Welcome to Bendigo

BENDIGO

Bendigo

Blending vibrant cosmopolitan culture with a richly woven history, Bendigo offers grand prospects for uncovering the alluring attractions it has.

One of the top four largest cities in Victoria, Bendigo combines an innovative flair with a diverse and opulent character.

Built upon the most prolific goldfields in the state, Bendigo has retained many grand monuments that are reflective of the gold rush times, whilst keeping up with contemporary trends of the current day.

Here you will admire the ornate buildings, stroll down sweeping boulevards and explore a rich network of laneways filled with an eclectic range of shops, cafés and restaurants. Situated in a fertile valley, surrounded entirely by natural bushland, the area was settled in 1851. Originally known as Bendigo’s Creek, it was proclaimed a municipality in 1855,

then a borough in 1863 and, finally, a city in 1871. The city was officially known as Sandhurst but the name Bendigo was restored in 1891 as a result of a polling vote.

Stunning architecture and manicured gardens are all symbolic of Bendigo, and one of its most elegant streets is Pall Mall in the city centre. At its southern end stands the grand Alexandra Fountain. Further along Pall Mall you’ll discover the elaborate old post office which houses the Bendigo Visitor Centre. Wander inside where friendly staff can help you plan your visit.

Enjoy your time in Bendigo!

Bendigo Art Gallery, Credit: Tourism Australia

Most Memorable Precincts

CHANCERY LANE

This endearing little laneway is not to be missed. With an eclectic blend of fun, food and fashion, Chancery Lane is a feast for the senses. Go for what grabs you, whether it be global wines, coffee aromas or gourmet foods. Stand out from the crowds in the latest boutique look, pampered for choice by emerging designer brands, cosmetics and giftware.

HIGH STREET

Rising from the shadow of the iconic Sacred Heart Cathedral, High Street is fast becoming the home to furnish your empire.

From an emerging design precinct for homemakers to a hotbed of international cuisines to keep you nourished, High Street is developing into a recognisable city precinct.

HARGREAVES MALL & WILLIAMSON STREET

Shaped by a history of passionate characters, this central precinct is a testament to Australia’s ‘can do’ spirit. Sidney Myer made his humble beginnings with a barrow of goods before setting up the first Myer department store, which operates to this day surrounded by other great shops. Williamson Street offers you specialty stores that have everything to help create that cosy home environment, from fashionable homewares to rugs, furnishings and appliances.

LYTTLETON TERRACE & QUEEN STREET

Local produce shines especially in this precinct. If you enjoy healthy food, fresh organic produce, a hidden grassroots garden bar and great coffee, you’ll be pleased with what you find here. Casual, day-time cafés know just how to satisfy you for brekkie and lunch and anything in between.

MITCHELL STREET

Jam-packed with a gourmet delicatessen, seasonal fruits and freshly brewed coffee, Mitchell Street will attract a strong following of foodies. Bendigo’s experts make sure you are served unsurpassed quality every time. Established during the gold rush, Australia’s oldest Chinese restaurants sit on Mitchell Street.

BATH LANE

In the heart of Bendigo, Bath Lane is the epitome of village life. The Bendigo Bank complex with its contemporary design incorporates funky new spaces and walkways. Café seating spills out onto the sidewalk, providing the perfect setting for a lazy lunch. Serious shoppers and coffee lovers, alike, will find just what they’re looking for here as they soak up the lively ambience.

Distinctive laneways and arcades weave their way through Bendigo’s heart, each one pulsing with its own energy and character.

Chancery Lane, Credit: Visit Victoria

Hargreaves Mall Pedestrian Street

Sacred Heart Cathedral on High Street

Tramways along Mitchell Street

Bendigo Art Gallery, Credit: Visit Victoria

Visiting View Street

View Street is home to the Bendigo Art Gallery founded in 1887. One of Australia’s most reputed galleries, Bendigo Art Gallery holds an extensive collection with an emphasis on 19th century European art. Also on offer is a large range of Australian art including historical pieces alongside a striking collection of contemporary works. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, visitors can come and browse at their leisure. A nominal fee is required for entry. For more information, visit www.bendigoartgallery.com.au

View Street originally formed one side of the perimeter of the Commissioner’s camp in the 1800s. The camp was a seventy acre site that was protected by police due to the unrest between them and the prospectors, who were harangued continuously over the presence of the miner’s licencing documents. A far call from its dubiously dangerous beginnings, these days View Street is the perfect place to poke through second hand stores, stop for a coffee and soak up the ambience.

If you love performance art, then go no further than ‘The Capital’, Bendigo’s Performing Arts Centre, and Ulumbarra Theatre. An all-year-round calendar of theatre, comedy, musical theatre, circus, opera, fine music, dance and children’s theatre will captivate audiences alike.

After a shopping spree among the many boutique fashion, homewares and specialty stores offering local and imported items, View Street also hosts many café and fine dining experiences which will leave a taste in your mouth you’re sure to rave about.

Bendigo Art Gallery, Credit: Tourism Australia

Bendigo Art Gallery, Credit: Tourism Australia

Bendigo Art Gallery, Credit: Rob Blackburn / Visit Victoria

A visit to View Street, the centre of the arts precinct, takes you to the heart of Bendigo’s cultural hub offering a fantastic opportunity to appreciate a wide variety of arts.

A Glimmering History

A magnificent Gold Rush put Bendigo on the map more than 150 years ago. Since then, Bendigo has been the second highest producing goldfield in Australia and remains the seventh largest in the world, with a reputation as a city of unparalleled opulence and grandeur.

Throughout this dynamic cosmopolitan centre are striking examples of architecture, none more ornate than the Bendigo Town Hall. Featuring elaborate plasterwork, extensive hand painted decoration and delicate gold leafing, the building is a beautiful monument to the glory of Bendigo’s golden era.

Be sure to check out the magnificent structure that is Bendigo’s Sacred Heart Cathedral. Built in 1896, the church is the largest Gothic cathedral in the southern hemisphere.

Rosalind Park features a lookout tower, which offers impressive views across Bendigo. An engaging children’s playground within the park is the perfect place for families to enjoy some light entertainment.

AUTHENTIC HISTORICAL EXPERIENCES

For a hands-on experience, try the Central Deborah Gold Mine located at 76 Violet Street. Go deep underground and get a taste for deep reef mining.

A Vintage Talking Tram tour is also run from the Central Deborah Gold Mine and provides a fascinating insight into Bendigo’s golden past for kids and grown-ups, alike. To wind your way through Bendigo’s heritage streets, call 5442 2821 for more information.

Other attractions include the Golden Dragon Museum and Bendigo Joss House Temple, both of which are a tribute to the city’s long history of Chinese settlement and culture.

Tower of Central Deborah Gold Mine

Bendigo Tramways, Credit: Tourism Australia

Rosalind Park, Bendigo

Established in Bendigo in 1993, the Malayan Orchid is an Asian fusion restaurant combining Chinese & Malaysian cuisine with a contemporary twist. We offer a very extensive wine list alongside some delicious cocktails. We pride ourselves on exceptional, friendly & fast service and of course, delicious food!

For intimate dining, a business function or takeaway; remember the Malayan Orchid Restaurant.

Monday to Saturday 5pm-10pm. Closed on Sundays. Lunch group bookings by appointment only.

Bookings & Takeaway: Phone 5442 4411 www.malayanorchid.com

Discover the Festive Centre

Every year, Bendigo hosts a series of vibrant festivals, all of which make the most of Bendigo’s superb heritage architecture and streetscapes.

Tens of thousands of people of all ages converge on Bendigo each year for the Bendigo Easter Festival – an event that highlights the rich Chinese heritage of the region by presenting Sun Loong, the world’s longest imperial Chinese dragon.

Since 1871, the street procession has taken place featuring the Chinese community. Today the procession is energetic, exciting and dazzling as Sun Loong weaves his way through the historic Bendigo streets. Sun Loong stretches his legs in this yearly outing surrounded by smaller dragons, firecrackers and colourful Chinese regalia. Both Loong and Sun Loong are housed at the Golden Dragon Museum on Bridge Street as part of the internationally significant collection.

Sporting events in world-class facilities, like the Bendigo International Madison, are also favourites here in Bendigo.

Food and wine events have developed as a perfect opportunity to showcase the quality produce of this region, with Bendigo Heritage Uncorked and Heathcote Wine and Food Festival two of the highlights.

Art, collectables, farming, music, fashion and horse racing are just a few of the other event themes in a typical year in actionpacked Bendigo.

Sun Loong Dragon at the Bendigo Easter Parade

Traditional Chinese performers at the Bendigo Easter Festival

Bendigo Art Gallery, Credit: Rob Blackburn / Visit Victoria

JANUARY

Red Hot Summer Tour

Chinese New Year

FEBRUARY

Red Hot Summer Tour

Chamber Music Festival

MARCH

Scots Day Out

Regional World’s Longest Lunch

Bendigo Ford Fun Run

Bendigo International Madison

Bendigo Craft Beer & Cider Festival

APRIL

Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival

Bendigo Easter Festival

The O’Keefe Challenge Marathon

Bendigo Van Nationals

Groovin the Moo Festival

MAY

Bendigo Writers Festival

JUNE

Illumin8 Festival of Light & Peace at The Great Stupa

Heathcote on Show

JULY

Bendigo Festival of Lamb

Ba rrel Wine Tasting Weekend

Australian Sheep & Wool Show

Bendigo Queer Film Festival

The Women of Wool Luncheon

AUGUST

Bendigo on the Hop Beer Festival

SEPTEMBER

Chinese Harvest Moon Festival

Eaglehawk Dahlia & Arts Festival

Bendigo Annual Tulip Display

OCTOBER

Zinda Festival

Bendigo Annual Tulip Display

Bendigo Heritage Uncorked

Sanguine Estate Music Festival

Heathcote Wine & Food Festival

Bendigo Agricultural Show

Apiam Bendigo Cup

Oktoberfest at Tooborac Hotel & Brewery

NOVEMBER

Melbourne Cup

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival – Bendigo

Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival

Traditional Arts Fair

Spring Fling 2 Mini Fest

Spring Wine Fiesta

Regional Gin Gala

Bendigo National Swap Meet

DECEMBER

Red Hot Summer Tour

Carols By Candlelight

For the most up to date Calendar of Events and dates, go to www.bendigotourism.com

Credit: Visit Victoria

ESSENTIAL

Services

Markets

Bendigo Community Farmers Market

Second Saturday of each month, 9am to 1pm, Bendigo Pony Club, Golden Square

Bendigo Showgrounds Market

Every Sunday (except major events weekends), 8.30am to 2pm, Bendigo Showgrounds, Holmes Road

Castlemaine Artist’s Market

Fourth Sunday of each month, 10am – 3pm Western Reserve, Castlemaine

Castlemaine Farmers Market

First Sunday of each month, 9am – 1pm Western Reserve, Castlemaine

Castlemaine Farmers Market (Weekly Market)

Every

from 2.30pm – 5.30pm

Maldon Market

Second Sunday of each month, 9am – 1.30pm

Cnr Church and Edwards St, Maldon

Moonlight Market Bendigo

Once a month on Saturdays, Sept-April, 5pm – 9pm

Hargreaves Mall, Bendigo

Trove Makers’ Market

Third Sunday of each month (except Jan, Jun, Jul, Aug), 9am - 2.30pm, The Good Loaf Bakery & Cafe, Bendigo

BATMAN GROUP