Bendigo water fountain

Bendigo

There’s no denying that Bendigo is a city of reinvention and innovation. Renowned for its creative fusion of heritage and modernity, this Victorian city is brimming with paddock-to-plate eateries and rich red shiraz, live-music tram tours, international exhibitions, and boutique hotels to explore during a weekend away or an extended stay.

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Places to stay

This vibrant regional city is a celebration of grand architecture, arts, culture, food and wine along with the great outdoors. The centre of Bendigo is lined with grand gold rush buildings, parklands and laneways, which make it the perfect place to enjoy a stroll during the day or find a bed for the night. If you love a good drop of wine, then Heathcote is a must. This charming regional town is around half an hour’s drive from Bendigo’s CBD. Although it is known worldwide for its Shiraz with plenty of great cellar doors to visit, Heathcote also offers heritage buildings in the main street, boutique accommodation, quaint cafes and nearby breweries. Plus, the town is surrounded by forest, walking and cycling trails, lookouts and the stunning Pink Cliffs.

For a rustic rural escape, venture to the historic towns of the Goldfields where you can stay in restored traditional miners cabins. The fascinating villages of the Goldfields are known for more than just their history which makes the region great to explore during your stay. From the artisans and food culture in Castlemaine, apple growing and cider in Harcourt, farm gates, vintage fashion and natural wonders in the Loddon Valley to the historic townships of Maldon, Dunolly, Talbot and Maryborough, there’s a lot to explore. Also nearby is Echuca Moama, a charming riverboat port known as the ‘paddle-steamer capital of Australia’. No matter which town you decide to claim a stake in, each one combines a sense of country warmth with unique and historical stays.

Things to do

Whether you’re visiting for the town’s rich history or its world-class arts scene, you’ll strike gold with a variety of activities and experiences on offer in and around Bendigo. Start your day in Chancery Lane with its eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants and boutiques that’ll have you questioning if you just stumbled into a hipster Melbourne side street. Once you’re full and fueled for the day, you’ll be ready to discover a world-class arts scene where the city itself is a living gallery - passionately and personally shared by its creators, curators, and community.

Visit Bendigo Art Gallery in the View Street Arts Precinct, which is one of Australia's most visited and highly regarded regional galleries or stroll along Bendigo’s artist walk to see and meet artisans, designers, street art and craftspeople. Creativity isn’t just limited to galleries or the streets in Bendigo. Experience the city’s performing arts scene at the 1,000-seat Ulumbarra theatre developed out of the old Sandhurst Gaol. If you’re into the idea of making art of your own, visit Australia’s oldest running pottery (est 1857) to try your hand at a wheel throwing class. Explore Bendigo’s rich history and culture by joining the Frist Nation Walking tour, to learn more about the region.

Scroll through the gallery to discover more of Bendigo.

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Where to go

Eat and drink

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, take your starving, artistic self and go Food Fossicking to discover the regions large concentration of food, wine, cider, craft beer and coffee in its award-winning restaurants. To taste the best of Bendigo, head to local farmers market, every second Saturaday to buy regional produce, directly from the farmers. For those that like Shiraz, station yourself in the heart of red country and meet with winemakers from the Bendigo and Heathcote Wine Regions, which boast collectively over 60 boutique cellar doors. If music and drink are your thing, hop onboard the Saturday evening Groove Tram to enjoy live entertainment and take in the backdrop of the city.

Where to eat and drink in Bendigo

Culture and history

Discover Bendigo’s gold rush history with underground tours at Central Deborah Gold Mine, then explore Bendigo’s heritage by Vintage ‘Talking’ Tram, and visit the Golden Dragon Museum’s world-class Chinese collection. You can also pay a visit to the largest Buddhist temple in the Western World - The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion. Bendigo is perfectly placed for you to explore the historic towns of the Goldfields, visit beautiful heritage buildings, enjoy a romantic weekend amongst the rural landscape and parklands or indulge your cultural side.

Explore more culture and history in Bendigo

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Disclaimer: ++ Status Credits are earned on eligible Qantas, Jetstar, oneworld® member and oneworld connect® airlines only - see the Airline Earning Tables and Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions for details. Status Credits may not be earned on some fare types and booking classes.

Disclaimer: ^∆ Meals, beverages, entertainment offerings vary between flight times.

Disclaimer: + The number of destinations is correct as at 25 January 2024 but is subject to change.

Disclaimer: #You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.