Things To Do
in Bendigo
Bendigo is a vibrant regional city located in the state of Victoria, Australia. It is known for its rich history as a former gold rush town, with many beautifully preserved heritage buildings and attractions. The city has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with galleries, museums, and performance spaces showcasing local talent.
Bendigo also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as cycling and exploring the surrounding natural landscapes.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $4 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $3 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $60 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Bendigo Art Gallery, home to impressive collections. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic Rosalind Park to admire its beautiful gardens.
Head to the Central Deborah Gold Mine for an underground tour to learn about Bendigo's gold rush history. Don't miss the nearby Tramway Museum for a ride on vintage trams.
Dine at a local restaurant such as Masons of Bendigo, known for its modern Australian cuisine. After dinner, relax at a local pub with live music.
Visit the Bendigo Botanical Gardens, where you can enjoy a coffee surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Take a walk along the garden paths and admire the intricate floral displays.
Make your way to the Bendigo Pottery, Australia's oldest working pottery, for a demonstration and the chance to create your own piece. Explore the quaint shops for unique souvenirs.
Savor dinner at a riverside cafe, enjoying views of the flowing Bendigo Creek. Finish your day with a relaxing evening walk by the creek.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery with access to parks and gardens
- Rich history and cultural heritage, including gold rush heritage
- Strong community feel with friendly locals
- Excellent local food and wine scene
- Variety of outdoor activities available like hiking and cycling
- Good public transport connections to Melbourne and surrounding areas
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities
- Job opportunities may be less competitive than in bigger urban areas
- Hot summers and cold winters may not appeal to everyone
- Public services such as healthcare may not be as comprehensive as larger cities
- Potential for limited shopping and dining variety relative to metropolitan areas
Best Activities in Bendigo
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a bird's-eye view of Bendigo and its beautiful landscapes with a hot air balloon flight. The experience offers a serene and breathtaking perspective of the city and its surroundings.
Spend a relaxing day at the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, where you can explore a diverse range of plant species, enjoy a picnic, and take leisurely strolls through the picturesque landscapes.
Visit Lake Weeroona for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, and picnicking. The serene lake setting provides an excellent backdrop for a day of outdoor leisure.
Tours
Uncover the best of Bendigo with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Bendigo
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers scenic views of the Bendigo cityscape and various historical monuments.
A picturesque lake with walking trails and opportunities for capturing beautiful natural scenery.
Provides panoramic views of Bendigo and surrounding bushland, especially popular for sunrise and sunset photography.
Features well-maintained gardens and lush greenery, providing a backdrop for stunning botanical and landscape photography.
Food in Bendigo
Bendigo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A specialty of the region, Bendigo Potatoes are known for their excellent flavor and texture. They can be found at local farmers' markets and some restaurants, such as Masons of Bendigo.
Must-Try!
A popular Australian snack, the Chiko Roll is a deep-fried snack roll filled with vegetables and meat. Try it at local takeaway outlets and food stalls at events and festivals.
For a sweet treat, try the handcrafted boiled lollies at Sovereign Hill. These traditional candies come in a variety of flavors and are a nostalgic delight.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held every Saturday, this market offers a wide array of fresh produce, artisanal products, and ready-to-eat food, showcasing the best local ingredients and flavors.
This annual festival features a diverse range of street food vendors offering global cuisines, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the city's food culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Bendigo, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close during conversations or interactions.
Show respect for the indigenous culture of the area by learning about their traditions and customs and being mindful of their significance.
When dining out, it's customary to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat, and to offer to pay for your own meal rather than suggesting to split the bill.
Safety
Tipping in Bendigo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Bendigo, Australia. It is not expected or required in restaurants, bars, or other service establishments.
Payment in Bendigo, Australia is typically done using Australian currency, including coins and notes. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also becoming more common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens, ideal for outdoor activities and events like the Bendigo Tulip Festival.
Warm and dry weather, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and enjoying festivals and events like the Bendigo Easter Festival.
Mild and pleasant weather, great for experiencing autumn foliage and attending cultural events like the Bendigo Writers Festival.
Cool temperatures and occasional rainfall, suitable for indoor activities, visiting art galleries, and attending the Bendigo Art Gallery exhibitions.
Bendigo at Night
Hiking in Bendigo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic park offering various walking and hiking trails surrounded by native bushland, perfect for nature lovers.
Located a short drive from Bendigo, this park features numerous hiking trails with stunning views from the summit of Mount Alexander.
A short hike leads you to Bunjil Lookout with panoramic views of the surrounding region, ideal for a quick outdoor adventure.
This trail takes you through various landscapes, including parks and bushland, connecting Bendigo's suburbs with beautiful walking paths.
A picturesque walking track around the lake, offering a serene environment for a leisurely hike or a family outing.
Aiports
How to reach Bendigo by plane.
Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, is the primary airport serving Melbourne and is located approximately 150 kilometers from Bendigo.
Avalon Airport is situated about 120 kilometers from Bendigo and serves as another major airport for the Greater Melbourne area.
Sydney Airport, being one of the busiest in Australia, is located approximately 800 kilometers from Bendigo.
Brisbane Airport is located around 1,500 kilometers from Bendigo and serves as a major gateway for international flights.
Adelaide Airport is approximately 650 kilometers from Bendigo and is the primary airport serving the city of Adelaide.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Bendigo, comprising individuals born in Australia.
A significant portion of the population includes immigrants from various European countries.
The local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, representing the original inhabitants of the region.
Includes residents from various Asian countries, contributing to the cultural diversity of Bendigo.
A smaller yet growing demographic group consisting of individuals from African nations.
Includes residents from Middle Eastern countries, adding to the demographic diversity of Bendigo.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular team sport in Bendigo with a strong local league and community involvement.
Widely played during the summer months, with numerous clubs and competitions for various age groups.
A popular indoor sport in Bendigo, with local clubs and a strong presence at schools.
A significant sport for women and girls in Bendigo, featuring local leagues and tournaments.
Gaining popularity in recent years, with several clubs for both youth and adults.
Somewhat less common but still has a dedicated following within the community.
A popular recreational activity and competitive sport, with local pools and swim clubs.
A favored recreational and competitive sport, with many scenic routes around Bendigo.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Bendigo offer vegetarian and vegan menus, with creative plant-based dishes. Look out for options at cafes like The Good Loaf Sourdough Bakery and Café and Wholefoods Kitchen.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can enjoy various gluten-free options at restaurants such as Bendigo Wholefoods and El Gordo Café, which provide gluten-free meals and snacks.