What to do in Bendigo

by Team BV

BENDIGO – A MODERN HERITAGE CITY
 
Bendigo thrives with contemporary arts and cultural experiences, an appreciation of history, fast emerging food scenes, fresh local produce, award winning wineries and an innovative community spirit. Stroll the stunning streets of central Bendigo to unearth bustling hubs where the café culture, breath-taking architecture, the arts and boutique retail experiences come together … and don’t forget the authentic, world-class attractions.
 
DID YOU KNOW?
 
·  More than 100,000 people call Bendigo home.
·  Myer, Jimmy Possum, Bendigo Bank and Fernwood Fitness began here.
·  Some of Australia’s best reds come from the Bendigo & Heathcote wine regions.
 
MUST DO LIST
 
·  Ride a tram, mine for gold and meet a dragon
·  Savour locally roasted coffee
·  Meet the winemakers at the region’s cellar doors
·  Ride or walk the O’Keefe Rail Trail
·  Take a selfie with Forever Marilyn
·  Enjoy craft beer and grassroots blues music at a local venue
 
 
DEEP. DARK. DIRTY. AWESOME! @
CENTRAL DEBORAH GOLD MINE
Explore the hidden underground tunnels of a real gold mine that operated during the gold rush boom of the 1900s. You are sure to catch gold fever on the famous Mine Experience Tour, includes underground tour, gold panning and gold pour demonstrations. Choose from four tours a day.

For more info click here.

ALL ABOARD
VINTAGE & ANZAC CENTENARY ‘TALKING’ TRAMS
Sit back, relax and let the Tram do the talking! Be delighted by the remarkable stories of a golden past on a Vintage Tram Tour. Add a new experience created for the ANZAC Centenary, telling the tales of Bendigo during war time. Tickets are valid for 2 days, PLUS save more on combo packages with the Central Deborah Gold Mine.
For more info click here.

HANDS ON FUN @
BENDIGO POTTERY
Create a masterpiece and take it home! Learn the art of clay wheel throwing with an experienced potter. Decorate your own plate or mug from our range of green ware. Explore the ceramic gallery, artists studios, museum and Antiques & Collectables centre. Something for everyone at Bendigo Pottery.

For more info click here.

THE WONDERS OF SCIENCE @
DISCOVERY SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CENTRE
Have you ever experienced zero gravity? Discovery is famous for the southern hemisphere’s tallest Vertical Slide. Learn about our fascinating solar system at the Planetarium. Be sure to look out for the wacky mirrors that make you look really strange, the echoing chamber that repeats your words a thousand times over and don’t forget to play a tune on the thong-a-phone!
For more info click here.

ZONE ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
The Zone offers a range of adrenaline packed activities that provide a challenging and lasting experience.
Laser Tag – Skating – Go Karts – Mini Golf – Archery Tag – Paintball – Play Centre – Mini Karts – Outdoor Maze – Arcades. Get the adrenaline pumping with our many activities or simply sit back, relax and recharge with a coffee and a bite to eat in the café. 
For more info click here
 
 
GOLDEN DRAGON MUSEUM
Discover the trials and triumphs of Bendigo’s Chinese community from the gold rush to the present day. Home to the world’s longest and oldest imperial dragons and unique artefacts from the last imperial dynasty. Having become the hub of Chinese cultural activity in Australia, the museum allows visitors to experience first hand, Chinese arts and crafts.
For more info click here

          
BENDIGO CINEMAS
With the latest blockbuster movies on offer and selected showcase films Bendigo Cinemas pride themselves on offering patrons a state-of-the-art cinema experience. With 7 cinemas all featuring Dolby Surround Sound, stadium seating and state-of-the-art full digital projection we ensure only the best cinema experience for the whole family. 
For more info click here

IRONBARK HORSE RIDING TRAILS
Enjoy the beautiful bushland setting and many trails of the Whipstick State National Park. Catering for all riding abilities. From a simple half hour ride to a weekend adventure packages available to suit you. Enjoy the beautiful bushland setting of the Ironstone Reserve and many tracks and trails of the Whipstick State National Park. Rides Available Daily at a time to suit you.
For more info click here
 
 
HERITAGE BUILDING TOURS
Immerse yourself in the rich stories of a golden past, explore stunning heritage architecture fashioned in a time when Bendigo was the richest city in the world. Be captivated by our passionate guides as they accompany you on a journey within these magnificent legacies of pioneering times. Tours available for Bendigo Town Hall, Historic Post Office and
Sandhurst Gaol. Available; Tue, Wed, Sat & Sun
For more info click here.

FOOD FOSSICKING TOUR
Discover some of Bendigo’s delicious secrets, meet the passionate food heroes and hear their enriching stories. Be treated to food and beverage tastings and walk away with your own food goodies. Tours available Saturday at 10am departing the Bendigo Visitor Centre.

For more info click here.

FOREVER MARILYN SCULPTURE
Forever Marilyn is a giant sculpture of Marilyn Monroe designed by Seward Johnson. The sculpture is a representation of one of the most famous images of Monroe, taken from the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch. Inaugurated in July 2011, the sculpture stood at Pioneer Court in Chicago, Illinois, before it was moved to Palm Springs, California in 2012. The sculpture was given a farewell sendoff during Palm Springs Village Fest on March 27, 2014, to be displayed at an exhibition honoring Seward in New Jersey.The 26-foot-tall (7.9 m) 34,000-pound (15,000 kg) sculpture, manufactured of painted stainless steel and aluminium. This is the first time she will be seen in Australia and it took 33 days for her to make her voyage by ship to Bendigo. 
For more info click here
 
 
QUEER COUNTRY ART EXHIBITION
The Queer Country Art Exhibition is a platform for queer artists to express themselves, showcase their creativity, offer another perspective and educate the boarder community about gay and lesbian arts and culture. It is hoped that this exhibition, as well as the film festival and associated events, will raise awareness of gay and lesbian issues and create further acceptance within society. Venue: Dudley House, View Street, 13-17 April 2016.
For more info click here

LIVING ARTS SPACE – AG ART WEAR 17 Feb-17 Apr 2016
The Living Arts Space presents a range of exhibitions and public programs throughout the year showcasing Bendigo and region’s contemporary artists and emerging talents for the enjoyment of both visitors and the local community. AG ART Wear is a display of creative and quirky designer garments made from materials used in farming. Includes the 2015 Elmore Agricultural Field Days’ Ag Art Wear competition award winners.If you think you have seen it all in fashion, expect to be surprised! Open daily 9-5pm.
For more info click here

FORTUNA VILLA HIGH TEA AND TOUR
Discover the golden era of Bendigo and soak in the magnificent of the Villa whilst enjoying High Tea followed by a grande tour. Available Wednesdays only (March 9 – July 6 inclusive): 1.00pm – 4.00pm. Bookings are essential. Kept secure for many years for Defence purposes, the Villa will once again allow the public in to tour this magnificent home. One of Australia’s wealthiest mining magnates, George Lansell made his wealth from the New Chum reef and built his mansion on the top of it. Learn the history of the villa and it’s original owner, George Lansell. Guests will be treated to local food and wine while surrounded by rich Bendigo History and the beautiful architecture of the Villa itself.
For more info click here

BENDIGO ART GALLERY AND TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX PRESENT MARILYN MONROE
5 MARCH – 10 JULY
Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most celebrated and enigmatic film stars in history, she transformed herself from ordinary girl next door, Norma Jean Baker into a glamorous and universally recognised screen goddess. This comprehensive exhibition brings together authentic artefacts, clothing and other objects belonging to, or worn by Marilyn. More than 20 original film costumes from some of Marilyn’s greatest films such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, How to Marry a Millionaire and Love Nest feature alongside numerous dresses and accessories from Marilyn’s personal wardrobe.
For more info click here

BENDIGO TOURISM REWARDS
For special offers on food, drink and attractions around Bendigo for visitors to 2016 State Champions Week, click here
 
For more information talk to a local at the Bendigo Visitor Centre
Bendigo Visitor Centre
Open 9am-5pm everyday (except Xmas Day)
51-67 Pall Mall Bendigo
1800 813 153
tourism@bendigo.vic.gov.au
Your guide to 2016 State Champions Week