23 fun-fuelled things to do in Bendigo

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

an aerial view of Balgownie Estate, Bendigo — Balgownie Estate Bendigo is the region’s oldest working commercial winery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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

an artisan creating pottery at Bendigo Pottery — Catch local artisans in action at Bendigo Pottery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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

a woman admiring a painting at Bendigo Art Gallery — Bendigo Art Gallery offers a fascinating mix of contemporary and historical paintings. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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

a Vintage Talking Tram touring around Bendigo — Explore Bendigo aboard a vintage tram. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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

a mother and child exploring Central Deborah Gold Mine — Don a hard hat and mining scrubs at the Central Deborah Gold Mine. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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

colourful flowerbeds at Rosalind Park — Colourful blooms grow inside the park’s manicured gardens. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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

an aerial view of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Bendigo — See the largest Buddhist stupa in the Western world. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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

a woman admiring a planetarium installation at Discover Science & Technology Centre — Go on an interplanetary journey.

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

a man playing at Bendigo Bowling Centre — Good times await at the 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

a table-top view of food and wine at Ms Batterhams, Bendigo — Head chef Travis Rodwell’s Chef’s Share menu at Ms Batterhams pays homage to European culture. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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

participants at a painting (and drinking) session at Pinot & Picasso Bendigo — Join a paint and sip session 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

a look inside the Golden Dragon Museum — Discover the rich cultural heritage at the Golden Dragon Museum. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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

the front view of Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo — This heritage-listed venue hosts a variety of performances all year round. (Image: Joel Bramley)

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

filmgoers watching a movie inside Star Cinema — The Star Cinema offers a nostalgic movie experience. (Image: Supplied)

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

two women enjoying cocktails while admiring the view at Nimbus Rooftop, Bendigo — Admire the view while sipping on cocktails at Nimbus Rooftop. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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

pouring tap beer into a glass at Tooborac Hotel & Brewery — Tooborac Hotel & Brewery serves up craft beers on tap. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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

two people talking and laughing inside a vintage bazaar at Castlemaine, Bendigo — Shop great finds at the vintage bazaar. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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

a kid playing in Lake Weeroona Playspace — Lake Weeroona Playspace comes with a toddler playground, extensive lawns and a water play feature. (Image: City of Greater Bendigo)

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

Beyond the winding bitumen and coastal views lies another side to Victoria’s most famous route.

There’s something hypnotic about this stretch of Victoria’s coast. Maybe it’s the way the road hugs the ocean so tightly, or how the cliffs catch the sun in colours you can’t name. Or, for local Victorians who drove this route as kids, maybe it’s the memories of winding through the impossibly tall trees as they seemingly guide you on your journey like wooden guardian angels. Most travellers know it for the 12 Apostles, but there are plenty of alternate experiences on the Great Ocean Road equally as worthy of your time.

So, next time you’re in that neck of the woods, park that car, stretch those legs and try these experiences.

1. Discover living culture at Budj Bim

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism — Walk across the world’s oldest known aquaculture system. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Breakaway Creek’s Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is a masterclass in educational storytelling. Join a guided tour with Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism to walk across the world’s oldest known aquaculture system, where the Gunditjmara people built sophisticated eel traps and stone channels more than 6,000 years ago.

Budj Bim’s aquaculture system predates Egypt’s pyramids by roughly 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest examples of human engineering on Earth. If that’s not enough to get your history-loving family members involved in this road trip, we’re out of ideas.

2. Unwind in the hot springs at Warnambool

woman relaxing at Deep Blue Hot Springs — Let mineral-rich water heal you.

If your legs need a break after a long drive, Deep Blue Hot Springs is your remedy. The geothermal pools sit just metres from the coastline, filled with mineral-rich water that bubbles up from deep underground. Move between open-air baths, waterfall pools and quiet zones made for meditation.

The water in Deep Blue’s geothermal pools comes from an ancient aquifer nearly 850 metres below the Earth’s surface, which, in non-scientific terms, means it’s far more likely to have healing properties than the mineral water you’d find at the supermarket.

3. Take to the air at Princetown

12 Apostles Helicopters flight alternate experiences on the Great Ocean Road — See an icon from a different view.

You may have seen the Twelve Apostles from the trusty viewing platform, but a helicopter flight with 12 Apostles Helicopters shows you just how sprawling and rugged this coastline really is.

The trip covers everything from Port Campbell to London Bridge (not to be confused with the UK’s own), giving you a rare chance to watch waves carving the limestone cliffs from above. It’s worth noting that the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles are said to erode by roughly two centimetres each year, so the longer you leave it, the less of the Apostles you’ll see.

4. Step into the past at Flagstaff Hill

Continue the tour through Warnambool at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Museum , a recreated 19th-century port town. Hear stories from the days when shipwrecks were as common as seagulls, with an astounding 180 ships believed to have sunk along the Shipwreck Coast in less than five years.

The night show, complete with lights, sound, and sea spray, brings the coastline’s most dramatic stories to life.

If you’re staying the night, Simon’s Waterfront offers relaxed dining with fresh local seafood and oceanfront views. Order the catch of the day and toast to the sailors who never made it ashore.

5. Learn to surf in Torquay, Lorne, or Anglesea

kid having a lesson with Go Ride A Wave — Learn how to hang 10. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Whether you’ve surfed before or can barely stand on a board, Go Ride A Wave will have you upright in no time. Torquay’s calm beaches are ideal for first-timers, while Lorne and Anglesea bring a bit more energy for those unafraid to get dunked.

Bells Beach, just down the road from Torquay, has even hosted the world’s longest-running professional surfing competition since 1962. So, for those eager to have a gander at pros using surfboards like they’re an additional appendage, the competition usually runs sometime in autumn.

6. Tackle the trails in Forrest

Barwon Flow Trails Otways Flow MTB — Hire a bike and explore MTB trails through the Otways.

Forrest is a haven for mountain bikers thanks to an expansive network of trails through stunning natural scenery. The Forrest trail network has almost 100 kilometres of singletrack across 36 trails, so there’s something for every level of rider. That’s including more than 60 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails winding through the Otways’ dense forest. Cycle through ancient myrtle beech trees and towering tree ferns, with smaller ferns and soft mosses forming a carpet at your feet.

Hire a bike from Forrest MTB Hire and take your pick from easy, scenic rides to more challenging singletracks, such as Red Carpet or Rollercoaster.

7. See wildlife up close in Apollo Bay

bush rat on Wildlife Wonders tour — Get help spotting the locals. (Image: Doug Gimsey)

If spotting koalas and kangaroos in the wild feels like winning the lottery, Wildlife Wonders gives you guaranteed sightings without cages or crowds. Every visit to the sanctuary helps fund the Conservation Ecology Centre which supports endangered species across the Otways, so your business is appreciated by humans and animals alike.

The guided walk takes you through protected Otways habitat where you might spot potoroos (or joey lookalikes for those unfamiliar with a potoroo), wallabies, and sleepy koalas lounging in the trees.

8. Visit the Cape Otway Lightstation

Towering over the sea on a cliff above the Southern Ocean, Cape Otway Lightstation has been guiding ships since 1848. Before the lighthouse was built, Cape Otway was one of the most treacherous points on the Victorian coast, with dozens of shipwrecks occurring in its surrounding waters. Pick the right day, and you may bump into a local willing to tell you about the wreck of Eric the Red .

While at the Cape Otway Lightstation, explore the keeper’s quarters, walk the coastal trails, and take in views that only stop short at the horizon.

And no, contrary to popular belief, the Round the Twist lighthouse is actually located in Split Point, just shy of two hours in the direction of Melbourne. Nothing’s stopping you from embarking on a lighthouse crawl, though.

Plan your next no-stone-unturned journey along this iconic Aussie road at visitgreatoceanroad.org.au.