DESTINATION: Bendigo

This elegant, old city is located in the geographic centre of Victoria. Its character and streetscapes were created during the gold boom years of the 1850s to 1870s, when the local goldfield was one of the world's richest. Less than a 2hr drive from Melbourne, Bendigo is a popular tourist destination surrounded by vineyards and wineries.

Main Attractions

Bendigo Pottery established in 1858, is Australia's oldest operating pottery and a major attraction. The centre also features a pottery museum. The Heritage Walk along the main street, Pall Mall, passes grand buildings, including the Post Office and Law Courts, Alexandra Fountain (1881), the Beehive Store building (1872) and Shamrock Hotel (1897). An impressive collection of Australian and European art is displayed at the recently refurbished Bendigo Art Gallery in View St. The Golden Dragon Museum, located in the city centre, displays Chinese ceremonial regalia and 2 famous imperial dragons: Sun Loong and Loong. Other good small attractions include Wycheproof Boomerangs and Confectionery Capers.

Nearby attractions

Wineries surrounding the town are open for tastings and cellar door sales. The information centre has maps for self-guided Goldfields' tours. The Chinese Joss House, about 3km north at Emu Point, was built by Chinese miners and has been refurbished and classified by the National Trust. Whipstick SP, 21km north, has a eucalyptus distillery and designated picnic and camping areas.

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Region: Goldfields

Panning for Gold at Castlemaine, Victoria

by admin

Victorian Goldfields. Main attractions include: The historic townships of Ararat, Ballarat, Bendigo, Clunes and Castlemaine, Ballarat Wildlife Park, Buda Historic Home and Gardens, Gold Fossicking, Prospecting, Victoria's Mining History and the Golden Dragon Museum. more

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Tourist info

Pall Mall, (old Post Office), Ph: (03) 5444 4445

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