Why Spring Is the Most Magical Time to Visit Bendigo

Bendigo, two hours north of Melbourne, is a blossoming hub of art, food, wine – and, come springtime, tulips. Read on to discover why you should make this regional town your first adventure after hibernating all winter.

Things to do

One of the town’s biggest drawcards year-round is Bendigo Art Gallery, the largest regional art space in Australia, which houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and more. Till 3 November, the gallery is hosting The School of Paris: Australian Artists Abroad, an exploration of how the French capital shaped the works of 19th- and 20th-century Australian artists. 

If you’re looking to embark on an outdoor adventure, Bendigo’s suite of walking and cycling trails could be the answer. Follow the Heritage Walk through the city centre to admire the town’s historic architecture or hop on two wheels and conquer the popular 49-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail.

Spring is also the season when Bendigo’s calendar is jam-packed with events to suit the whole family. From the middle of September, Bendigo is awash with vivid colour, thanks to more than 43,000 tulips flowering along Pall Mall and the Conservatory Gardens. Now in its 21st year, the annual Tulip Display also lights up each night between 7.30pm and 10pm. Follow the illuminated Bloom After Dark trail of tulip beds along historic Pall Mall.

The Harvest Moon Festival begins on Friday, 27 September and features a diverse celebration of Asian cultures that honour the annual event served alongside an array of delicious food, with an emphasis on Chinese traditions that have been a part of Bendigo since the gold rush of the 19th century. 

Another event that’ll please the whole family is the Vegecareian Festival on 5 October. Held at Bendigo’s mammoth Buddhist monument, The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, the free event gives you the opportunity to sample vegetarian dishes from around the world, watch cooking demonstrations and listen to live music. You can even have your pets blessed by a monk inside the stupa.

What to eat and drink

Bendigo’s reputation as one of the top gourmet destinations in the country is no overestimation – it was designated a UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy in 2019. 

Spring heralds abundant produce including asparagus, apples, beetroot, rhubarb and more. Sample some of the region’s best at award-winning Alium Dining, a modern eatery in the stately Royal Bank Building. The menu changes seasonally but expect punchy dishes such as Jerusalem artichoke nugget with oyster mushroom and malt-fermented ice-cream, confit trout with beetroot puree and dry-aged duck breast with pumpkin and radicchio.

A seven-minute walk away, Treacy Patisserie serves an array of innovative desserts that are almost too pretty to eat. Swing by the artisan space on a Friday or Saturday to sample Chef Daniel Treacy’s mirror-glazed sponge cakes, decadent macarons and more.

There are also dozens of wineries and craft breweries in close proximity, including the legendary Balgownie Estate (the region’s oldest working winery, just 13 minutes from the CBD) and Shiraz Republic’s small-batch offshoot Cornella Brewery, located 45 minutes east in the Heathcote region. 

Time your visit during Bendigo Wine Week. Between 11 October and 19 October, this annual event offers wine tastings in vineyards and cellar doors and finishes with the Heritage and Hidden Spaces Wine Walk around the CBD. If spirits are more your speed, opt to visit Mackenzie Quarters for the Regional Gin Gala on 14 September for unlimited tastings from the likes of Echuca Distillery, Noble Bootleggers and more. Bendigo Beer Week is raising a cold one to 10 years of craft beer events from the 28-31 of August. The final day sees Bendigo On The Hop, the country’s most unique winter beer festival pair some of the city’s finest beer venues with the over 20 independent Australian breweries. 

Where to stay

Located in the oldest bank building in the centre of town, Bendigo Ernest Hotel retains much of its rich 150-year history, including an underground lounge bar and vault, without compromising on contemporary elegance in each of its 10 luxurious suites. Expect designer furnishings, modern amenities and art by Australian artists including Heather B Swann and Robin Wallace-Crabbe on the walls. 

Eight minutes north, take a step back in time with a stay at Langley Hall. The grand Federation-style manor is surrounded by a hectare of sprawling gardens and offers all the charm of a bed-and-breakfast – think antique furniture, grand staircases and stained-glass windows. 

Looking to get away from it all? One of the private villas at The Cellars at Heathcote II – located a 40-minute drive east of Bendigo – is the answer. Select a bottle of wine from your private walk-in stone cellar then head out to the balcony for jaw-dropping views of the vineyard, olive grove and Mount Camel.

SEE ALSO: Why Bendigo is Melbourne’s Best Weekend Away Right Now