10 Things to Do in Bendigo For a Perfect Holiday

Bendigo is a city located in the state of Victoria, Australia. It is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty and plenty of things to do in Bendigo. If you are thinking about a destination to spend some amazing time in Australia, you must head to Bendigo. 

It is a great place as it has a rich history dating back to the Victorian gold rush. Also, it is home to a range of historic buildings, monuments, and museums that showcase this fascinating past. Not only this, but it also offers several things to do in Bendigo for an entertaining vacation. 

For instance, you can explore several rolling hills, scenic countryside, and beautiful parks. So, it is a great destination for outdoor activities in Bendigo, such as hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Also, Bendigo is a great destination for families, with various attractions and activities designed to appeal to children of all ages. 

When visiting Bendigo, you must keep a list of things to do in Bendigo handy, so you don’t miss out on any amazing activities. Here are the top activities you can explore when visiting this great destination. 

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Visit the Bendigo Art Gallery – Things to Do in Bendigo For Art Lovers

If you want to explore the best artworks, you can head to Bendigo art gallery to enjoy the top things to do in Bendigo. This renowned art gallery showcases a diverse collection of contemporary and historical works. You can enjoy looking at the works of several Australian artists and a range of international exhibitions.

The Bendigo Art Gallery is a renowned cultural institution located in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. It offers visitors plenty of things to do in Bendigo. 

• View the exhibitions: The Bendigo Art Gallery regularly hosts a range of exhibitions showcasing works by both Australian and international artists. These exhibitions range from contemporary art to historical collections.
• Attend a guided tour: The gallery offers guided tours for visitors, which provide an in-depth look at the exhibitions, the history of the gallery, and the works on display. A guided tour is one of the best things to do in Bendigo. 
• Explore the permanent collections: The Bendigo Art Gallery has a diverse permanent collection. It works by Australian and international artists and various historical and cultural artefacts.
• Participate in educational programs: The gallery offers a range of educational programs for visitors of all ages. The top things to do in Bendigo include art classes, workshops, and talks.
• Take in the architecture: The Bendigo Art Gallery is housed in a beautiful historic building, which has been beautifully restored and is worth exploring in its own right.
• Visit the gift shop: The gallery has a well-stocked gift shop, offering a range of souvenirs and products related to the exhibitions and collections on display. You can explore these shops and get some souvenirs to take the memories home of things to do in Bendigo in which you engaged. 
• Enjoy a meal at the café: The Bendigo Art Gallery has a café on site that offers a range of light meals and refreshments, providing the perfect place to relax and enjoy the exhibitions.

Explore the Central Deborah Gold Mine

Take a tour of this former gold mine and learn about the city’s rich history as a gold-mining centre during the Victorian gold rush. If you are a history buff, it is one of the best things to do in Bendigo. 

This destination offers a couple of things to do in Bendigo for visitors. For instance, you can enjoy the following things. 

• Take a tour: Visitors can tour the mine, which provides an insight into the history of gold mining in Bendigo and the everyday lives of the miners who worked there.
• Explore the underground tunnels: One of the highlights of a visit to Central Deborah Gold Mine is the opportunity to explore the underground tunnels, which offer a unique and exciting experience. So, if you are looking forward to enjoying some unique things to do in Bendigo, you can explore such tunnels. 
• Learn about the history of gold mining: The mine has a range of displays and exhibits that showcase the history of gold mining in Bendigo and the surrounding region.
• Try your hand at gold panning: Visitors can try gold panning, a traditional method of gold extraction used during the Victorian gold rush. 
• Attend a talk or lecture: The mine offers a range of talks and lectures on the history of gold mining and the geological processes that led to the formation of the deposits. Engaging in such things to do in Bendigo will enhance your knowledge about gold mining. 
• Visit the gift shop: The mine has a gift shop that sells a range of souvenirs and products related to the history of gold mining in Bendigo.
• Enjoy a picnic: The mine is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a great destination, with plenty of shaded areas to relax and enjoy the surroundings. It is one of the great things to do in Bendigo if you are looking forward to spending some peaceful time with your family. 

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Walk or cycle along the Bendigo Creek Trail – Outdoor Things to Do in Bendigo

Do you love nature and wildlife? Then, including Bendigo Creek Trail is one of the best activities to include in your things to do in Bendigo list. 

This scenic trail winds its way through the city and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, with plenty of opportunities to spot native wildlife.

There are a couple of things to do in Bendigo that you can explore when visiting this destination.  

• Walk or cycle: The Bendigo Creek Trail is a great place for walking or cycling, with a flat and well-maintained path that offers stunning views of the creek and the surrounding countryside.
• Explore the wildlife: The Bendigo Creek Trail runs through a range of different habitats, making it a great place to observe wildlife, including a variety of bird species, mammals, and reptiles. Walking through this trail is one of the best things in Bendigo. 
• Visit the parks and gardens: The trail runs past several parks and gardens, including the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, which are worth exploring for their beautiful plants, flowers, and trees.
• Take in the historical landmarks: The trail runs past several landmarks, including the Bendigo Joss House Temple, which is a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
• Stop for a picnic: The Bendigo Creek Trail is a great place, with plenty of shaded areas and picnic tables available for visitors to enjoy a bite to eat and take in the views.
• Go fishing: Bendigo Creek is well-stocked with various fish species, making it a great place to go fishing, and visitors are welcome to bring their fishing gear and try their luck. So, if you are looking for peaceful things to do in Bendigo, you can go fishing here!
• Participate in a guided tour: The Bendigo Creek Trail is also available for guided tours, which provide a more in-depth look at the history, wildlife, and landmarks along the trail.

Visit the Bendigo Botanic Gardens

Do you want to enjoy some relaxing time with your friends and family? Visiting Bendigo Botanic Gardens is one of the most peaceful and relaxing things to do in Bendigo. These Botanic Gardens are a beautiful public park in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. 

Visitors can engage in several things to do in Bendigo while visiting the gardens:

• Explore the gardens: The Bendigo Botanic Gardens are home to a diverse range of plants, flowers, and trees, including many species native to Australia. Visitors can take a stroll through the gardens and admire the beauty of the flora.
• Participate in a guided tour: Guided tours are one of the top things to do in Bendigo available for visitors. It provides depth look at the history of the gardens, the plant collections, and the cultural and environmental significance of the site.
• Attend a horticultural event: The Bendigo Botanic Gardens host a range of horticultural events throughout the year, including plant sales, workshops, and talks.
• Visit the conservatory: The Bendigo Botanic Gardens have a beautiful conservatory that showcases a range of exotic and tropical plants, providing a warm and humid environment for these species to thrive.
• Take in the historical landmarks: The Bendigo Botanic Gardens are home to several landmarks, including the Bendigo Joss House Temple. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage, making it one of the top things to do in Bendigo. 
• Have a picnic: The Bendigo Botanic Gardens are an excellent place, with plenty of shaded areas and picnic tables available for visitors to enjoy a bite to eat and take in the views.
• Play with the kids: The Bendigo Botanic Gardens have a range of play areas and picnic areas, making them a great destination for families with children to enjoy the best things to do in Bendigo. 

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Explore the Bendigo Historic Chinatown

This fascinating district showcases the city’s Chinese heritage, with a range of preserved buildings, shops, and temples. Bendigo’s Historic Chinatown is a charming neighbourhood that offers a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. 

Here are a few things to do in Bendigo while visiting Bendigo’s Historic Chinatown:

• Take a walking tour: One of the best ways to experience Bendigo’s Historic Chinatown is by taking a walking tour. Guided tours are available, which provide an in-depth look at the history of the neighbourhood, including its cultural significance and the stories of the people who lived and worked there.
• Visit the Joss House Temple: The Bendigo Joss House Temple is a historic landmark and the oldest remaining building in Bendigo’s Historic Chinatown. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s Chinese heritage, and visitors are welcome to take a look inside and learn about the cultural practices and beliefs of the Chinese community. So, it is one of the top things to do in Bendigo. 
• Explore the shops and museums: Bendigo’s Historic Chinatown is home to several shops and museums that offer a unique shopping and cultural experience. Visitors can browse the historic buildings, sample the local food, and learn about the neighbourhood’s history.
• Enjoy the street art: Bendigo’s Historic Chinatown is also home to some stunning street art, which provides a colourful and vibrant backdrop for the neighbourhood. Visitors can take a stroll and admire the murals, sculptures, and other forms of street art that are on display, among other things to do in Bendigo. 
• Attend a cultural event: Bendigo’s Historic Chinatown is home to a number of cultural events throughout the year. It includes festivals, parades, and performances that celebrate the city’s Chinese heritage, making it one of the top things to do in Bendigo.

Visit the Bendigo Pottery – Best of All Things to Do in Bendigo

Are you interested in pottery? If yes, Bendigo Pottery is a historic pottery factory located in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. And it is a must-visit place as it offers several things to do in Bendigo to explore. 

Some top things are as under. 

• Take a tour of the pottery factory: Visitors can take a guided tour of the Bendigo Pottery factory. It provides an in-depth look at the history of the pottery-making process, as well as the various techniques used to create pottery.
• Explore the exhibitions: Bendigo Pottery is home to a number of exhibitions that showcase the work of local artists and potters. Visitors can admire the beauty and skill of these creations and learn about the history and traditions of pottery-making, among other top things to do in Bendigo. 
• Watch a pottery-making demonstration: Visitors can also watch a pottery-making demonstration, which provides a fascinating insight into the process of creating pottery.
• Visit the gift shop: Bendigo Pottery is home to a gift shop that offers a range of pottery items for sale, including vases, dishes, and figurines. Visitors can take home a unique and beautiful souvenir from their visit to Bendigo Pottery.
• Participate in a workshop: Want to include learning pottery in the top things to do in Bendigo? Then, you can attend workshops for visitors who are interested in learning more about pottery-making. Participants can try their hand at making their own pottery creations with guidance and support from experienced potters.

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Take a scenic drive to nearby towns- Adventurous Things to Do in Bendigo

Bendigo is surrounded by picturesque countryside and charming small towns. Here are a few scenic drives in nearby towns of Bendigo that you may consider while enjoying the top things to do in Bendigo. 

• Castlemaine to Maldon: This scenic drive takes you through the charming small towns of Castlemaine and Maldon, both renowned for their Victorian-era architecture and rich cultural heritage. Along the way, you’ll pass by rolling hills, verdant forests, and quaint farms, providing a breathtaking view of the rural landscape.
• Heathcote to Axedale: This scenic drive takes you from the historic town of Heathcote to the picturesque town of Axedale, through some of the most beautiful countrysides in Victoria. You’ll pass by vineyards, wineries, and rolling hills, making it a perfect road trip for wine lovers and one of the top things to do in Bendigo. 
• Elmore to Rochester: This scenic drive takes you from the small town of Elmore to the charming town of Rochester through some of the most stunning countrysides in the region. You’ll pass by rolling hills, fertile farmland, and tranquil lakes, making it a perfect road trip for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
• Kyneton to Trentham: This scenic drive takes you from the historic town of Kyneton to the charming town of Trentham through some of the most picturesque countrysides in the region. You’ll pass by rolling hills, verdant forests, and quaint farms, making it a perfect road trip for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors and one of the best things to do in Bendigo.

Visit the Bendigo Tramways

Bendigo Tramways is a heritage tramway located in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. It offers visitors the opportunity to experience the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, as well as enjoy a scenic tour of the city. 

Here are a few things to do in Bendigo while visiting Bendigo Tramways:

• Take a scenic tram tour: Bendigo Tramways offers visitors a range of scenic tram tours, each of which provides a unique and immersive experience of the city. You can choose from things to do in Bendigo, including a city tour, a scenic tour, and a heritage tour, each of which provides a fascinating insight into Bendigo’s rich history and cultural heritage.
• Explore the heritage tram museum: Bendigo Tramways is home to a heritage tram museum. It provides an in-depth look at the history of trams and tramways in Bendigo and the surrounding region, offering the top things to do in Bendigo. Visitors can admire a range of vintage tramcars, learn about the history of tramways, and explore the unique and fascinating world of trams.
• Take a ride on a historic tramcar: Bendigo Tramways operates a fleet of landmark tramcars, each of which has been meticulously restored to its original condition. Visitors can take a ride on one of these tramcars and experience the city uniquely and authentically, making it one of the most enjoyable things to do in Bendigo.
• Participate in a guided tour: Bendigo Tramways offers guided tours for visitors who are interested in learning more about the history of trams and tramways in Bendigo. Participants can explore the city and its cultural heritage, and discover the stories behind the trams and tramways when enjoying the top things to do in Bendigo. 

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Explore the Bendigo Woollen Mills

This historic mill offers a glimpse into the city’s textile heritage, with guided tours and a range of products made onsite. It is a family-owned and operated business that has been producing high-quality wool products for over 80 years. 

The mill offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of wool production and see how wool is transformed into beautiful and durable products. Here are a few things you can do while visiting Bendigo Woollen Mills:

• Take a tour of the mill: Bendigo Woollen Mills offers guided tours of its facilities, during which visitors can learn about the history of wool production and see how wool is transformed into beautiful and durable products. Participants can observe the various stages of the production process, from spinning and dyeing to weaving and finishing. Thus, the top things to do in Bendigo include learning about the unique properties of wool and its various uses.
• Browse the wool shop: Bendigo Woollen Mills operates a wool shop that offers a range of high-quality wool products, including yarn, fabric, and finished goods. Visitors can browse the shop and purchase wool products that have been produced in-house, as well as learn about the different types of wool and their various uses.
• Participate in a workshop: Bendigo Woollen Mills offers a range of workshops for visitors who are interested in learning how to knit or crochet. Participants can learn the basics of these crafts and create their own wool products under the guidance of experienced instructors. Thus, you can take home several remarkable learning experiences when you indulge in things to do in Bendigo, such as these.
• See the historic mill machinery: Bendigo Woollen Mills is home to a range of historic mill machinery, including spinning wheels, looms, and other equipment used in the production of wool products. Visitors can observe these machines in operation and learn about their role in the production of wool products.

Attend a performance at the Capital Theatre

This beautiful historic theatre hosts a range of musical and theatrical performances, from classical concerts to contemporary plays. Thus, attending this performance is one of the best things to do in Bendigo for art lovers. 

It is an iconic venue located in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. The theatre offers a range of events, performances, and experiences that are sure to appeal to a wide variety of visitors. 

Some things to do in Bendigo while visiting Bendigo Capital Theatre are as follows. 

• Attend a performance: Bendigo Capital Theatre hosts a range of performances, including plays, musicals, concerts, and dance performances. Visitors can check the theatre’s calendar of events and book tickets to attend a performance that interests them.
• Take a backstage tour: Bendigo Capital Theatre offers guided backstage tours for visitors who are interested in learning about the history of the venue and the inner workings of a theatre. Those looking for top things to do in Bendigo can explore the stage, backstage areas, and dressing rooms and learn about the various aspects of stage production.
• Explore the historic venue: Bendigo Capital Theatre is a historic venue with a rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can admire the venue’s ornate décor, grand staircases, and intricate details and learn about the history of the building and its role in the cultural life of Bendigo.
• Participate in a workshop or masterclass: Bendigo Capital Theatre offers a range of workshops and masterclasses for visitors who are interested in learning about the performing arts. It is one of the top things to do in Bendigo for participants who wish to learn from experienced professionals, hone their skills, and develop their creativity in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Wrapping It Up!

There are many reasons why you should visit Bendigo, including its rich history, vibrant arts and cultural scene, and beautiful natural surroundings. It offers plenty of things to do in Bendigo for visitors. 

Also, it is home to a thriving arts and cultural scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and performance venues showcasing the works of local artists and performers. 

Visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage and enjoy a range of art, music, and theatre experiences. If you are looking forward to a place that offers you a lively experience, there are many top things to do in Bendigo that you can explore. 

Also, if you wish to explore some other destinations in Australia, you can head to Canberra. Check out the top things to do in Canberra here. 

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