Stroll the wide boulevards and tree-lined heritage streets of Bendigo, and discover a wealth of treasures in one of Victoria’s largest and most exciting regional towns. Soak up vivid arts and culture, feast on delicious food and wine in renowned restaurants and much-loved cafes, amid rich gold rush history and grand European-style architecture.

Bendigo is packed with family-friendly attractions and things to do. Ride an historic steam train on the Bendigo Goldfields Railway and enjoy the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the steam train era. Kids will also love panning for treasure at the historic Central Deborah Gold Mine. Explore hidden underground tunnels and learn about the mine’s fascinating gold rush history. For a peaceful interlude, head to Rosalind Park in the heart of Bendigo, and enjoy the annual tulip display, historic trees and cultivated conservatory gardens. If you have energy to burn, cycle or walk through native bushland dotted with wildflowers on the O’Keefe Rail Trail, crossing creeks and spotting kangaroos and wallabies. A half hour’s drive from Bendigo, you’ll find the perfect spot for stargazing at the ‘dark sky site’ at Heathcote, where the air is so crisp and clear the night sky above explodes with brilliant constellations. Follow it up with a guided journey through the cosmos at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre’s planetarium.

Wander down View St to explore Bendigo’s vibrant arts precinct with its abundance of galleries, exhibitions and performing arts spaces. See innovative international exhibitions at the Bendigo Art Gallery, one of Australia’s oldest regional galleries, or step through the iconic red doors of The Engine Room in the historic fire station for live theatre performances and festival events. Hop aboard one of Bendigo’s Vintage Talking Trams for a fascinating tour of Bendigo’s major attractions, monuments and landmark gold rush era buildings. Learn about Bendigo's proud Chinese heritage from the gold rush to present day, at the Golden Dragon Museum, and see 19th-century parade dragons, historic processional costumes and Chinese artefacts.

Crowned a UNESCO City and Region of Gastronomy, Bendigo is a food lover's dream, renowned for its quality regional produce and superb food and wine. Explore the heart of town to discover hatted restaurants offering the ultimate paddock-to-plate experience, such as award-winner Masons of Bendigo, and classic all-day breakfasts and expert coffee at local roastery Brewhouse Coffee Roasters. Buy fresh, local produce direct from the farmers at the Bendigo Community Farmers Market or discover the best of the region and sample delicious wares on a Food Fossickers Tour. Meet the brewers and enjoy live music performances, with over 100 handcrafted beverages to choose from, at the Bendigo Craft Beer and Cider Festival held each March.

Bendigo is just under 2 hour’s drive northwest of Melbourne, 153 kms up the Calder Freeway, and 1 hour and 10 mins from the Murray river town of Echuca. An express V/Line train service runs from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station to Bendigo taking just over 90 minutes, as well as a V/Line bus service that takes just under 2 hours. Bendigo also has a regional airport with connecting flights to most major Australian cities.