bendigo

The name Bendigo is synonymous with gold in Australia. The name actually comes from the nickname of a bare knuckle prize fighter. Not a very high toned name for a city which was destined to become one of the great gold mining centres of the world.

On our one day tour of this beautiful city you will have the opportunity to go 61 metres underground to level 2 of the Central Deborah Mine. The gold mine continues down to 410 metres. Imagine putting both towers of the Rialto Building on top of each other, that's how deep the gold mine is.

Another treat in Bendigo is the Vintage "Talking Tram" ride which is a unique introduction to Bendigo and its history. We suggest a choice of the top ten golden ideas for your consideration, and these are as follows:-

1 Central Deborah Mine Tour
The best underground tour in Australia. See how gold used to be mined, how it is mined today and you'll be able to see real gold in the quartz reef of the mine's tunnels.

2 The Vintage Talking Tram
Take a journey through Bendigo's past on the Vintage Talking Tram. You will travel at 100 years an hour.

3 Bendigo Wineries
Unique boutique wineries, distinctive regional wines. Take the opportunity to sample and purchase some before returning home.

4 Discovery Science & Technology Centre
Absolute hands on fun for everybody! Hear your blood, be a TV newsreader, or see how your head looks on a platter of fruit. Science was never like this at school.

5 Bendigo Art Gallery
Original works from the gold rush days and a large collection of paintings from the colonial period, including Tom Roberts and Arthur Streeton, as well as a diverse collection of Australian, Contemporary and European Art.

6 The Golden Dragon Museum
Tourism award winning museum. Chinese heritage is an exciting and integral part of Bendigo's history. See Sun Loong, the longest imperial dragon in the world, and visit the joss house, the oldest in use in Australia.

7 The Shamrock Hotel
The spirit of Bendigo. A truly spectacular example of boom style architecture with an Australian flavour. Imagine the yarns that have been traded across the bar at the Shamrock as you quench a thirst.

8 Bendigo Pottery
Established in 1858, it is Australia's most famous working pottery. See historic kilns classified by the National Trust, the art of hand potting and the opportunity to purchase items at factory prices.

9 Rosalind Park & The Cascade
Outdoor lovers can enjoy a walk in this truly magnificent park. The Cascade is a three part waterfall originally constructed by mining pioneer George Lansell. It was uncovered recently through an archaeological dig and has been restored to its original beauty.

10 Lake Eppalock
Lake Eppalock is only 25 minutes from Bendigo. Famous for its fishing, boating, swimming and water skiing.

These are some of the opportunities available when you take our tour to Bendigo. You have only to tell us what you wish to see and we will do the rest. Remember we tailor the tour to suit you.