What to do in Bendigo
Playing or visiting Bendigo for 2017 State Champions Week from April 20 to 26?
Bendigo Tourism can help with any queries you may have, and will be on site at Bendigo East Bowling Club during State Champions Week.
For special offers of up to 20% off food, drink and attractions around Bendigo for visitors to 2017 State Champions Week, click here
Here’s a helpful guide of things to do in the Bendigo region while you’re not playing or watching bowls.
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, 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
* 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 the 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 whacky 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
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
LIVING ARTS SPACE – AG ART WEAR (15 Feb-23 Apr 2017)
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 2016 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
OPEN AIR MILITARY MUSEUM (11 Nov 2016 – 30 Apr 2017)
The Bendigo Story: 100 Years of ANZAC Exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to embrace the centenary in a productive, dignified and respectful way. This highly visual exhibition will portray many scenes and themes that service personnel from each era would have experienced. Pictorial, static and dynamic displays, including military artefacts, will adorn an area at the rear of the Bendigo District RSL Inc. in chronological order spanning from pre-war Australia to present day including pictures, artefacts, audio and film to engage visitors.
For more info click here
ANZAC DAY
As State Champions Week includes Anzac Day in 2017, here is a list of Anzac Day services in the Greater Bendigo area for those who wish to attend:
Axedale
-Time: 8am
-Location: Axedale Park, High Street, Axedale
Bendigo
* Dawn Service
-Time: 6am
-Location: (5:50am) March from Soldiers Memorial Institute, Pall Mall to Cenotaph, View Point
* Anzac Day Service
-Time: 11am
-Location: (10:15am) march from McCrae st/Pall Mall to the Soldiers Memorial Institute, Pall Mall.
Eaglehawk
* Dawn Service
-Time: 6am
-Location: Peg Leg & Sailors Gully Roads, outside Town Hall, Eaglehawk
* Anzac Day Service
-Time: 8:30am
-Location: (8:20am) March from front of Eaglehawk Citizens’ Brass Band Hall, Peg Leg Road to Brassey Square
Elmore
* Dawn Service
-Time: 6am
-Location: Elmore Memorial Hall, Hervey St, Elmore
* Anzac Day March
-Time: 10am
-Location: Begins at Railway Place and finishes at the Elmore Memorial Hall
Goornong
-Time: 10am
-Location: Soldiers Memorial Hall, Midland Highway, Goornong
Heathcote
* Dawn Service
-Time: 6 am
-Location: Camp Hill (Camp Street, behind the RSL)
Morning Service
-Time: 10 am
-Location: Commencing in the Heathcote RSL Hall followed by the wreath laying service at the Cenotaph, concluding with the march along High Street.
Kangaroo Flat
* Dawn Stand-to Service
-Time: 6.30am
-Location: Soldiers Memorial, Cnr. High & View Sts, Kangaroo Flat
* Anzac Day March
-Time: 9.15am
-Location: Station Street, at St Monica’s School, along High Street to the Soldier’s Memorial.
* ANZAC Day Service
-Time: 9.30am
-Location: Soldiers Memorial Park, Calder Highway & View Street, Kangaroo Flat.
BENDIGO EVENT REWARDS
For special offers on food, drink and attractions around Bendigo for visitors to the 2017 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
