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Bendigo has a wide range of attractions suited to every age group and budget. Perfect for a weekend away with your partner or exploring with the kids. In this post we chat about all the Bendigo places to visit including the top Bendigo attractions. So if you are searching for the best things to do in Bendigo read on as a local takes you on a tour of the top things to see in Bendigo.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Things to do in Bendigo
If you only have a short period of time on your next visit to Bendigo, these things must be on your list! Also check out our ultimate guide to Bendigo for more information on where to stay and how to get to Bendigo.
- Bendigo Art Gallery
- Central Deborah Gold Mine
- Bendigo Tram
- Discovery Centre Bendigo
- Golden Dragon Museum
- The Great Stupa Bendigo
- Walking Tour of Bendigo
- Lake Weeroona Bendigo
- The Zone Bendigo
- Bendigo Pottery
Things to do in Bendigo
After a full list of things to do in Bendigo? In this section we list all of things in Bendigo that are fantastic for adults and families to explore. You will notice that some of these activities double up with the kids section but the focus in this section will be on what adults will enjoy.
Bendigo Art Gallery
Cost: Free (some exhibitions do cost, check their website for details)
Location: View Street Bendigo CBD
Visit Highlights: Wander through the art gallery taking in the impressive exhibitions the Bendigo Art Gallery attracts. Then enjoy delicious food from the Bendigo Gallery Cafe. Open from Wednesday to Sunday.
Local Tip: Keep up to date with their Facebook page for any changes or up to date info. Don’t miss out on tasting the Espresso Lattini at the cafe 😉
Capital Theatre Bendigo
Cost: Varies for different performances
Location: Next to the Bendigo Art Gallery in View Street
Visit Highlights: The Capital hosts a range of different performances including comedy, musicians, dance and much more
Local Tip: Keep up to date with what’s on next on their website and Facebook page
Fortuna Villa High Tea and Tour
Cost: $90 per person, $80 per pensioner/child
Location: Chum Street just west of the Bendigo CBD
Visit Highlights: A lovely way to enjoy 2.5 hrs, high tea is served while a harpist plays. A tour of the villa helps bring alive the amazing history of this 140 year property. A glass of bubbles/wine/beer then finishes this wonderful experience
Local Tip: Make sure you book your tickets in advance! The high tea is very popular and you can book your tickets here. Also be sure to follow them on Facebook
BalloonMan Bendigo
Cost: $388 per person, $328 per child aged 6-12 years (other packages are available)
Location: The adventure begins and ends at Balgownie Estate 10 minutes from Bendigo CBD
Visit Highlights: 1 hour balloon flight over Bendigo. If you select the balloon ride plus breakfast at Balgownie Estate, friends can join you just for breakfast for $40 per person
Local Tip: Be sure to wear comfy clothes and allow flexibility in your plans as a decision will be made on the morning of the flight if it’s safe to fly. Follow BalloonMan on Instagram
Cobb and Co Carriages
Cost: Varies
Location: Bendigo CBD
Visit Highlights: A 20 minute ride around the Bendigo CBD in a horse drawn carriage
Local Tip: The tours don’t run all year round and it is best to keep an eye out on the Explore Bendigo website for tours that will be run. For special events like the Santa carriage before Christmas, make sure you book early as they get booked out quickly
Rosalind Park
Cost: Free
Location: Edge of Bendigo CBD
Visit Highlights: Walking through Rosalind Park and enjoying a picnic is a must on any visit to Bendigo. Sunset and sunrise are beautiful from the Poppet Head with a car park located next to it. Access off View Street
Local Tip: Monday to Friday around lunchtime can get very busy with students from the high school and tafe. Learn more about the history of the old Government camp site on a Bendigo walking tour
Ulumbarra Theatre Bendigo
Cost: Varies with each performance
Location: Close to the Bendigo CBD next to Rosalind Park
Visit Highlights: The theatre has been built on the old Sandhurst Gaol site and blends together heritage listed features with modern architecture. A huge range of performances take place at the theatre.
Local Tip: Keep an eye out on the website for what is on next. Book tickets and use it as an excuse to visit for a few days. Also check out the Sandhurst Gaol Tour for the ultimate experience
Bendigo Tramways
Cost: March 2021 Adults $10 each, children 3-5 yrs $5 each, infants 0-2 yrs free. The ticket is valid for one day and you can ride both talking trams
Location: The talking tram travels from Central Deborah Gold Mine through the Bendigo CBD to the Joss House Temple
Visit Highlights: The tram tour is a must do tour when in Bendigo next. It takes in a range of different sites that you can see here on the map
Local Tip: There are 2 different talking trams, the Vintage Tram (detailing the history of Bendigo) and the Dja Dja Wurrung Tram (shows the history of the First Nations people in Bendigo). Not all of the trams are wheelchair friendly, contact (03) 5442 2821 to see if there is an appropriate tram running.
Golden Dragon Museum
Cost: Adults $12, concession $10, children 5-14 yrs $7, children under 5 free
Location: On the edge of Bendigo CBD near Rosalind Park
Visit Highlights: Golden Dragon Museum, Classical Chinese Gardens and Kuan Yin Temple feature a huge array of Bendigo Chinese history. Allow at least 1-2 hours to enjoy this fantastic place
Local Tip: All areas are wheelchair accessible. Kuan Yin Temple is under going refurbishment until mid April 2021 so is closed
Central Deborah Gold Mine
Cost: Explore the surface Adults $6.50 Child 3-15 yrs $4
Mine Experience Tour Adults $32 Child 3-15 yrs $17
There are also a range of family tickets and concessions, check out their website for details
Location: Violet St a short walk from the Bendigo CBD
Visit Highlights: The history of this real life 1900s gold mine come to life and a tour underground is a definite highlight
Local Tip: Your ticket underground also includes the explore the surface experience. Don’t miss this part so allow time before or after your tour to explore the surface at your leisure. Closed footwear is recommended.
Joss House Temple
Cost: Tourists cost adults $6.50 child $4.50. There are also prices for concessions and family tickets
Location: In North Bendigo near Lake Weeroona and Peppergreen Farm
Visit Highlights: The Joss House Temple is one of the few original Chinese temples still remaining in Australia.
Local Tip: The temple is open on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm. The hours occasionally include dates around Easter so check out their website for details. A great way to visit is on the Vintage Talking Tram or it’s easily accesible by car
Peppergreen Farm
Cost: Free to visit but has an on-site cafe, shop and you can purchase the fresh garden produce
Location: North Bendigo close to Joss House Temple
Visit Highlights: PepperGreen Farm is a social enterprise of the Access Australia Group that features a market garden and nursery. The Artisan Studio and Gallery has fantastic pieces to browse plus PepperGreen Farm is home to the oldest Chinese kiln outside of Asia, the original Chinese Market gardens and a historical manure shed
Local Tip: The perfect spot to buy a gift with soul. Allow 30-60 minutes to visit PepperGreen Farm
The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
Cost: Free (gold coin donation)
Location: 20 minute drive west from Bendigo a short drive from Balgownie Estate
Visit Highlights: Take in the largest Stupa in the Western World. The Peace Park overlooked by The Stupa is a magical place to wander around and don’t miss the Jade Buddha and Unique Tibet museum inside The Stupa.
Local Tip: When you arrive make sure you get a brochure and visitor handout that details how to do the self guided tour. Coordinating your visit with The Stupa festivals is a great idea. Lunar New Year (February), ILLUMIN8 (June) and Vegecarelan Festival (October)
Victoria Hill Historic Mining Reserve
Cost: Free
Location: A 5 minute drive from Bendigo CBD towards Marong
Visit Highlights: An open air museum featuring historic relics from the gold rush period. Located on the site is Victoria’s deepest gold mine making it one of the richest goldfields in Bendigo. You can walk through the open cut mine and take photos of quartz crushing machinery. The view from the poppet head over Bendigo is gorgeous.
Local Tip: A comfy pair of shoes are helpful and is open daily from 9am-Sunset (Daylight Savings Time) and 9am-5pm(Eastern Standard Time)
Cinemas
Cost: Varies, check websites for details
Location: There are 2 cinemas in Bendigo, the main Village Bendigo Cinema is located in Queen St next to the Bendigo CBD and the Star Cinema is in Eaglehawk
Visit Highlights: The Bendigo Cinema showcases the latest block buster films and features a gold class cinema. The Star Cinema is a boutique experience showing independent, arthouse, foreign and classic films.
Local Tip: The games arcade is fun for all ages at the Bendigo Cinema and if you are a Vrewards member you can use your points. The Star Cinema is an unique place with comfy couches and local wines and beers for purchase
Lake Weeroona
Cost: Free
Location: A 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive north of Bendigo CBD
Visit Highlights: A stunning ornamental lake that was transformed from a dusty mining field in 1870s. Take a walk around the lake, enjoy a picnic or dine at The Boardwalk Restaurant
Local Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most gorgeous views
Crusoe Reservoir and No. 7 Park
Cost: Free
Location: Kangaroo Flat, southern Bendigo
Visit Highlights: The 210 hectare area features 2 reservoirs. Crusoe Reservoir can be used for swimming, canoeing, small sailing boats and fishing (no powered boat motors are allowed). No. 7 Reservoir is a conversation area and can not be used for fishing. There are flat walking paths plus accessible toilets.
Local Tip: Dogs are not allowed at Crusoe Reservoir and take your rubbish with you as there are no bins
Historic Bendigo Post Office
Cost: Free
Location: Bendigo CBD on Pall Mall across from the Shamrock Hotel
Visit Highlights: Built in 1887, the original Bendigo Post Offic is a magnificant building. The architecture astounds from every angle and the inside is just as beautiful. It now houses the Tourist Information Centre and the Post Office Gallery.
Local Tip: The tourist info centre not only has a great amount of information on local events and attractions but showcases local food, drinks, gifts and much more
Latrobe Art Institute
Cost: Free
Location: Bendigo CBD in View Street across from the Bendigo Art Gallery
Visit Highlights: Latrobe Art Institue is part of the University Art Museums Australian network and features a range of exhibitions open to the public
Local Tip: A perfect add on to a visit to the Bendigo Art Gallery
Twisted History Tour
Cost: $35 adults $25 children
Location: Bendigo CBD
Visit Highlights: Each Saturday night at 8pm the Bendigo ghost tour showcases Bendigo’s haunted history. 90 minutes of spine tingling fun plus at a perfect time to go out for dinner before the tour
Local Tip: Not suitable for kids under 8 years old
Kennington Reservoir
Cost: Free
Location: In the suburb of Kennington a 5 minute drive east of Bendigo CBD
Visit Highlights: Fishing and walking the track around the lake. Make sure you walk through the bush of the Grassy Flat Bushland Reserve making your way past the Strathdale Park Precinct to the Strathdale Playspace on Crook Street
Local Tip: Coffee is fantastic from the Chonky Bulldog van located on Crook St near the Strathdale Playspace
Bendigo Creek Trail
Cost: Free
Location: The trail runs from north to south of Bendigo with a trail from the CBD to Spring Gully in the south east of Bendigo
Visit Highlights: An excellent way to appreciate the beautiful nature and sights that Bendigo has to offer. The trail is suitable for running, walking or riding
Local Tip: Planning your ride along the Bendigo Creek Trail is important. Take a good look at the map and work out where you will start and finish your ride. Lake Weeroona is a good starting point with plenty of parkin
Things to do in Bendigo with Kids
Searching for all the kids activities Bendigo has to offer? Our list of things to do in Bendigo for kids will keep them entertained for days! Our kids are in primary school so we have tested most of these places out and at the end of the list our kids choose their top 3 choices.
The Zone Bendigo
Ages: Fun for the whole family
Location: East Bendigo
Activities available: Go Karts, Paintball, Roller Skating, Mini-Golf and Laser Zone.
Local tip: Check out their website for booking times for each activity. Planning with available times will make sure you make the most of your visit.
Discovery Centre Bendigo
Ages: Kids of all ages
Location: Next to the Bendigo Train Station and Bendigo Marketplace.
Activities: Vertical slide, interactive exhibits, planetarium, space for younger kids to explore and great range of activities over the school holidays.
Local Tip: Purchasing a yearly membership gives lots of bonuses including unlimited admission to Bendigo Discovery Centre, various discounts plus free admission into places like Melbourne Museum and Melbourne Scienceworks. See the website for more details.
Jumpz
Ages: 1 year and older
Location: Kangaroo Flat, in the southern part of Bendigo. Near the Lansell Square shopping centre featuring Kmart
Activities: Indoor trampoline centre that also features a play area for under 5’s plus an onsite cafe
Local Tip: Make sure to time your visit to arrive just before the hour as this is when the sessions begin
Park Lane Play Bendigo
Ages: Suitable for kids 14 years and younger
Location: In Junortoun east of Bendigo. Follow the McIvor Highway out of Bendigo and situated in the Big 4 Park Lane Holiday Park
Activities: Indoor playcentre suitable for all ages. Kids always have a great time especially on a wet day outside
Local Tip: Price to the indoor playground includes access to the on-site BBQs and jumping pillow. Also keep an eye out on their Facebook page for special deals especially for during the week
Rosalind Park
Ages: All ages
Location: Bendigo CBD
Activities: The park includes wide paths to walk, push a pram or scooter along. Also features a playground, poppet head lookout tower and conservatory gardens.
Local Tip: The playground is only open outside of school hours as it is the Camp Hill Primary School play space. If you have little ones we recommend to park near Pall Mall next to the conservatory gardens. That way you only have to climb the hill if you want to go to the lookout tower
Bendigo Tramways
Ages: All ages and 1 tram is wheelchair accessible so call ahead for details
Location: Bendigo CBD
Activities: Vintage talking tram tours that stop at Central Deborah Gold Mine, Alexandra Fountain, Bendigo Tramways Depot, Lake Weeroona, Tyson’s Reef and Bendigo Joss House Temple
Local Tip: Keep up to date with timetable changes on the Bendigo Tram website during extreme weather there may be changes. The tram is pet friendly if they are on a leash and there is 2 different vintage trams. Bendigo’s Story (a history of Bendigo) and Dja Dja Wurrung (the tradiotions of Bendigo’s first people) run throughout the year. Around Christmas time they also have a Santa tram
Golden Dragon Museum
Ages: All ages welcome
Location: On the edge of Bendigo CBD near Rosalind Park
Activities: Explore the Golden Dragon Museum, classical Chinese gardens and the Kuan Yin Temple
Local Tip: The Museum is open on some public holidays but not others so it’s best to keep up to date with opening hours on their website. The kids love feeding the fish at the gardens and you can buy fish food at the museum ticket office
Central Deborah Gold Mine
Ages: Best suited to primary aged school kids and older
Location: Just south of Bendigo CBD
Activities: Explore the surface of the mine and you can also go under ground if the kids are brave enough!
Local Tip: Keep an eye out for the different activities at the mine. In the lead up to Christmas they have a fantastic event ‘Elf Academy’ where the kids can get involved with a range of different activities including photos with Santa
PepperGreen Farm
Ages: All ages
Location: A short drive from the Bendigo CBD in North Bendigo
Activities: Cafe with a market garden and nursery that you can purchase from that supports locals living with disabilities
Local Tip: Entry is free and keep an eye out for market days and kids activities on their website
The Great Stupa
Ages: All ages
Location: A 20 minute drive west of Bendigo
Activities: A self guided tour of the Great Stupa and Peace Garden. The Stupa is the largest stupa in the Western World
Local Tip: It only costs a gold coin donation to enter making it a fantastic cheap activitiy with the kids. The Peace Garden is alot of fun to explore and the StupaView cafe has delicious wholesome food for the kids. Pets are also welcome on a leash
Bendigo Creek Trail
Ages: All ages
Location: Runs from Epsom in the north of Bendigo to Kangaroo Flat in the south. Also has a trail from the CBD to Spring Gully in the South East of Bendigo
Activities: A well signed cycling track through Bendigo along the creek. Most parts are safe for younger kids to navigate
Local Tip: Download this map to help you plan your trip. We love to start at Rosalind Park and cylce to the Bendigo Botanic gardens in White Hills on the parks to pottery path. Enjoy a picnic in the gardens then cycle back into Bendigo to the Golden Dragon Museum. From here we make our way to Percy and Percy for a drink before cycling out on the tramways to cafes path.
Lake Weeroona
Ages: All ages
Location: North of Bendigo CBD
Activities: Playground, walking path and restuarant
Local Tip: The playground is fully enclosed but it does have 2 gate entrances and sometimes the fence is not secure. Bring the kids bikes or scooters as the walking path is a great distance with kids
Eaglehawk Playspace
Ages: All ages
Location: Next to Lake Neangar in Eaglehawk
Activities: Huge outdoor playground with BBQ facilities
Local Tip: The McKern skate park is located nearby so take the kids scooters or skateboards to have even more fun!
Bowling Bendigo
Ages: Fun for the whole family
Location: Located on Hargreaves Street in the CBD
Activities: Ten pin bowling and features an on-site cafe plus arcade games and pool tables
Local Tip: Check out their Facebook page for specials and details on cheap Tuesday
Bendigo Cinemas
Ages: All ages
Location: On the edge of Bendigo CBD
Activities: Watching movies and arcade games room
Local Tip: Keep an eye out on their website has they have special sessions including nursery times for parents with younger kids and sensory friendly sessions for $5 each
Breakout Bendigo
Ages: Suited for kids aged 8 years and above
Location: Edge of Bendigo CBD
Activities: Interactive entertainment in an escape room where your group of players solve riddles, find codes and unlock keys to escape in 60 minutes
Local Tip: Open Wednesday to Sundays with extra days added in holidays or by appointment. Their website has a huge amount of information on planning your experience. Allow 90 minutes for the escape room adventure
Big Bendi Waterslide
Ages: All ages but primary school aged and above get the most out of a visit
Location: In a suburb called White Hills, north west of Bendigo CBD. You will need a car or taxi to visit
Activities: Fun water slide, toddler pool, BBQs and lots of seating
Local Tip: Bring your own food and drinks (alcohol allowed but no glass). They have a small kiosk with ice creams and drinks plus free BBQs so you can cook up your own food. If you aren’t going to slide (which is often me!) then it is free entry
Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre Splash Park
Ages: All ages
Location: Kangaroo Flat, south of Bendigo CBD
Activities: Indoor splash park and 2 swimming pools
Local Tip: The splash park is a lot of fun and zero depth. Check out this page for updates on opening times of the splash park. When the splash park is not open you can still swim in the pools.
Bendigo Botanic Gardens Playspace
Ages: All ages
Location: White Hills north of Bendigo
Activities: An Alice in Wonderland inspired playground that features swings, garden rooms and much more. Plenty of grass to run around, our kids love this play space
Local Tip: A short walk away is the Garden of the Future. More garden to explore but be sure to take a hat and sunscreen as there isn’t much shade
Bendigo Pottery
Ages: All ages but best suited to primary aged and above
Location: In Epsom north of Bendigo, best visited with a car or taxi
Activities: Interpretive museum, clay play packs, decorating workshops, wheel throwing lessons
Local Tip: Check out Bendigo Pottery schedule before you visit so you can time it to join in on the fun activities. The cafe has delicious food and next to the pottery is the antiques and collectables shop. The kids always love finding treasures in the shop
Long Gully Splash Park
Ages: All ages
Location: Long Gully west of Bendigo CBD
Activities: Zero depth splash park with a dry playground right next to the splash park. Plenty of shade and BBQs
Local Tip: The splash park is free and a great way to cool off for the younger kids during the Bendigo summers. There is change rooms and toilets plus the water is solar heated
Faith Leech Aquatic Centre
Ages: All ages
Location: On the edge of the Bendigo CBD
Activities: Swimming pools with a shaded toddler pool, water slide and diving pool with 1m and 3m spring boards
Local Tip: Try to get there earlier on hot days as the wait for the water slide can be long during peak times plus also check to see when the slide is open. The family entry ticket is great value as it includes 2 adults and all dependent children under 16 years old
Strathdale Play Space
Ages: All ages and abilities
Location: In Strathdale east of Bendigo
Activities: Play space with slides, swings, water play area and other play equipment for both toddlers and older kids
Local Tip: There is plenty of parking and in the mornings the Chunky Bulldog coffee van dishes up delicious coffee. Pack the scooters/bikes, footy or soccer balls as nearby is the Strathdale Park sports precinct and further along is the walking tracks that lead to Kennington Reservoir
Our kids top 3 fun places to visit in Bendigo
What are our kids favourite activities to visit in Bendigo? Our kids are aged 7 and 10 years old. Our youngest has autism so feel free to contact us if you have any questions on inclusive options in Bendigo.
We hope this gives you some great ideas of things to do in Bendigo. There is so much to do in Bendigo for both singles, couples and families. If you need help deciding on accommodation check out our Instagram and Facebook pages.
