A Local’s Guide To Eating, Drinking And Hanging Out In Bendigo
You can easily spend a weekend hopping between the restaurants, bars and entertainment of Bendigo, and still barely scratch the surface. Sure, its opulent gold rush past still shines bright (it was, after all, the richest city in the world back in the 1880s). But this regional gem has seriously diversified its portfolio when it comes to the everyday pleasures.
While still a hub for the history buffs, it’s also a thriving, colourful and cultural epicentre well worth a visit for more than just its past. Now the fourth most populous city in Victoria, it’s still packed with good old fashioned regional charm alongside a seriously impressive food scene, a buzzing creative community, and enough lush green spaces for a solid serotonin boost.
Bendigo At A Glance:
If you’re on the hunt for a weekend escape that’s less than a two hour drive from Melbourne with plenty to do, explore, eat and drink, then set your sights on Bendigo.
Things To Do In Bendigo
While there's plenty to see and do in Bendigo and surrounds, if you’re just in town for a night or two, here are the highlights you should add to your agenda.
Stroll Through The Laneways
Bendigo CBD
If you ask us, one of the best ways to explore a town is in manual mode (aka on your feet). There are some undeniably charming streets to cast your eyes on in Bendigo, and a good chance you’d miss some of them when cruising in a car.
View Street is home to the arts precinct, so if you fancy a cultural intake, this is where you’ll find it. This street is home to the Bendigo Art Gallery (currently closed for renos, but keep it on your radar). Chancery Lane is a winner for fashion boutiques, salons, street art and culinary delights. Bath Lane is another absolute cutie with sculptures, massive murals, an open-air gallery and other art installations. All these delightful streets are within short walking distance, so meander around and take it all in.
Take A Ride On The Vintage Talking Tram
Various Stops
Image: Vintage Talking Tram Bendigo | Tourism Australia
That’s right, Melbourne’s not the only place you’ll find working trams in Victoria. While obviously nowhere near as expansive as Melbourne’s network, it is the largest tourist tramway in Australia (!) and gives you a serious tour of the town. The restored vintage tram is a fun way to see the landmarks and learn about Bendigo’s history. It’s somewhat akin to the cute historial 35 tram in Melbourne. Even if you don’t opt for a ride, it’s a novel and quintessential part of visiting Bendigo to see this tram gliding through town.
If you’re so inclined, try to align your visit to Bendigo with the Blues Tram. It’s run by the Bendigo Blues & Roots Festival and features different performers every month. Frosty beer and a selection of wine are on offer to make this possibly one of the most entertaining tram rides imaginable.
Catch A Film At Star Cinema
Eaglehawk Town Hall, Eaglehawk
Star Cinema is a contender for the most beautiful cinema in the country. Located in the Bendigo suburb of Eaglehawk’s old town hall, it gives elegant old school vibes rather than modern cinema - which is exactly what there is to love about it. Think checkered marble flooring, red curtains and gorgeous white cornices. You’re not crammed in either - book a spacious couch or even a seat on the balcony.
This boutique cinema features independent films and has a packed cultural calendar with the likes of a French Film Festival, Big Bike Film Night and even their very own Eaglehawk Film Festival. The bevvies include tipples produced by local brewers and winemakers, and in true cinema fashion you can get your hands on a choc top and other sweet treats.
Explore The Parks & Gardens
Various Locations
Image: Rosalind Park | Supplied
Bendigo has no shortage of frankly gorgeous green spaces for you to visit. Rosalind Park is a 60-acre large parkland with lush greenery, vibrant floral displays, a cathedral, and a viewpoint with stunning views of the park called Poppet Head Lookout Tower. While you’re there make sure to get a pic in front of the Bendigo sign, for the ‘gram.
A 20 minute walk away you’ll find Lake Weeroona. Pack a picnic rug and a bottle of local wine (or two) and settle in for a relaxing afternoon by the lake. It’s an additional 20 minute walk along the boardwalk if you fancy a peruse and a stretch of the legs.
Discover Bendigo's Chinese Heritage
Golden Dragon Museum, Bendigo
Image: Golden Dragon Museum | website
Chinese diaspora have played a huge role in shaping the culture of Bendigo and wider Victoria, from the days of the Gold Rush. Opened in 1991, the award-winning Golden Dragon Museum charts the history of Chinese culture in the region up to the present day, with textiles, artefacts and intriguing stories. They also host temporary exhibitions, talks and regular mahjong nights. Take a guided tour or just stroll through at your own pace. Grab some lunch in the museum restaurant, and be sure to check out the Buddhist temple and the Yi Yuan Gardens (Garden of Joy), based on the design of the Imperial Palace in Beijing.
Where To Eat In Bendigo
Bendigo more than lives up to its name as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. You could easily spend your visit to Bendigo simply doing a tour for the tastebuds. From brunch spots to dinner date locations, Bendigo leaves nothing to be desired and gives some Melbourne restaurants a run for their money. Here are some of the best restaurants Bendigo has to offer.
Bayleaf Foodstore
102 Mitchell Street, Bendigo
Image: Bayleaf Foodstore | Instagram
The Bayleaf Foodstore is all your Greek cafe dreams come true. From brunch favourites like eggs Benedict and dukkah eggs to Greek classics like a souvlaki plate and mousaka. The spetsofai is an absolute favourite consisting of Greek pork sausage with red pepper, tomato ragu and a poached egg on sourdough.
On the beverage side of things, you’ll find all the usual cafe culprits as well as the Greek-inspired freddo cappuccino and freddo espresso. Seriously, yum. In need of a sweet treat to finish things off? Go for the kourabiedes or baklava with a side of ice cream. For grab-and-go and baked goodies, check out the deli section too.
Terrae Restaurant and Bar
10 View Street, Bendigo
Image: Terrae | Instagram
Terrae is getting a lot of buzz, and it's not just for the swish fitout. This day-to-night eatery sits within one of Bendigo's heritage bank buildings, serving Euro-leaning dishes that aren't tied to tradition. Terrae means “earth”, and everything here is about honouring the land: seasonality, sustainability and keeping things as local as possible - including their own kitchen garden. When asparagus springs up, it might become a handmade casarecce with lemon, cultured cream, pecorino peppato and other greens. Beetroot fresh from the soil is salt-baked and served with bay leaf aioli, smoked ricotta, mint and candied walnuts. Fig trees budding? Time for fig leaf Panna Cotta with shortbread, poached pear, and honey gelato. Even the wine list focuses super local, with most bottles hailing from nearby in Central Vic.
Alium Dining
17 View Point, Bendigo
Image: Alium Dining | Instagram
Like all good things, Alium is made to be shared. Not that you’ll need convincing to bring your crew to this sun-filled, cheerful spot. Order a round of oysters for the table, a few pork tostadas with mojo de ajo, some Jerusalem artichoke with burrata and mandarin caramel (probably a good idea to grab some house-made bread too!) and share deliciously charred octopus with burnt apple ketchup. If that sweet tooth needs satisfaction, one of their unique desserts like Jasmine rice, sourdough ice cream and creme anglaise should do the trick, or just finish with a drinkable treat: Bailey's X Terry's, like a boozy chocolate orange.
Nem Viet
79 Mitchell Street, Bendigo
You might not expect to find top-tier authentic Vietnamese food in B-town but this unassuming restaurant will surprise you. The pho is aromatic and perfectly balanced. The cabbage salad is crunchy, fresh and flavourful. The spring rolls are, simply put, damn good. But the options at Nem Viet are plentiful so peruse the menu and pick out your favourite dishes plus maybe a couple of new ones. Do yourself a favour and order a lychee iced tea or classic Vietnamese iced coffee.
Ghosty's Diner
35 View Street, Bendigo
Image: Ghosty's Diner Bendigo | Supplied
This retro all-day diner will have you wanting to sit by the bar ordering consecutive vanilla milkshakes. With an uncomplicated but finger-lickingly good menu, you have some stunning choices at hand. The grilled cheese toasties are a hit, all of which feature Ghosty Diner’s famous three cheese blend between two slices of fresh sourdough with additional filling options like ham, tomato and dijon or spicy maple bacon. Fried chicken (or popcorn cauliflower for the meat averse) is another favourite with your optional choice of glaze: lemon pepper, spicy maple, buffalo or nashville.
Open ‘til late, it’s not all milkshakes and fries. The cocktails are delish, with weekend specials like the spicy mango margarita that will leave you wanting to come back again and again.
Where To Stay In Bendigo
There’s no doubt your accommodation can make or break your trip, but it also determines the vibe. Whether you’re after historic and theatrical or modern and cosy or something else entirely, there’s stacks of accommodation in Bendigo. These are some of our top options for a comfy stay:
Bendigo Lodges
122 King Street, Bendigo
Image: Bendigo Lodges | Supplied
These aesthetically gorgeous and modern lodges are the cherry on the cake of your visit to Bendigo. Walking distance to all the main local attractions and plenty of restaurants, the Bendigo Lodges are close to everything you need while still giving off peaceful retreat energy. The fireplaces and beautiful gardens guarantee that no matter what time of year you visit you’ll be cosy and content. There’s even an electric vehicle charging station for the EV drivers out there.
Mercure Bendigo Schaller
60 Lucan Street, Bendigo
Image: Mercure Bendigo Schaller | Supplied
Sometimes a tried and true hotel is all you need, especially when it has a colourful twist like this one. The Mercure Bendigo Schaller is an art-inspired hotel named after famous Australian artist Mark Schaller. Each room has a private balcony, coffee machine, mini-bar filled with local produce and of course, an original Mark Schaller artwork. The hotel moonlights as a creative hub with art classes, art tours and art utensils available during your stay. Close to Lake Weeroona, you’re a hop, skip and a jump from all sights Bendigo has to offer.
Grandview Apartment
159A View Street, Bendigo
Image: Grandview Apartments Bendigo | Supplied
This centrally-located Bendigo accommodation is a guest favourite on Airbnb and for good reason. Keeping in tone with the town itself, Grandview Apartment is historically rich. Think red velvet furnishings, decadent gold fittings and a private reading room. It’s theatrical, and you might just feel like royalty. The balcony looks out over the Bendigo Arts precinct and surrounding greenery, to further cement the royal feels. Being in the Arts district, you’re in a truly prime location, just a short stumble from the best restaurants and bars Bendigo has to offer.
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