🪙 Bendigo was once the richest goldfield in the world
When gold was discovered in 1851, people from all over the world rushed to Bendigo hoping to strike it rich. By the late 1800s, Bendigo had produced more gold than anywhere else in the world.
Today you can still explore that history at Central Deborah Gold Mine, where tours take you deep underground into the old mining tunnels.
🐉 Bendigo is home to giant Chinese dragons
One of Bendigo’s most unique claims to fame is its incredible Chinese heritage. During the gold rush, thousands of Chinese miners settled in the region and brought many traditions with them — including Imperial Dragons.
Golden Dragon Museum is home to Dai Gum Loong, the longest Imperial Dragon in the world, along with Sun Loong and Loong, one of the oldest Imperial Dragons still in existence.
If you visit over Easter, you’ll see the famous dragons weaving through the streets during the Bendigo Easter Festival.
🍷 Bendigo is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy
Basically, Bendigo loves food.
The region is packed with local producers, wineries, breweries, cafes and restaurants, earning Bendigo recognition as Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy.
From cellar doors and farmers markets to rooftop bars and paddock-to-plate dining, there’s no shortage of good food and wine around here.
🚋 The trams are over 130 years old
The famous Bendigo Tramways have been operating since 1890 and are one of the city’s most iconic attractions.
They’re not just for show either — hopping aboard is one of the best ways to explore the city centre.
🛕 The biggest Buddhist stupa in the Western world is just outside Bendigo
Yep, really.
Great Stupa of Universal Compassion stands nearly 50 metres high and is one of the most unexpected things you’ll find in regional Victoria.
The site also features prayer wheels, peaceful gardens, a cafe and the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace.
🎨 Bendigo has one of Australia’s best regional art galleries
Bendigo Art Gallery regularly attracts huge exhibitions that bring visitors from all over Australia.
Over the years, exhibitions have featured everyone from Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe to Elvis Presley and British royalty.
🏺 Australia’s oldest working pottery is in Bendigo
Bendigo Pottery has been operating since the 1850s and is famous for its traditional pottery and historic kilns.
You can even try pottery classes and wheel throwing yourself.
🌡 Bendigo gets HOT
Bendigo’s summers are known for being warm and dry, with temperatures sometimes climbing well into the 40s. The hottest temperature ever recorded here was a scorching 45.9C.
Winter, on the other hand, brings crisp mornings, cosy pubs and the occasional frost.
🛍 The Myer department store started in Bendigo
Before it became one of Australia’s biggest retail names, Myer began with Sidney Myer selling goods from a cart on Bendigo’s streets.
Not bad for a small regional town.
🌿 Bendigo has deep First Nations history
The Bendigo region is the traditional land of the Dja Dja Wurrung People, who have cared for Country for tens of thousands of years.
Today, their stories and culture can be experienced through art, walking tours, public installations and the Dja Dja Wurrung Talking Tram.
🎉 Bendigo knows how to put on an event
From the famous Easter Festival to writers festivals, swap meets, food festivals and winter light shows, there’s usually something happening in Bendigo.
The city really comes alive during big events — especially when the dragons come out.
Quick Bendigo Facts
📍 Located around 130km from Melbourne
👥 Population of over 115,000 people
🍇 Home to more than 60 boutique cellar doors across the region
🏛 Known for its grand gold rush architecture
🚂 Once called “Sandhurst” before being renamed Bendigo in 1891
🥟 The Chiko Roll was invented here
🏉 Plenty of AFL stars have come from Bendigo
Whether you’re visiting for the food, history, wine, art or just a weekend getaway, Bendigo is full of surprises.