Next trip:
Saturday 18 October 2025
Choose the places you want to visit and spend as much time there as you wish. The shuttle will pick up and drop off at no extra cost.
Entry fees to attractions (if any) are not included.
On the way to Bendigo we stop at a beautiful Mineral Springs reserve for complimentary morning tea/coffee & cakes.
Bendigo is a city in Victoria, located in the Bendigo Valley near the geographical centre of the state and approximately 150 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, the state capital.
As of 2019, Bendigo had an urban population of just over 100,000, making it the fourth-most populous city in Victoria.
The discovery of gold on Bendigo Creek in 1851 transformed the area from a sheep station into one of colonial Australia's largest boomtowns. News of the finds intensified the Victorian gold rush, bringing an influx of migrants from around the world, particularly Europe and China. Bendigo became eastern Australia's largest 19th-century gold-mining economy and the wealth generated during this period is reflected today in the city's Victorian architectural heritage. From 1853 until 1891, Bendigo was officially named Sandhurst.
Over the 100-odd year period from 1851 to 1954, the 3,600-hectare area that made up the Bendigo gold field yielded 777 tonnes of gold.
THE GREAT STUPA. Rising from the tranquil bushland near Bendigo, the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion is the largest Buddhist monument in the Western world. Inspired by the Great Stupa of Gyantse in Tibet, this awe-inspiring structure reaches nearly 50 metres high and spans 50 metres wide, built to last for 1,000 years. More than just a spiritual site, the Stupa is a beacon of compassion, welcoming visitors of all backgrounds to explore its serene grounds. Inside, you'll find a remarkable collection of Buddhist relics and sacred art, including the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace—the largest Buddha carved from gem-quality jade in the world. (note: you don't have to visit if you don't wish to).
Historic Trams.
Step aboard a moving time capsule through Bendigo’s golden past.
Since 1890, trams have been part of Bendigo’s streetscape, originally serving as public transport during the city’s gold rush boom. Today, they’ve been lovingly restored and reimagined as the Vintage Talking Trams, offering visitors a narrated journey through Bendigo’s rich heritage.
Central Deborah Gold Mine.
Unearth Bendigo’s glittering past—61 metres underground.
Step into the heart of Victoria’s gold rush at Central Deborah Gold Mine, a heritage-listed site that produced over 929 kilograms of gold between 1939 and 1954. Visitors can descend into a labyrinth of tunnels on a guided Mine Experience Tour, donning hard hats to explore life as a miner beneath the surface.
Above ground, wander through original buildings like the Blacksmith’s Shop, Engine Room, and First Aid Station, all preserved with authentic equipment and stories from the era. It’s a hands-on glimpse into Bendigo’s golden legacy.
Joss House Temple.
A sacred link to Bendigo’s Chinese heritage.
Built in 1871 by Chinese migrants during the gold rush, the Bendigo Joss House Temple is one of the few remaining 19th-century Chinese places of worship in Australia. Painted in auspicious red and crafted from handmade bricks, the temple honours Guan-Di, the god of war and prosperity—a protector and provider in Chinese tradition.
Yi Yuan Gardens (Gardens of Joy)
A tranquil oasis inspired by Beijing’s Imperial Gardens.
Nestled beside Bendigo’s Golden Dragon Museum, the Yi Yuan Gardens offer a serene escape into traditional Chinese landscape design. With winding paths, koi-filled ponds, ornate pavilions, and symbolic stonework, the gardens reflect the harmony and elegance of classical Chinese aesthetics.
Designed as part of Bendigo’s Chinese Precinct, the gardens honour the legacy of Chinese migrants who shaped the city’s gold rush history. Whether you're admiring the tile mosaics, pausing by the fish pond, or reflecting in the shade of the Kuan Yin Temple nearby, Yi Yuan is a place of peace and beauty.
Sacred Heart Cathedral.
A towering testament to Bendigo’s faith and fortune.
One of the largest churches in Australia and the second tallest after Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral, Sacred Heart Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Built from local sandstone, the cathedral reflects the city’s gold rush prosperity and spiritual heritage.
With its soaring spires, stained glass windows, and ornate stonework, the cathedral offers visitors a moment of awe and reflection. Inside, the grandeur of vaulted ceilings and carved detailing creates a serene space for contemplation, prayer, or simply admiring the craftsmanship.
Links to sites: The Great Stupa , Joss House Temple , Golden Dragon Museum , Sacred Heart Cathedral , Central Deborah GOLD MINE , Bendigo Pottery , Bendigo Historic Trams
CONVENIENT PICKUP LOCATIONS
8:35am 1st Pickup -
FEDERATION SQUARE - Cnr Flinders & Russell Streets Bus pickup zone
8:45am 2nd Pickup- bus stop at
361 QUEEN St cnr A'Beckett St (Queen Victoria Market end)
8:55am 3rd Pickup -FOOTSCRAY STATION South entrance Cnr Hyde & Bunbury Streets
Shuttle bus leaves Bendigo back to Melbourne at 4:00pm (approx)
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