Things to do in Bendigo
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Central Deborah Goldmine
The 500m-deep Central Deborah Goldmine, worked on 17 levels, became operational in the 1940s and was connected with two Deborah shafts that date back to the 1860s. About one tonne of gold was removed before it closed in 1954. The mine is one of Bendigo’s major tourist attractions, with exhibits and photographs from the mid-1800s onwards. After donning hard hats and lights, you’re taken 61m down the shaft to inspect the ongoing operations, complete with drilling demonstrations. There’s a combined ticket (adult/child $34/18.50) for the mine tour plus a ride on the Talking Tram.
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Golden Dragon Museum & Chinese Gardens
Bendigo’s proud Chinese heritage can be explored at the wonderful Golden Dragon Museum & Chinese Gardens. Two enormous processional dragons, Old Loong (the world’s oldest) and Sun Loong (the world’s longest), reside here. Old Loong arrived in 1892 for the annual Bendigo Easter Festival, and Sun Loong took over in 1970 when Old Loong retired. The museum traces the involvement of the Chinese community in the development of Bendigo. Across the road are the pretty ornamental Chinese gardens and there’s a tearoom serving light meals and yum cha.
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Bendigo Talking Tram
Bendigo’s tram system was closed down in 1972, but Bendigo residents took direct action and resuscitated the trams, which now run as a tourist feature. The Bendigo Talking Tram runs with a commentary from the Central Deborah Goldmine, through the centre of the city, out to the Tramways Museum and on to the Chinese Joss House. It leaves the mine every half hour, or five minutes later from Alexandra fountain in Charing Cross.
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Rosalind Park
In the city centre, this lovely green space has lawns, big old trees, fernery and the fabulous Cascades Fountain, which was excavated after being buried for 120 years. Climb to the top of the lookout tower for sensational 360-degree views or wander through the Conservatory Gardens.
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Bendigo Pottery
Australia's oldest pottery works, the Bendigo Pottery was founded in 1857 and is classified by the National Trust. The historic kilns are still used; watch potters at work, admire the gorgeous ceramic pieces or throw a pot yourself (half-/full day $12/18). The attached museum (adult/child $8/4) tells the story of pottery through the ages. It's 7km northeast of the centre.
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Bendigo Art Gallery
One of Victoria's finest regional galleries, the permanent collection here includes outstanding colonial and contemporary Australian art, such as work by Charles Blackman, Fred Williams, Rupert Bunny and Lloyd Rees; the annual temporary exhibitions are cutting edge. The Gallery Café overlooks Rosalind Park.
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GPO
The food and atmosphere here is superb and rated highly by locals. Confit pork belly and roasted kingfish grace the Mediterranean menu, or go for the innovative pizzas and pasta or tapas plates.
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Sacred Heart Cathedral
You can't miss the soaring steeple of this wonderful cathedral. Inside, beneath the high vaulted ceiling, there's a magnificently carved bishop's chair, some beautiful stained-glass windows, and wooden angels jutting out of the ceiling arches.
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Confectionery Capers
It’s fun, fun, fun at Confectionery Capers. No lollies here (8km southeast of town), just an amazing display of whirls, whizzes and word plays: Barbie dolls in a line? A tree in a toilet? You have to go there for it all to make sense…
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Ironbark Riding Centre
About 4km north of the town centre is the Ironbark Complex where the Ironbark Riding Centre organises various horse rides including the Great Australian Pub Ride to Allies Hotel in Myers Flat (with lunch $75)
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Whirrakee Restaurant & Wine Bar
In one of Bendigo’s historic buildings with a view to Alexandra fountain, the French-influenced menu features Wagyu beef and tortellini of blue swimmer crab. Downstairs there’s a small wine bar with cosy sofas.
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Piyawat Thai
Tucked away in a cosy house a couple of blocks south of the centre, this authentic Thai restaurant serves fabulously fragrant curries, noodles and Thai stir-fries at affordable prices.
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Capital Theatre
In the beautifully restored Capital Theatre, this is the main venue for the performing arts, with hundreds of performances and exhibitions each year.
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Goldfields Historic Chinese Cemetery
The Goldfields Historic Chinese Cemetery is the oldest and most significant of its kind in Australia, with a prayer oven where paper money for the spirits of the dead was burnt.
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Bendigo Gold World
Located in the Ironbark complex is Bendigo Gold World, which operates fossicking and detecting tours (per half-day $150) into the bush, and hires out prospecting equipment.
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Barzurk
A trendy but casual streetside cafe-bar with pressed-tin ceilings and a courtyard out the back. The menu includes Thai, pasta, risotto and gourmet pizza.
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White Hills Botanic Gardens
Just 2km north of town, the gardens feature many exotic and rare plant species, a small fauna park, aviary, and barbecue facilities.
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Pugg Mahones
Holding court on the corner of Bendigo’s very short club strip, the Guinness flows freely at Puggs. Great atmosphere, beer garden and live music Thursday to Saturday.
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Toi Shan
For cheap and cheerful Chinese, Toi Shan has been around since the gold rush and you can fill up with the lunchtime smorgasbord.
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Ironbark Horse Trail Rides
Ironbark Horse Trail Rides organises various horse rides including the Great Australian Pub Ride to Allies Hotel in Myers Flat (with lunch $85).
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Discovery Science & Technology Centre
The huge Discovery Science & Technology Centre has a wide range of interesting and educational exhibits, including a planetarium.
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Capital
In the beautifully restored Capital Theatre, this is the main venue for the performing arts, with hundreds of performances and exhibitions each year.
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Bendigo Water World
At the Ironbark Complex, the aquatic fun at Bendigo Water World includes a giant slide that zaps you into a pool.
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Bendigo Ninesevensix
Every Saturday night a 1952 Melbourne W-class tram becomes a rolling restaurant, with a set menu including four courses and free drinks – a great way to see the city.
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Chinese Joss House
Painted red, the traditional colour for strength, this is the only remaining practising joss house in central Victoria. It's 2km northwest of the centre.
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