If you swoon at the sight of heritage architecture and love the finer things in life (read: food, wine, art), make a beeline for the best things to do in Bendigo.

Drive north of Melbourne along the Calder Freeway and in just under two hours you’ll arrive at Bendigo, a gold rush town that has grown into a thriving regional centre experiencing yet another boom. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, culinary experiences should be at the top of your agenda when travelling to Bendigo, but there’s much more to see and do beyond dining at top-rated restaurants. Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Bendigo for memorable moments.

1. Sip your way through Bendigo wine country

A regional Victorian city that straddles the past and the future with aplomb, Bendigo is also blessed with some of the most ideal grape growing soil in the country. It’s why Bendigo’s best wineries are renowned for scooping up gongs in the national small batch stakes, as independent winemakers claim their stake across the region. Proximity pit stops include Balgownie Estate and St. Anne’s Winery, while Harvest Food & Wine arranges tastings out of its elegant, centrally located location on View St.

2. Get pampered at a Bendigo day spa

Sure, action-packed activity comes on tap around here, but when it’s time to unwind and recharge, nothing beats slipping into a fluffy robe and leaning into a serene day spa. Bendigo is home to several divine offerings including Silk Day Spa, which uses Aveda products, on McIvor Rd, Endota Spa Bendigo on Lyttleton Terrace and Refresh Day Spa and Remedial Clinic in two locations throughout town. Bendigo Wellness Centre on Langston St also does beauty treatments, skin treatments, float therapy and more.

3. Get your craft on at Bendigo pottery

Established back in 1858, a visit to Bendigo Pottery is a shopping trip, history lesson and art class rolled into one. Want to pick up new skills? Book in for a wheel throwing lesson, attend a clay decorating workshop or try some simple clay play – there’s plenty of interactive experiences to enjoy here. If you want to keep your hands clean, you’re also invited to watch artisans creating the famous pottery that’s found in homes Australia-wide, in addition to shop for homewares and unique vintage finds at the Antiques and Collectibles Centre. The creations are truly beautiful, so be prepared to flex your plastics.

4. Find fresh inspiration at Bendigo Art Gallery

One of Australia’s oldest and largest regional galleries, Bendigo Art Gallery is a must-do when you’re in town. Founded in 1887, the gallery on View St has hosted many noteworthy international exhibitions that sell out in advance, so hop online and check the gallery’s website to see what touring exhibitions are scheduled during your stay. Regardless of what’s on, well-curated gallery spaces are always filled with a fascinating mix of contemporary and historical paintings, sculptures and ceramics from near and far. The Gallery Shop is also a top spot to pick up a piece of Bendigo to take home with you.

5. Get your bearings on a vintage talking tram tour

See Bendigo’s noteworthy landmarks and monuments while learning about the city’s past aboard a charming Vintage Talking Tram tour. Easily one of the most fun ways to get the lay of the land in a new city, jumping on and off at your own pace reveals tales from the gold rush, architectural trivia and stories of local legends. Your ticket, which starts from $15 per adult and $10 per child aged 3-15, is valid for a full day and includes entry to the wheelchair accessible Explore the Surface of Central Deborah Gold Mine. Speaking of which…

6. Head underground at Central Deborah Gold Mine

Your entire clan will love putting on a hard hat to learn about Bendigo’s gold rush history at the Central Deborah Gold Mine. Sixty-one metres below the earth’s surface, you’ll get to walk in the footsteps of the miners who worked hard in the underground tunnels searching for gold in challenging conditions. Above ground, you’ll also be able to see heritage-listed buildings including an engine room and blacksmith’s shop.

7. Explore the botanical beauty of Rosalind Park

Right in the centre of Bendigo you’ll find one of Bendigo’s most beautiful greenspaces, Rosalind Park. A paradise packed with horticultural treasures, on a hot day you’ll be able to cool yourself under the shade of grand, old elms and oaks. During spring, be sure to see the park’s annual display of colourful tulips. All year round, the walled Yi Yuan Chinese Gardens are a peaceful spot for quiet reflection. With a conservatory, fernery and several water features to see, set aside an hour or two to take it all in.

8. Find zen at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion

Fifty metres high, the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion is the biggest stupa (or pagoda) in the Western world. A place for people to seek peace and learn about Buddhism, this sacred spot sits within 200-plus acres of bushland in the Whipstick Forest, so it’s perfect for spending a few hours navigating a self-guided, free tour.

After you’ve explored the stupa, wander through the Peace Park where you can spin prayer wheels clockwise to send compassionate energy out into the world. The StupaView Cafe is also open daily from 10.30am, dishing up lunch and sweet treats, plus refreshments.

9. Roam free at Bendigo Botanic Gardens

Located in the White Hills area of Bendigo, the sprawling Bendigo Botanic Gardens are nearly as old as Bendigo itself. The perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch followed by a wander, you’ll be able to see a wide variety of seasonal flowers in bloom during the warmer months. Kids getting restless? Reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland, the whimsical children’s playspace is so impressive it’s won awards.

10. Be awed by the Discover Science & Technology Centre

If you’ve got budding scientists in your family, then pencil in a trip to Bendigo’s Discovery Science & Technology Centre. With more than 100 interactive exhibits, learning about physics, chemistry and beyond is pure exhilaration within these four walls. Head into the planetarium to go on an interplanetary journey, feel a rush on the vertical slide, or build something with blocks in the Kaleidoscope space – there are activities for all ages and abilities here.

11. Chase a strike at Bendigo Bowling Centre

Looking for a fun rainy-day activity? Book an afternoon bowling session at the Bendigo Bowling Centre. Operating since the 1960s, this longstanding ten-pin bowling centre is the official home of old-school fun in Bendigo. An on-site cafe also provides comfort food like hot dogs and pizzas, plus you can get your caffeine hit thanks to barista-made coffee from Barth Lane Coffee Roasters.

12. Feast like royalty at Bendigo’s best eateries

As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Bendigo boasts some next-level wining and dining. To sample some highlights, head to Ms Batterhams, located in the basement of an old school hall, where Head Chef Travis Rodwell’s Share set menu showcases seasonally inspired fare and ingredients. Alium Dining is another standout where you can choose to dine inside a gorgeous, light-drenched space or under the sun in its al fresco street-side setting.

13. Pick up a paintbrush at Pinot & Picasso

Sipping wine while painting a canvas is a fun way to get to know each other on another level. Book a painting (and drinking) session at Pinot & Picasso Bendigo and you’ll get to leave with a unique memento of your trip to Bendigo to hang in your home. Who knows, you might uncover some hidden creative talents too.

14. Roll on good times aboard the Blues Tram

Enjoy live music, local brews and a tour of the city all at once aboard Bendigo’s beloved Blues Tram – a heritage tram that rattles through town carrying passengers and musicians. Inviting two musical performances on every trip, the fabulous initiative is also an invaluable opportunity for local musos to gain fresh exposure. Upcoming artists are listed on the website to make sure you check it out before you take a ride.

15. Uncover local history at the Golden Dragon Museum

You might be surprised to know that Chinese immigrants who arrived during the gold rush played an important role in shaping Bendigo. Opened in 1991, the Golden Dragon Museum is a cultural centre dedicated to preserving the heritage of Chinese culture in Australia. Spend a few hours here wandering around the beautiful gardens and seeing Loong, the world’s oldest surviving complete processional dragon. Feeling peckish? Visit the museum’s restaurant, Emperor’s Dragon, to feast on authentic cuisine.

16. Witness true talent at Ulumbarra Theatre

Bendigo’s renowned Ulumbarra Theatre was once a gaol, but these days, the heritage-listed venue hosts a rotating calendar of events all year round. From rock bands to stand-up comedy, classical music recitals, contemporary dance performances and beyond, this thriving hub is where creativity and culture come to life in Central Victoria.

17. Step back in time at the Star Cinema

Located within the old Eaglehawk Town Hall, Star Cinema is considered one of Australia’s most beautiful cinemas. Showing a range of new releases and classic movies, a night in this vintage cinema’s plush couches will delight film fans. An active events calendar spans expert Q&A panels, film festivals and cultural collaborations, so stay across the website to ensure you don’t miss a trick.

18. Toast your trip at Bendigo’s classiest bars

Unwinding with a drink is a standard holiday ritual, so let’s break down the must-visits. When it’s sunny, head to Nimbus Rooftop, one of the best Bendigo bars and pubs, for cocktails served with the best views in town. On High Street you’ll find Harpoon Social Club, a hipster spot for Japanese beer, sake or frozen cocktails (stick around and order some ramen or bao too). On the ground floor of the Piano Bar, Hargreaves is a moody wine and cocktail bar that’s open late most nights. Stop in for an espresso martini to kick off proceedings or cosy up in a nook and polish off a bottle of pinot noir while grazing on an antipasto.

19. Tuck into pies and ales at a classic country pub

Hop in the car, drive 50 minutes southeast and you’ll hit the small town of Tooborac. With a population hovering at around 300 people, this town punches above its weight thanks to the legendary bluestone Tooborac Hotel & Brewery – the oldest National Trust-listed country pub in Victoria. Enjoy a hearty Sunday roast by the fire washed down with a porter or pale ale. Or pop into Tooborac’s pie shop for a just-baked beef and ale pie instead.

20. Get some fresh air in Harcourt

Drive half an hour south of Bendigo and you’ll hit the town of Harcourt, which is home to wineries, distilleries and one of the best spots to mountain bike in Victoria. La Larr Ba Gauwa Park is a mecca for mountain bikers and it’s a top hiking and picnicking spot too. With a range of trails suitable for different levels of experience and fitness, jumps and drops will thrill mountain bikers of all descriptions. Prefer to kick back with a picnic lunch? Head to the magical Oak Forest to soak up the serenity in the shade.

21. Go on an antique hunting road trip

Central Victoria is home to many well-preserved gold rush-era towns packed with vintage and antique shops. Castlemaine, Maldon and Chewton can all be reached in under half an hour from Bendigo. Spend your day fossicking in this area’s incredible vintage stores, antique shops and op-shops to find one-of-a-kind homewares, vinyl records and rare books. Fair warning: you’ll need to set aside a few hours to hunt through all of Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar’s treasures.

22. Enjoy a tour with Victorian Goldfields Railway

Train enthusiasts won’t want to miss riding an old steam train along the Victorian Goldfields Railway. Stretching between Maldon and Castlemaine, the journey winds its way through forests and farmland, offering passengers incredible views as well as insight into how steam trains operate. Run by a band of passionate volunteers, this is a feel-good trip that all ages will delight in.

23. Tire the kids out at Lake Weeroona Playspace

One of the best family-friendly time-killers in Central Victoria, the Lake Weeroona Playspace on Napier St is expertly designed to fuel the imaginations of little ones. Think a massive timber fort, trickling water play trails, multiple slides, sturdy swing sets, a dedicated toddler’s playground and plenty of lush grass for picnicking. The real clincher? It’s fully fenced so parents can kick back with peace of mind.

Originally written by Jo Stewart with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams