Skip to main content

Places worth discovering

Things to Do

Find attractions, experiences and places to visit. Events remain the best way to see what is happening on a particular date.

Looking for a dated event? Explore Events

258 places

Explore local places

Chancery Lane

Entertainment Venues

Chancery Lane Bendigo

An eclectic mix of food, fashion and art has awakened one of Bendigo’s most endearing laneways. This little charmer was once known as Dispensary Lane in recognition of the busy pharmacy that was once located on the laneway. From here remedies and medications were dispensed to locals for decades. Nowadays, you can find some of Australia’s emerging brands in fashion and cosmetics as you delve into the salons and boutiques that set the pace. Ever changing street art and regular foodie events add to the buzz and Melbourne laneway feel. The lane is a tiny jewel that sparkles to the beat of global wines, boutique beers, coffee aromas and inspired food. This European-style hub has transformed into one of Bendigo’s not to be missed nooks.

Bendigo VIC

0.2 km away

View place
Living Arts Space - Bendigo Visitor Centre
Image credit: City of Greater Bendigo

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Living Arts Space at the Bendigo Visitor Centre

The historic Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887, is now home to the Bendigo Visitor Centre, the Living Arts Space, Uniquely Bendigo and Djaa Djuwima, a dedicated and permanent First Nations Gallery on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Discover and immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience that showcases Bendigo and the region. The award-winning Living Arts Space presents a range of exhibitions and public programs throughout the year showcasing Bendigo and the wider region's contemporary artists and emerging talents for the enjoyment of both visitors and locals alike. The Living Arts Space offers a niche exhibition venue to showcase diverse artworks created by living artists, craftspeople and entrepreneurs from the Bendigo Region. The philosophy behind the Space is to present quality contemporary exhibitions using the magnificent heritage backdrop of the building and to raise awareness of the region’s talented professional and emerging artists, thus building on local stories around creativity and innovation. To differentiate the Living Arts Space further, exhibitors regularly present talks, demonstrations and workshops sharing their knowledge and skills, adding to a vibrant and engaging public programs schedule. The concept is to present a ‘living’ arts space which combines static displays with active programs involving, stimulating and inspiring audiences.

Bendigo VIC

0.2 km away

View place
Best of Bendigo produce, gifts and art
Image credit: City of Greater Bendigo

Shopping and Markets

Uniquely Bendigo

Looking for a quality gift made by someone in Bendigo's community? Uniquely Bendigo is passionate about supporting local people, providing a shop front for more than 75 local artisans, craftspeople, authors, producers and jewellery makers. Specialising in high-quality gifts and hampers, you can choose from beautifully curated packs or create your own by selecting favourites from the wide range. Shop in-store with the option for postal delivery or convenient pick-up from the Bendigo Visitor Centre. With so many wonderful choices, it can be hard to decide - thankfully, gift vouchers are available. And if you need help finding the perfect gift, the friendly team is always happy to assist.

Bendigo VIC

0.2 km away

View place
Bendigo Military Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Bendigo Military Museum

Experience one of Australia's most significant memorial museums, the Bendigo Military Museum, housed within the striking and architecturally iconic Soldiers Memorial Institute. Through world-class displays, the Bendigo Military Museum commemorates the service and experiences of Central Victorians who served in both World War I and World War II, alongside rotating exhibitions that showcase individual stories and unique collections throughout the year. Step inside to explore a world where every artefact tells a heartfelt story. Feel the weight of a soldier's equipment, hear the roar of gunfire in the trenches, read deeply personal letters sent home, and reflect on the sacrifices our local heroes have made on behalf of their communities for more than a century. The Bendigo Military Museum is a powerful place to connect, learn, and reflect together.

Bendigo VIC

0.4 km away

View place
Contemporary art spaces
Image credit: Bendigo Art Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Bendigo Art Gallery - Temporarily Closed

Established in 1887, Bendigo Art Gallery is one of the oldest and largest regional galleries in Australia. Bendigo Art Gallery has developed a reputation for an outstanding national and international exhibition program. Bendigo Art Gallery's collection is extensive and varied. It includes Australian painting, sculpture, ceramics, decorative arts, photography, works on paper from the 19th century to the present day. The Collection also includes important 19th century British and European paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. Some of the highlights of the contemporary collection include works of art by Patricia Piccinini, Bill Henson, Dale Frank, Jan Nelson, Fiona Hall, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Kit Webster and Benjamin Armstrong. Bendigo Art Gallery delivers a dynamic and varied suite of public programs and events alongside significant international and travelling exhibitions, attracting diverse audiences from across Victoria, and from metropolitan Melbourne. Bendigo Art Gallery is currently closed to commence a major redevelopment. While construction is underway, the Gallery's creative program continues across Bendigo, including the 2026 exhibition CURIOSITY: Building Breakthroughs in LEGO® Bricks (3 March–29 November 2026) at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre. Stay tuned for more exhibitions, events and activations throughout the city, and subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive updates directly to your inbox.

Bendigo VIC

0.5 km away

View place
Nautilus - BENDIGO'S MOST IMMERSIVE ESCAPE ROOM

Amusement and Theme Parks

Cryptorium Bendigo

In the heart of Bendigo city, the Cryptorium is a unique space that combines adventure, coffee and socialising - not just an escape room, but an unlocked moment for modern urbanises. After a stressful day at work, or on a special day, the escape rooms and social gathering services offer a chance to escape stress and rekindle passion. Whether you're navigating the machinery of the steampunk-inspired Nautilus submarine or uncovering the chilling secrets hidden within the haunted Blackthorn House, each room features captivating themed environments and is packed with engaging puzzles.

Bendigo VIC

0.5 km away

View place
Exhibition by Scott Redford, Tarquinio Davison Gallery
Image credit: Tarquinio Davison Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Tarquinio Davison Gallery

Tarquinio Davison Gallery is a commercial art gallery exhibiting important Australian and international contemporary art. It was established in Mildura in 2022 and relocated to View Street precinct Bendigo, Victoria. Tarquinio Davison Gallery represents many of Australia's significant indigenous art centres from the desert and top end. The gallery holds monthly exhibitions and participates in major Australian art fairs and occasionally international fairs.

Bendigo VIC

0.8 km away

View place
Science of toys exhibit
Image credit: Discovery Science & Technology Centre

Amusement and Theme Parks

Discovery Science and Technology Centre

The Discovery Science and Technology Centre is uniquely placed to break down barriers to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics participation, providing hands-on learning experiences to inspire curiosity in people of all ages. It is also home to a brand new, state of the art planetarium. A planetarium for Bendigo, by Bendigo. The Discovery Science and Technology Centre features over 100 hands-on exhibits, a 7.5 meter tall vertical slide, and Roary - their 2.5 metre tall and very chatty Tyrannosaurus Rex. For the past 30 years, the centre has given people the opportunity and confidence to be active, engaged citizen scientists and to nurture the next generation of confident, creative thinkers.

Bendigo VIC

0.9 km away

View place
Entrance to Golden Dragon Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Golden Dragon Museum

The Golden Dragon Museum documents, interprets and preserves the Chinese heritage in Australia. It opened in 1991 and is Victoria's first accredited museum. It exhibits a Collection of over 30,000 objects including processional regalia, carved furniture and costumes embroidered with gold bullion thread. Artefacts date as far back as the Shang Dynasty 1600 - 1026 BCE. Experience a living history of the Chinese people in Bendigo, from the gold rush of the 1850s to the present day, at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Australia. Learn about the unbroken 130-year history of Bendigo's famous Imperial Processional Dragons, Loong, Sun Loong and Dai Gum Loong. Located at the entrance to the Museum is a gift shop and restaurant, Emperor's Dragon. Bendigo's Chinese precinct, Dai Gum San, includes the Golden Dragon Museum, the Yi Yuan Gardens and the Guan Yin Temple. Group bookings enjoy discounted entry and insightful educational tours which help bring the Museum to life. Group bookings are required and should be made by contacting the Museum well before the day you plan to visit.

Bendigo VIC

0.9 km away

View place
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Image credit: Jason Taverner

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Sacred Heart Cathedral is one of Australia's largest churches and the second tallest after St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne. It is an exceptionally large church for a provincial city cathedral in Australia and its construction was made possible chiefly through the estate of Henry Backhaus - 1811-1882, a German from Paderborn and the first Catholic priest on the Bendigo goldfields. Backhaus was very skilled in financial matters and accumulated considerable property - not least through encouraging his gold-mining parishioners to contribute some of their findings to the work of the church. Backhaus left his wealth for the benefit of the church and enabled the cathedral, among other things, to be built. Sacred Heart Cathedral is now the principal Church of the Diocese of Sandhurst and the home Church of the Cathedral Parish serving the people of central and north west parts of the city of Bendigo and many visitors to the church and the city.

Bendigo VIC

1.1 km away

View place
Mine Experience Tour
Image credit: Bendigo Heritage

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Central Deborah Gold Mine

At Central Deborah Gold Mine you have the unique opportunity to explore an authentic gold mine that successfully operated during the gold rush boom, extracting 929 kilograms of gold. Don a hard hat to descend 61 metres underground on a guided Mine Experience Tour. Explore the honeycomb of underground tunnels, discover what conditions as a miner were really like, witness traditional mining equipment in action and see gold in its natural state. This 75 minute tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for children aged three years and over. Dominated by a huge 22 metre high poppet head, the surface of the mine is a highlight in itself. Step inside heritage-listed buildings which were essential to the mine’s operation, including the old Blacksmith's Shop, the First Aid Room, Carbide Lamp Room and the impressive Engine Room.

Bendigo VIC

1.4 km away

View place
Vintage Talking Tram in front of Cathedrak
Image credit: Bendigo Tramways

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Bendigo Tramways Vintage Talking Tram

Whether you're in Bendigo for a few days or just have an hour to spare, a Vintage Talking Tram Tour is the quickest way to get your bearings, learn about Bendigo's history and see the city's key landmarks and monuments. You'll be delighted by the wide streetscapes and grand architecture of Bendigo as your tram shares entertaining stories about the city founded on one of the world's richest goldfields. This hop-on, hop-off tour stops throughout the city allowing you to explore many of the parks, attractions, shopping and dining facilities that Bendigo has to offer. Tickets are valid for one day of travel. The current tram timetable is available on the Bendigo Tramways website. You can also experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive one of Bendigo's iconic heritage trams. Sit in the driver's seat, grasp the controls, and let the gentle sway of the tram transport you, not just through Bendigo, but through time itself. Visit their website for more information on the experience and for tickets and bookings.

Bendigo VIC

1.5 km away

View place
Lake Weeroona

Parks and Gardens

Lake Weeroona

Lake Weeroona is the jewel in Bendigo's crown. This beautiful ornamental lake and reserve, set on 18 hectares, was transformed from a dusty mining area in the 1870s. Take a walk around the picturesque lake, enjoy a coffee, a heart warming meal or a delicious homemade gelato. The kids will love the amazing playground and the wide open space to burn off some energy. To make the visit even more exciting, catch a vintage tram from the city centre to the lake.

Bendigo VIC

1.5 km away

View place
Bendigo Joss House Temple

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Bendigo Joss House Temple

At the heritage-listed Bendigo Joss House Temple you can discover more about the Chinese migrants who came to Bendigo in search of gold. The Bendigo Joss House Temple, a Chinese place of worship, was opened in 1871. Standing for over a century, the Bendigo Joss House Temple is one of the few remaining buildings of its type in Australia. It comprises a Caretaker's Residence, Temple and Ancestral Hall. The main temple is dedicated to Guan-Di, the god of war and prosperity. The Chinese saw Guan-Di as a wise judge, guide, protector and provider of wealth and prosperity. Constructed with locally hand-made bricks and painted red - symbolising the traditional Chinese colour denoting happiness, strength and vitality - the Bendigo Joss House Temple is an important part of Bendigo's cultural history. The temple is conveniently located at the Northern terminus of Bendigo's iconic Vintage Talking Tram Tour.

North Bendigo VIC

2.1 km away

View place
Star Cinema in the historic Eaglehawk Town Hall
Image credit: Star Cinema

Entertainment Venues

Star Cinema

Star Cinema offers a unique cinema experience and is Bendigo's only boutique cinema. Star is open seven days a week, screening new releases. They also showcase classic classic films on a Tuesday night. While you gaze at the big screen from your couch, your cinema experience is enhanced with the flavour of Central Victoria in the form of local wine, beer and snacks. Many cinemas offer a homogenised, formulaic film experience. The Star Cinema experience is truly unique. Their patrons will tell you that, once you discover Star Cinema, you will keep coming back. Make Star Cinema one of your must-do experiences while in Central Victoria.

Eaglehawk VIC

5.2 km away

View place
Bendigo Pottery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Bendigo Pottery

Step into the rich history of Bendigo Pottery - Australia's oldest working pottery since 1858. Located in the heart of Bendigo, the historic pottery precinct offers visitors a unique experience where heritage, creativity, and craftsmanship come together. Explore a wide range of high-quality Australian made ceramics at factory prices, from timeless tableware to handcrafted homewares. Visitors can also watch traditional wheel throwing demonstrations and experience pottery making up close. Enjoy hands-on creative experiences including Paint a Piece and Clay Play activities, perfect for families, couples, and groups of all ages. Beyond the pottery itself, discover a charming village of artisans - a vibrant hub of creativity, housing local makers and artists working across a range of mediums from textiles and jewellery to fine art and woodwork. Visitors are invited to explore the artists' spaces, enjoy a friendly chat, watch live demonstrations, and maybe take home a piece that sparks inspiration. Just a few steps away, the Bendigo Pottery Antiques and Collectables Centre offers another kind of discovery, with more than 30 stalls filled with collectables, vintage wares and rare finds waiting to be uncovered. Whether you come to explore, create or simply soak up the heritage, Bendigo Pottery remains a destination where Australia's ceramic tradition comes to life. For further information please visit the website or contact Bendigo Pottery.

Epsom VIC

6.3 km away

View place
Scruffy checking out the range of native plants

Parks and Gardens

Goldfields Revegetation native nursery

Goldfields Revegetation native nursery propagates and sells an extensive range of indigenous and native plants for all of your gardening needs. They specialise in plants indigenous (local) to central and northern Victoria, but are addicted to native plants of all shapes, sizes and locations. Their favourite species are Eremophilas, Grevilleas, Correas, Banksias and Eucalypts. The nursery has many hard-to-find and unusual plants, whether they are a collector's item, a bit fussy to grow, or rare or endangered. They also grow many edible natives, better known as bush foods. The staff are passionate gardeners and native plant enthusiasts, and are available to assist you with all of your garden and landscaping queries including how to start with garden design, attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your garden or gardening with less water. The nursery is surrounded by gardens, and you are welcome to enjoy a stroll through them to see the flowers, form and size of many of the plants, plus the birds and insects that love living here. Spring is the best time, but there is something in flower all year round. You may even find them at an event or two such as the Seymour Alternate Farming Expo, Australian Plant Society (APS) flower/plant shows, Elmore Field Days or the Bolobek Garden Lovers Fair.

Mandurang VIC

7.2 km away

View place
Greater Bendigo State Park
Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Greater Bendigo National Park

This park protects some of the highest quality Box-Ironbark forest in north-central Victoria, along with mallee and grassy woodlands. This is an ideal spot for nature study, birdwatching, bushwalking, picnics, horse riding and camping. The best time to visit is between August and October when colourful wildflowers are abundant. The 60 kilometre Bendigo Bushland Trail goes through part of the park, and the Great Dividing Trail begins here, linking Bendigo, Castlemaine and Ballarat. Things to do - Recreational fossicking is allowed in some areas. Fossickers must hold a current Miners Right. - The park offers a range of opportunities for walking and mountain biking. - Scenic driving, cycling and walking - Most roads in the park are unsealed and suitable for car touring and cycling. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Eaglehawk North VIC

7.7 km away

View place
The Great Stupa Events
Image credit: The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion

Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony with a tour inside the most sacred building in Buddhism. The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion rises from the distinctive bushland of Bendigo, just two hours from Melbourne, at an impressive height of almost 50 metres. It is based on the Great Stupa of Gyantse in Tibet and is being built to last 1000 years. The Great Stupa is run as a not-for-profit organisation that offers a place of peace and harmony for all beings.

Myers Flat VIC

9.4 km away

View place
Werpil Views
Image credit: State Government of Victoria

Natural Attractions

La Larr Ba Gauwa Park

This world-class mountain bike park has 34 kilometres of trails and features breathtaking mountain views and unique rock formations. The Dja Dja Wurrung people are the Traditional Owners of the country where the park is located. La Larr Ba Gauwa means stones and mountain in Dja Dja Wurrung language. La Larr Ba Gauwa Park is in Harcourt, around 1.5 hours drive north of Melbourne. All visitors are welcome at the park, with tracks available for walking and horseriding, however, the mountain bike trails are reserved for riders only. There are 11 exciting cross-country trails in this park. Most are suited to riders with some experience, however there's also a great beginner track for anyone starting out. Make sure you ride to your abilities. There is no potable water on this trail network so please bring your own. Visitors should park in the Harcourt township and walk or cycle the off-road bike path that runs besides Market Street up to the La Larr Ba Gauwa trailhead (approx 4km). For visitors looking to make a weekend of it, Picnic Gully Campground is located within the park and has formalised camping spots, toilets and fire pits to enjoy. Camping here is free. Harcourt Valley has many fantastic places to eat and drink, particularly for cider fans, so make time to stop in for a refreshment.

Harcourt North VIC

27 km away

View place
Mount Alexander Regional Park

National Parks and Reserves

Mount Alexander Regional Park

Rising 350 metres above the surrounding area, Mount Alexander Regional Park is a prominent landmark offering magnificent views and a natural forest setting for picnics and bushwalking. It also provides important habitat for several rare or threatened species. Experience panoramic views of the surrounding area from Dog Rocks and Shepherd's Flat. The West Ridge walking track (four kilometres in length) links all the major lookouts and points of interest in the park. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Harcourt VIC

28 km away

View place
Play golf in this awesome setting! The kookaburras will cheer you on. The kangaroos will hop past.
Image credit: Judy Gleeson

Amusement and Theme Parks

Woop Woop Mini Golf and Sculpture Gardens

Looking for somewhere uniquely Australian, wildly fun, and full of character? Woop Woop is your one-stop destination for a memorable day out. Have a good old laugh while learning the quirks of Aussie slang and culture. Spread over five acres, are more than 100 Aussie Sculptures. Some depict plants, some depict sayings, some are very punny. Woop Woop Mini Golf is their wacky nine-hole mini golf course full of surprises — and that's exactly the point. Some holes go up, some go down, some curve around trees, and most of them seem to have a mind of their own. It's designed so anyone can win, no matter your age or skill level. It's unpredictable, exciting, and seriously fun to play. Expect plenty of laughs, a few lucky shots, and that awesome feeling you get after doing something genuinely enjoyable. You'll leave smiling, laughing, and feeling fulfilled. To make the experience even better, your mini golf entry also includes access to their five acres of sculpture gardens to explore before or after your game. Woop Woop is different by design — not polished and plastic, but playful, creative, a little unexpected. It's the kind of place where you slow down without trying, laugh without thinking, and leave with memories instead of just photos.

Harcourt VIC

28 km away

View place
Lake Eppalock

National Parks and Reserves

Lake Eppalock

Lake Eppalock is perfect for water based activities and family picnics. Constructed on the Campaspe River in the 1960s, this vast lake has always been popular for boating and water recreation. There are so many things you can do at Lake Eppalock, including water-skiing, fishing, boating, swimming, barbecue, picnic and more. Lake Eppalock is an easy 30 to 40 minute drive from Bendigo via the McIvor Highway or Strathfieldsaye Road, and a 15 to 20 minute drive from Heathcote. You can also get there on your bike. Ride along the O'Keefe Rail Trail.

Lake Eppalock VIC

29 km away

View place
Maldon Historic Reserve
Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Maldon Historic Reserve

Located in and around the township of Maldon, the Maldon Historic Reserve protects many relics from the gold mining era - abandoned shafts and tunnels, mullock heaps, quartz roasting kilns, stone walls, chimneys and machinery - as well as the box and ironbark forests. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Maldon VIC

33 km away

View place

What is happening now?

Search dated events, markets, live music, sport and community activities.

Explore Events

Planning by place?

Use Things to Do for attractions and experiences that are not tied to one event date.