Bendigo

Where is it?

Inland, north west of Melbourne.

What is it like?

Built with gold money, Bendigo has resisted the temptation to become just another gold rush heritage town. Despite a significant Chinese population, derived from the gold rush days, lending a unique cultural flavour to the place, there are a few curiosities here you won't see elsewhere.

Gold was first discovered here in 1851 prompting a massive gold rush, the alluvial (surface) deposits were soon cleaned out and the serious mining began, this continued until 1954.
These days, with a population approaching 70,000, Bendigo is still a prosperous place and although tourism is a significant part of the towns income it is a successful place in its own right.

What to see and do.

The architecture, fine old Victorian buildings paid for with gold, are everywhere, check out the cathedrals in Rosalind Park or the buildings lining Pall Mall. The Golden Dragon Museum and Classical Chinese Gardens, apart from an impressive display of historical Chinese processional dragons, shine a light on the influence of the Chinese population on the city's growth. To see dancing dragons in action, be in town for the Easter Fair. The Chinese Joss House is the oldest Chinese temple still in use in the country.

To get a feel for life as a miner visit the Central Deborah Goldmine, this was the last mine in town to close. Take the 2-hour tour to get the full effect of life underground.

Eating, sleeping and drinking.

The substantial student population ensures a lively nightlife. There are many bars, pubs and restaurants to choose from. There are numerous motels but the B&B’s and cottages offer more homely and friendly accommodation.