Did you know that Australia’s first Myer store opened in Bendigo? Or that the Chiko Roll was developed here? What about Leggo’s, another household name with its roots in this Victorian city?
And did you know that Bendigo was once among the wealthiest cities in the world, thanks to the extraordinary riches of its goldfields?
I certainly didn’t know just how much history was packed into this one city. The longer I spent exploring Bendigo, the more I found myself saying, “Did you know…?”
It’s a city with a remarkable past, magnificent architecture, fascinating cultural attractions and seemingly endless things to discover.
And after days spent exploring above ground, 61 metres below it, and just about everywhere in between, I came to one conclusion. I haven’t even scratched the surface.
Fortunately, we had the perfect base at BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Bendigo, a place that turned out to be a highlight of our visit in its own right.
When you’re travelling Australia full-time in a caravan, you quickly learn to appreciate little luxuries. BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Bendigo is one of those places.
The park is beautifully maintained, with generously sized powered sites, water connections and facilities that make life on the road that little bit easier.
But the thing that really stood out to us was the amenities. They are, without question, the cleanest we’ve encountered on our travels so far. And that’s saying something.
There’s a swimming pool, camp kitchen and communal fire pit, but what really sets this park apart are the spaces designed for guests to relax and spend time together.
The Hub is a fantastic communal area with a pool table, table tennis, comfortable couches, television and plenty of tables and chairs. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends or as a couple, it’s a great place to unwind.
And then there’s the private heated spa. Yes, you read that right, a private heated spa… at a caravan park!
Guests can book the spa for their own use, and Warren and I certainly weren’t going to miss that opportunity. After a busy day exploring Bendigo, soaking in the warm water, drink in hand, was an absolute treat. An unexpected luxury.
What impressed us most was the overall standard of the park. Everything felt well cared for, thoughtfully presented and designed to make guests comfortable.
And if you don’t have a caravan, don’t worry. There are so many options. You can camp, glamp or stay in a cabin or even a vintage retro caravan onsite!
It’s the kind of place you look forward to returning to after a day out exploring.
And believe me, there was plenty of exploring to be done.
You can’t tell Bendigo’s story without talking about gold.
The discovery of gold in 1851 transformed the area into one of Australia’s great gold rush centres. The wealth generated here helped shape the city we see today, from its grand public buildings and wide streets to its impressive architecture.
And there’s no better way to appreciate that history than to head underground.
At Central Deborah Gold Mine, I descended 61 metres beneath the surface on a guided tour of a genuine historic mine. Standing underground, surrounded by rock and old mining workings, I found a new appreciation of what life must have been like for the people who worked here. It’s dark, unnerving, fascinating… it’s an experience I won’t forget and one that I’d recommend to all.
Back above ground, I hopped aboard Bendigo’s Vintage Talking Tram.
These beautifully restored trams are an attraction in their own right, but there’s also no better way to explore the city and learn about its history.
As we travelled through Bendigo, the stories of the gold rush, its people and its development helped bring the city to life.
Everywhere you look, there are reminders of Bendigo’s extraordinary past.
Enter the Golden Dragon Museum.
Chinese migrants played an important role in Bendigo’s gold rush history, and their cultural legacy remains an integral part of the city today. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of Chinese art, cultural objects and ceremonial dragons, including the remarkable imperial dragon Dai Gum Loong.
I found myself completely captivated.
The detail, craftsmanship and scale of the exhibits are incredible. I even joked that I need to expand my vocabulary as incredible doesn’t seem to do it justice. I genuinely struggled to find a word big enough to describe it.
Another experience I hadn’t expected to find in Bendigo was the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion.
Set among the peaceful surroundings of the Bendigo region, this enormous Buddhist monument is extraordinary in both its scale and significance. Standing beneath it, I couldn’t help but feel small.
But beyond its impressive size, there’s a sense of calm that washes over you here. It’s a place dedicated to compassion, peace and spiritual understanding, and another reminder of just how diverse Bendigo’s attractions really are.
One moment you’re exploring the city’s gold mining past, and the next you’re standing before a magnificent Buddhist monument.
Bendigo is also a wonderful city to explore on foot. Rosalind Park, with its beautiful established trees, gardens and historic features, is a lovely place to wander.
I spent time exploring both the original Bendigo Botanic Gardens and the newer Garden for the Future, enjoying the spring sunshine and the contrast between the two spaces.
Then there are the city’s magnificent buildings and landmarks. The Alexandra Fountain, the historic streetscapes and the impressive architecture.
There’s something around almost every corner that makes you stop, look up and reach for the camera.
And because I can’t resist an unusual Australian landmark, I also visited the geographical centre of Victoria, located just outside Bendigo. It’s not every day you get to stand at the centre of an entire state. When you can find it, that is. I missed it on the first pass.
One of my absolute favourite and quite unexpected discoveries was the Eaglehawk garden sculptures, where I met Stephen, the talented creator behind an incredible collection of metal artworks.
His creativity and craftsmanship were wonderful to see, but what made the visit particularly memorable was his generosity. As I was leaving, Stephen gifted me a beautiful metal flower.
It now takes pride of place outside our caravan, a little reminder of the people and places that make travelling Australia so special.
Sometimes it’s those unplanned moments that stay with you the longest.
All that sightseeing works up an appetite, and fortunately Bendigo has no shortage of places to eat.
From relaxed breakfasts and excellent coffee to delicious lunches and inviting cafes, there are plenty of opportunities to take a break between attractions.
A good coffee, a delicious meal and a little time spent watching the world go by are all part of the experience. I could happily take my coffee at PepperGreen Farm forever. This is a beautifully wholesome environment. As I wandered the gardens I caught myself smiling.
Bendigo sure did deliver.
In fact, with so many places still on my list, I suspect a return is in my future.
When I think back over our time in Bendigo, I made so many wonderful memories.
Bendigo has given me so many reasons to say, “Did you know?”
But perhaps the biggest surprise of all is that, despite everything I’ve seen and done, there’s still so much left to discover.
For anyone planning a caravan trip through regional Victoria, make sure Bendigo is on your list.
Lani Day
Writer & Creator | The Van Wife Diaries
Lani and her husband Warren, have been travelling through Far North Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia in their caravan and are now making their way around Victoria, discovering unique stays and falling in love with the region along the way.
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