The city of Bendigo is located within a few miles of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. A city known to be rich, both literally and figuratively, Bendigo was founded on the discovery and abundance of gold in the area. This city is a mix of suburbs, and parks, making it a perfect destination for any traveler visiting Australia. If you are planning to visit the Land Down Under soon, Bendigo may be one of the lesser-known destinations, but it is one to check out. There is something for everyone; several cultural experiences await the curious tourist, especially in the arts, history, and heritage. For comfy accommodation, you’ll find Airbnb vacation rentals awaiting you for a pleasant stay. Some of these are pet- and dog-friendly accommodations in case you plan a trip with your furry companion. Scroll down to find a list of the best things to do in Bendigo, Australia.
1. Visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral
For a different experience, stop by the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the seat of the bishop of Sandhurst. You may say a prayer if you are Catholic, but generally, tourists are welcome to marvel at the English-Gothic architecture of the cathedral. Most of the materials used to build it were home-produced at Bendigo itself. One of the cathedral’s attractions is the five bells, named after five saints, including Blessed Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first beatified individual.
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Address: 66 Short Street, Bendigo Vic 3550
Website: Sacred Heart Cathedral
Opening hours: Sunday Masses: 8:30am, 11am, 6pm
Price: None
2. Take a stroll down Rosalind Park
Bendigo is known to be surrounded by many parks. Among these is Rosalind Park, situated near the central business district. Visiting this park is one of the many fun things to do with kids in Bendigo, Australia. Families with children, friends, couples, or even solo travelers, are sure to enjoy taking strolls down 60 acres (24.2 ha) of green scenery. At Rosalind Park, visitors can check out spots like Bendigo Creek, Conservatory Gardens, Barracks Lane, Look Out Tower, and Queen Victoria Gardens. It’s the ideal spot for people who are both nature lovers and history geeks.
Rosalind Park
Address: 30 Gaol Rd, Bendigo VIC 3550
Website: Bendigo Tourism - Rosalind Park
3. Learn about local Chinese heritage at the Golden Dragon Museum
A large part of Bendigo’s history and culture is rooted in Chinese culture. Though the first Chinese settlers came back in the 1850s, the Golden Dragon Museum opened only recently in 1991. The museum’s purpose was to document the Chinese heritage in Australia through documents, photographs, and other cultural items, and to preserve this rich heritage that’s important to the city’s history. It also offers educational tours to students and tourists who want to learn about the Chinese Bendigo community.
Golden Dragon Museum
Address: 1-11 Bridge Street Bendigo
Website: Golden Dragon Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: From 12 USD
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4. Take a tour onboard the historic Bendigo Trams
Get onboard the iconic Bendigo Tramways to learn about the rich history of Bendigo. These trams began operating in 1890 as the primary source of transportation for the citizens of Bendigo. However, trams eventually became outdated and by 1972, they were officially no longer public transport. But some people thought that trams were too iconic to be left to dust, and the idea of Bendigo Tramway tours was born. Now, tourists can learn about the city’s past on a historic mode of transport.
Bendigo Trams
Address: 1 Tramways Avenue, Bendigo VIC 3550
Website: Bendigo Tramways
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily) (Vintage Talking Tram); Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun: 10am onwards (Dja Dja Wurrung Tram); Tue, Thu & Sat: 10am onwards (Anzac Tram)
Price: 18 to 53 USD
5. Admire the exhibits at the Bendigo Art Gallery
For art enthusiasts, you should not miss the Bendigo Art Gallery. It was first opened in 1887 and is home to various Australian art pieces dating as far back as the 1850s. Most of the art features the history and culture of Bendigo in particular, so expect to see pieces related to goldmines and the like. Admission to the gallery is free, but ticket prices may vary during exhibits. It’s best to check their website for upcoming displays that you may find interesting.
Bendigo Art Gallery
Address: 42 View St, Bendigo, VIC 3550
Website: Bendigo Art Gallery
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free but ticket prices vary during exhibits
6. Watch a show at The Capital
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
One of the fun places to visit in Bendigo, Australia, is The Capital, where you can immerse yourself in a world of fun performances and cultural experiences. The 800-seat theater hosts a diverse range of shows, including theater productions, concerts, dance performances, and side-splitting comedy acts. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast or a music lover, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Capital also features art galleries that showcase local and touring exhibitions, offering a visual feast for art enthusiasts. Additionally, this venue offers educational programs and workshops that engage the community, fostering creativity and appreciation for the arts.
The Capital
Address: 50 View St, Bendigo VIC 3550, Australia
Website: The Capital
7. Catch the perfect sunset at Lake Neangar
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Lake Neangar is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bendigo and offers a delightful array of enjoyable activities for visitors to experience. The lake’s serene and scenic surroundings provide a perfect setting for leisurely walks, jogging, or cycling along the well-maintained paths. The lush green parklands invite picnics and relaxation, making it an ideal spot for families and friends to gather. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck in the lake’s waters, which are stocked with various fish species. Birdwatchers will be thrilled to spot a diverse range of birdlife around the lake.
The lake is also home to a charming wooden bridge, adding to the picturesque views. With its tranquil ambiance and recreational opportunities, Lake Neangar offers a wonderful escape into nature in the heart of Bendigo.
Lake Neangar
Address: Eaglehawk VIC 3556, Australia
8. Release your inner artist at Bendigo Pottery
If you’re looking for a venue to channel your creativity, head on over to Bendigo Pottery. Known to be Australia’s oldest working pottery, they are famous for producing only the best quality ceramic pieces for over 150 years. These pieces are available for sale at the pottery gift shop. Fun activities await at the Clay Activities and Decorating Workshop and Interpretive Museum, where you can immerse yourself in one of the earliest forms of art.
Bendigo Pottery
Address: 146 Midland Highway, Epsom, VIC 3551
Website: Bendigo Pottery
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Interpretive Museum - 8 to 20 USD / Clay Activities - 20 USD / Decorating Workshops - 22 USD
9. Go on an underground adventure at Central Deborah Gold Mine (from USD 22.0)
As Bendigo is known for mining, one of the first hands-on mines in town was the Central Deborah Gold Mine, which operated from 1939 until 1954. By 1971, it opened to the public, and succeeding decades saw the opening of more levels that now provide various tours to the public, allowing visitors to experience the life of a miner. There are four tours available: Explore the Surface, Mine Experience, Underground Adventure, and the most exciting of them all, Nine Levels of Darkness.
Central Deborah Gold Mine Experience Tour
Experience Bendigo's unique culture and history
With a rich history, several things to do, and exciting tours to join, Bendigo in Australia should be on tourists’ bucket lists when visiting the country. A lot of these unique and amazing experiences await when you visit this historic town, so what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Bendigo today.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Bendigo
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