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Bendigo, Victoria has a huge range of things to see and do. The list of things to do in Bendigo is long but in this post I will showcase the best things to do. There are fantastic Bendigo accommodation options suiting all budgets and styles of travelling. Food and drink is a huge part of Bendigo culture and Bendigo restaurants and cafes don’t disappoint! Many people come to Bendigo for a day trip but I recommend you spend at least a few days to experience everything this wonderful city has to offer.
Table of Contents
Bendigo Map
Bendigo Accommodation
A great range of accommodation options are available in Bendigo. Accommodation in Bendigo includes hotel/motels, Airbnbs and caravan parks. Below is a list of the best Bendigo accommodation has to offer and more detail will be provided with even more options in this accommodation post here (coming soon).
Bendigo Hotels and Bendigo Motels
The Shamrock Hotel Bendigo
The Shamrock Hotel Bendigo is an iconic hotel in Bendigo. Dating back to the mid 1800’s, The Hotel Shamrock Bendigo has so much history and is located on Pall Mall in the centre of town. A must stay!
To Book Hotel Shamrock Bendigo Click Here
All Seasons Bendigo
All Seasons Hotel Bendigo is located in Strathdale and includes 4 star hotel rooms plus an indoor pool and entertainment. If you have a car and don’t mind being a short drive from the CBD, All Seasons Resort Hotel Bendigo is a great option.
To Book All Seasons Resort Bendigo Click Here
Quest Bendigo
Quest Apartments Bendigo are in two seperate locations. Quest Bendigo is located on High Street in Golden Square and Quest Bendigo Central is located on McCrae Street a short walk from Lake Weeroona.
Quest Bendigo Apartments
Serviced apartments that are perfect for a group of friends or families. Located in Golden Square, it includes an outdoor pool which is perfect for the Bendigo summer!
To Book Quest Bendigo Click Here
Quest Bendigo Central
Quest Central Bendigo has a great range of apartments and is in a great location between Lake Weeroona and Bendigo CBD.
To Book Quest Bendigo Central Click Here
Comfort Inn Bendigo – Julie Anna Bendigo
Located opposite Lake Weeroona, The Julie Anna Bendigo is a great choice. The on-site restaurant serves delicious food and the rooms are comfortable.
To Book Comfort Inn Julie Anna Bendigo Click Here
Mercure Schaller Bendigo
Mercure Shaller Bendigo is located near the Bendigo Hospital and is a short walk into town. The rooms are high quality and the food and coffee delicious at The Pantry.
To Book Schaller Studio Bendigo Click Here
Bendigo Airbnb
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Airbnb accommodation Bendigo has to offer is both affordable and high quality. This post details the top 10 Airbnb Bendigo has available currently.
The Loft
This gorgeous 1 bedroom apartment has a beautiful garden to enjoy and the bedroom is on the second level of the apartment.
The Old Store on Barnard
This historic house has 6 bedrooms and is perfect for a couple of families to share. Located in a residential area close to the town centre, a great choice for a weekend away.
Magnolia on View
A self contained studio apartment for 2 people is located in the heart of Bendigo on the beautiful View Street.
Valda’s Cottage
3 bedroom cottage located a short walk from Central Deborah Gold Mine. This Airbnb is also pet friendly accommodation.
Laura’s Modern Townhouse
A gorgeous modern townhouse with 3 bedrooms located in North Bendigo a short walk to Lake Weeroona.
Beautiful Victorian Cottage
A 2 bedroom cottage located close to Bendigo CBD with a delightful court yard to enjoy.
Harper House
A gorgeous 3 bedroom renovated cottage with all the comforts of home. Located a short walk from central Bendigo.
Kate’s Central Bendigo Cottage
A 3 bedroom renovated cottage in a great central location. A gorgeous deck area to enjoy a cuppa outside.
Mark and Kate’s Place
2 bedroom cottage in a great location a short walk from the attractions in Bendigo.
Castle Studio Apartment
A 1 bedroom studio apartment that is both stylish and very central. Located adjacent to the Bendigo Marketplace.
Bendigo Caravan Parks
There is a good range of caravan parks in Bendigo that cater for both budget travelling and facilities for families like a Big 4 caravan park. Bendigo is spread out and the caravan parks Bendigo has are in the suburbs but only a short drive from the Bendigo CBD.
Big 4 Park Lane Bendigo
If you are searching for one of the best caravan parks in Victoria with kids, Bendigo Big 4 Park Lane caravan park is a great choice. Located in Junorton, east of Bendigo CBD, Park Lane Holiday Park has gorgeous colourful cabins, jumping pillow, outdoor pool plus a huge indoor play centre for the kids! Parky’s Bendigo Wonderland is a huge hit with the kids, they won’t want to leave 😉
To Book Bendigo Park Lane Holiday Park Click Here
Big4 Bendigo Ascot Holiday Park
Big 4 Bendigo Ascot Holiday Park is located north of Bendigo CBD and is the closest caravan park to the CBD. The facilities include a solar heated pool, jumping pillow, mini golf and many more great aspects to the caravan park.
To Book Big4 Bendigo Ascot Holiday Park Click Here
Avondel Caravan Park
Located in Maiden Gully, south west of Bendigo CBD, Avondel Caravan Park is a smaller caravan park with family friendly features. Rates are great value especially for longer term stays.
To Book Avondel Caravan Park Bendigo Click Here
A Line Holiday Park Bendigo
A Line Caravan Park Bendigo is located south of Bendigo CBD in Kangaroo Flat. The kids will love staying in the A line cabins with the park featuring a solar heated outdoor pool.
To Book A Line Holiday Park Bendigo Click Here
Unique Bendigo Accommodation
Bendigo has many different types of accommodation including unique offerings to make a stay in Bendigo one to remember.
Byronsvale Vineyard & Accommodation
Byronsvale is located in Maiden Gully in a beautiful rural setting. The Stables have been restored into 3 gorgeous self-contained apartments. Each apartment has its own private entrance and stunning interiors.
To Book Byronsvale Accommodation Click Here
Things to do in Bendigo
Looking to find out what to do in Bendigo? Bendigo has a huge range of activities for all ages and budgets. There are fun free things to do in Bendigo and also things to do in Bendigo with kids. In this post we chat about the top things to do in Bendigo. You can find more Bendigo things to do in our post here (coming soon).
Bendigo Art Gallery
The Bendigo Art Gallery is located on View Street in the Bendigo CBD and is one of the top Bendigo attractions. One of the largest and oldest art galleries in regional Victoria, the Bendigo gallery attracts a great range of exhibitions including international displays.
CLICK HERE FOR THE BENDIGO ART GALLERY
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Capital Theatre Bendigo
The Capital is a beautiful grand building that is listed by the National Trust. It hosts a range of live performances and when you are planning a visit Bendigo, make sure you take a look what is on at The Capital. You can even host a wedding at The Capital Bendigo, we have attended weddings here and it’s a gorgeous spot to get married.
CLICK HERE FOR THE CAPITAL THEATRE BENDIGO
Fortuna Villa
The former mansion of George Lansell, one of the original miners in the Bendigo region, the Fortuna Villa is a gorgeous place full of history and amazing architecture. Join in on high tea and a tour of the beautiful building and gardens.
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Ulumbarra Theatre Bendigo
Ulumbarra Theatre Bendigo is located within the walls of the 1860’s Sandhurst Gaol. The main stage is the largest in regional Victoria and hosts many live events. Don’t miss a tour of the Sandhurst Gaol and experience the story behind Cell 26.
CLICK HERE FOR ULUMBARRA THEATRE
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Bendigo Pottery
Bendigo Pottery began in 1858 and has a huge range of cookware and tableware for sale. Located in Epsom, north of Bendigo, the interactive museum is a highlight of Bendigo Pottery. Here you can learn about the process involved in making pottery over the years and the on-site cafe has delicious food. There are many hands on activities that you can get involved with from decorating workshops to wheel throwing lessons. Next to Bendigo Pottery is the huge Antiques & Collectables Centre, not to be missed!
CLICK HERE FOR BENDIGO POTTERY
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Rosalind Park Bendigo
Located on the edge of Bendigo CBD, Rosalind Park is a gorgeous spot to wander and enjoy the sunshine Bendigo is well known for. Beautiful leafy trees, historic water features, Poppet Head Lookout Tower and a kids playground open outside of school hours.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON ROSALIND PARK
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Central Deborah Gold Mine Bendigo
The Central Deborah Gold Mine Bendigo has Australia’s deepest underground mine tour and is one of the top Bendigo tourist attractions. Exploring the surface of the mine is well worthwhile with a huge amount of history evident in the museum pieces. Then if you are old enough, check out the age restrictions on their website, descend down the lift for one of the underground mine tours on offer.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR WITH CENTRAL DEBORAH GOLD MINE BENDIGO
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Bendigo Tramways
Bendigo Trams are a perfect way to experience the city and one of our favourite things to do in Bendigo. The vintage talking tram takes in sites like Central Deborah Gold Mine, the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Pall Mall, Lake Weeroona and Joss House. Each tour consists of a 10 minute stop at the Tram Depot where you can have a look around. The Dja Dja Wurrung Tram runs a few days per week and details the Aboriginal culture and people that have called Bendigo home for many years. A fantastic insight into how the Gold Rush altered so many Aboriginal lives forever.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON BENDIGO TRAMWAYS
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Discovery Centre Bendigo
Our kids love the Bendigo Discovery Centre, so many things to do! Located next to the Bendigo Train Station and Bendigo Marketplace, the Discovery Centre Bendigo has 100+ hands-on science exhibits, a vertical slide, planetarium and a play area for younger kids.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE DISCOVERY CENTRE BENDIGO
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Golden Dragon Museum Bendigo
Bendigo has a rich Chinese history and the Golden Dragon Museum is one of the top things to do in Bendigo. At the museum you will discover aritfacts dating back to the gold rush era and explanations on the Chinese influence in Bendigo over the years. The Yi Yuan Gardens and Guan Yin Temple located next to the museum are both peaceful and beautiful to wander around.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE GOLDEN DRAGON MUSUEM BENDIGO
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Bendigo Joss House Temple
The hertiage listed Joss House Bendigo is full of history dating back to 1871. A Chinese place of worship, it helps educate people on the impact of migration of the Chinese during the Gold Rush. It is located on the Bendigo Tramways line, so is easy to get to and across the road from the Peppergreen Farm.
CLICK HERE FOR BENDIGO JOSS HOUSE TEMPLE
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Peppergreen Farm Bendigo
Peppergreen Farm, located a short distance from Lake Weeroona, showcases culture unique to Central Victoria and grows fresh produce that you can purchase. The farm is also part of a social enterprise that helps supports locals with disabilites. Entry is free and the on-site cafe has delicious food.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON PEPPERGREEN FARM
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The Zone Bendigo
The place to visit with the kids and big kids at heart! The Zone has a great range of activities including go karting, laser tag, skating, mini golf and arcade games.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE ZONE BENDIGO
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The Great Stupa Bendigo
The Great Stupa is located a short drive from Bendigo and is the largest stupa in the Western World. It is 50 metres square at its base and nearly 50 metres high with beautiful gardens with sculptures. The on-site cafe has delicious food and entry is by gold coin donation.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE GREAT STUPA BENDIGO
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Bendigo Cinemas
Bendigo has 2 seperate cinemas providing movies to see. Bendigo Village Cinemas are located in the CBD and Star Cinemas in Eaglehawk.
Bendigo Village Cinemas
Bendigo Cinemas showcases the latest blockbuster movies and also includes gold class, 3D movies and a games arcade. Fun for the whole family.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON BENDIGO CINEMAS
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Star Cinemas
Star Cinema operates in the historic Eaglehawk Town Hall and delivers an unique cinema experience complete with comfy couches. The range of movies is varied and feaures many classic movies plus popular ones too.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE STAR CINEMA
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Bowling Bendigo
The Bendigo Bowling Centre is a fun place for families and friends. The centre has a on-site cafe and is fully licensed to have a drink while you enjoy ten pin bowling.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON BENDIGO BOWLING CENTRE
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Bendigo Botanic Gardens
The Bendigo Botanic Gardens is one of Victoria’s earliest established gardens and was included in the Victorian Heritage Register in 2001. A short drive to the north of Bendigo in White Hills, the garden is a gorgeous spot to enjoy a picnic and our kids love the Bendigo Botanic Gardens Playspace.
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Bendigo Lakes
Bendigo has a variety of different lakes/reservoirs to explore. Surrounded by walking paths, a great place to explore on a beautiful sunny day.
Lake Weeroona
The main lake in Bendigo to visit, Lake Weeroona is an easy lake to walk around and there is also a playground for the kids. If you time it with lunch, The Boardwalk Restaurant has yummy food plus across the street is and ice cream shop and fish & chips.
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Lake Neangar/ Lake Tomb Thumb
Located in Eaglehawk, Lake Neangar has a great range of things to do after you have walked around the lake. The Canterbury Gardens and Lake Tom Thumb are close by to explore plus the Eaglehawk Playspace, McKern Skate Park and Peter Krenz Leisure Centre swimming pool.
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Crusoe Reservoir
Located in Kangaroo Flat, Crusoe Reservoir and No. 7 Park has a fantastic walking track in 210 hectares of land. Fishing, swimming and canoeing are popular activities on a beautiful sunny day.
Kennington Reservoir
One of our favourite spots to walk in Bendigo, The Kennington Reservoir is located east of the CBD. The reservoir has BBQs and fishing platforms to try your luck at catching one of the redfins and rainbow trouts in the reservoir. Next to the reservoir is the Grassy Flat Bushland Reserve and is beautiful to walk through and connects to the Strathdale Park Sports Precint and further along the awesome Strathdale Playspace.
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Bendigo Play Spaces
There are a great range of play spaces in Bendigo providing fun for the kids. Our favourites include:
Strathdale Play Space
Eaglehawk Play Space
Bendigo Botanic Gardens Play Space
Lake Weeroona Playground
Restaurants in Bendigo
Bendigo has a great range of restaurants that will delight even the biggest foodie! If you are searching for a fine dining restaurant Masons, The Woodhouse and Alium Dining are great choices and are the best restaurants in Bendigo.
- Masons of Bendigo
- The Woodhouse Bendigo
- Ms Batterhams
- Harpoon Social Club
- Gold Mines Hotel
- Alium Dining
- Redgum Bendigo
- El Gordo
- GPO Bendigo
- The Dispensary Bendigo
- Piyawat Thai Bendigo
- Julia-Anna Restaurant
- Stella Bendigo
- 8 Sisters Bendigo
Cafes in Bendigo
Bendigo cafes have delicious coffee and food. There is a diverse range of cafes including vegan cafe Adam and Eve, Edwards Providore supplying a range of local produce and Old Green Bean with it’s own coffee beans.
- Bendigo Art Gallery Cafe
- Percy and Percy Bendigo
- The Boardwalk Bendigo
- Old Green Bean Bendigo
- Adam and Eve Bendigo
- Edwards Providore
- The Epicurean Delicatessen
Pubs in Bendigo
There is a huge range of Bendigo pubs that provide excellent food at a great price.
- Belmont Hotel Bendigo
- The Old Boundary Hotel Bendigo
- National Hotel Bendigo
- Brougham Arms Bendigo
- Rifle Brigade Hotel Bendigo
- The Foundry Bendigo
- The Cambrian Bendigo
- Bridge Hotel Bendigo
How to get to Bendigo
Bendigo is easy to get to and is located 150kms north of Melbourne. The Melbourne to Bendigo train runs regularly and is perfect for a day trip from Melbourne without having to drive. The Bendigo train station is located next to the Bendigo Discovery Centre and Marketplace. It is easy to walk into the CBD.
If you prefer to explore Bendigo, using a car is the way to go. There is a range of parking options and many activities in Bendigo are easier to access via car.
Click here to hire a car to explore Bendigo
We hope you enjoyed our ultimate guide to Bendigo. We love living in this beautiful city and if you would like anymore tips on travel around Bendigo feel free to contact us on Instagram or Facebook.
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YES! Absolutely love the Woodhouse. This is a great list- Percy & Percy have great coffee 🙂