The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Greater Bendigo, Victoria

Our Summer tour schedule is available until Jan 31, 2020. **Please note tour times rotate on a daily basis, between 9.30am and 4.00pm. You can view tours times for specific dates via our website. Join Jill and Pete for their outdoor, guided walking tour through Bendigo’s historic centre and distinctive boom-style architecture. We describe how gold and mass migration transformed a sleepy sheep run and the land of the Dja Dja Wurrung into the world's richest city of the 1880s. We recall people, events and unprecedented wealth that built ‘Marvellous Melbourne’ shaping a new nation. We ponder Bendigo's leading role in campaigns for democracy, votes for women, unionism, and Federation. From radicals to royalty, larrikins to leaders, enjoy the quirky, remarkable, often forgotten stories of Bendigo. Government regulations are in place for your safety.

At Central Deborah Gold Mine you will discover more about Bendigo's golden past at a real gold mine that operated during the gold rush boom of the 1900s. Experience what conditions were really like for miners as you are guided through hidden underground tunnels by friendly and knowledgeable guides. Descending to the depths of Bendigo, gold fever strikes visitors on the famous Mine Experience Tour (61m underground), the exciting Underground Adventure Tour (85m underground) and Australia's deepest underground mine tour, Nine Levels of Darkness (228m underground).

Sit back, relax and let your tram do all of the talking. Be delighted by the remarkable sights and sounds of Bendigo as your tram shares entertaining stories about the golden past of 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. Hop off at Tram Stop No. 3 to explore Australia's oldest operating Tram Depot. You will discover the colourful history of our iconic tram fleet and see first-hand the craftsmanship and techniques that are involved in restoring each tram to its former glory.

Established in 1887, Bendigo Art Gallery is the largest, and one of the oldest regional galleries in Australia. The Gallery's collection is extensive and varied with an emphasis on 19th century European art and Australian art from 1800s onwards, alongside a strong collection of contemporary Australian art. The collection is complimented by dynamic temporary exhibitions and a diverse range of public programs and events.

Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum is open daily 10 am to 4 pm, entry fees and special opening hours can be found on our website: https://www.bendigorsl.com.au/museum/ Tours and group booking enquiries are welcome. The permanent displays focus on the journeys made by central Victorians through war and conflict. Large murals, exhibition installations and collection items are on display as well as temporary exhibitions in the new passive house wing.

Experience the largest Buddhist stupa in the Western world. The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion situated near Bendigo, Victoria, is the same size and design as The Great Stupa of Gyantse in Tibet. It rises to a total height of 48 metres above Bendigo’s distinctive bushland, and is 50 metres wide at its base. The Great Stupa is home to many holy objects. Foremost amongst these is the magnificent Jade Buddha for Universal Peace which is the largest Buddha carved from gem quality jade in the world. Wander the Peace Park and see beautiful relics and artworks inside The Great Stupa. Learn about Buddhism, Asian culture and art. Treat yourself with an artisan gift from the shop or have a barista-style coffee and a bite to eat at StupaView Café. It’s a pet friendly site as long as your furry friend is kept on a leash.