigo’s native flora and fauna by bike along the Goldfields Track, traversing fascinating town and villages along the way, or join the locals on a leisurely stroll around Lake Weeroona, also the starting point for the O’Keefe Trail.

More information For more information on what to do in Bendigo, For more information, visit bendigotourism.com