Located 1.5 hours north of Melbourne in Central Victoria
Bendigo is a vibrant Victorian regional city steeped in the history of the 1850s gold rush. Its rich past is beautifully preserved in its majestic grand architecture, like the Sacred Heart Cathedral and Alexandra Fountain, and is explored firsthand at the Central Deborah Gold Mine where visitors can descend into a real underground shaft. The city is a major cultural hub, featuring the internationally acclaimed Bendigo Art Gallery (known for its blockbuster exhibitions) and the Golden Dragon Museum, which showcases the city's deep Chinese heritage and magnificent imperial dragons.
Bendigo's status as a UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy, offers world-class food and wine scene. Visitors can explore boutique vineyards for the region's famous Shiraz, dine at innovative restaurants, and browse artisan producers. For a dose of local culture, take a ride on a Vintage Talking Tram, which offers a hop-on, hop-off tour connecting key attractions. Other unique stops include the serene Great Stupa of Universal Compassion and the hands-on fun at Bendigo Pottery.
Life in Bendigo is complemented by abundant green spaces, perfect for a day out. Visitors can stroll through beautiful heritage parks like Rosalind Park, or enjoy the picturesque setting of Lake Weeroona, which was transformed from a dusty mining claim into a key recreational reserve with walking tracks and play areas. The city is also the gateway to expansive Greater Bendigo National Park and the Goldfields Track, offering ample opportunities for hiking and cycling, ensuring there's something for every interest during a visit.
Mid-March marks the pleasant transition to autumn in Bendigo, offering some of the year's most comfortable visiting weather. Average daily high temperatures typically hover around 26c with nights around 12c. It is the season of change so please pack for both summer and winter temperatures.
Car - Bendigo is 1.5 hours north of Melbourne along the Calder Hwy (if travelling from Tullamarine). It is about 8.5 hours from Western Sydney. Travel along the Hume until Violet town then follow the signs to Bendigo. Bendigo is very drivable.
Flights - Bendigo has almost daily Qantas Flights leaving from Sydney that take about 2 hours in the sky. If you look early enough you can score flights for around 9000 qantas points each way. Cars are available for hire at Bendigo Airport, otherwise let us know and we can help arrange