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Embark on an enchanting journey through Bendigo’s illustrious past. From its stunning Victorian architecture and gold-mining history to its rich cultural heritage, Bendigo unfolds like a captivating novel. Join us on the Bendigo Discovery tour and immerse yourself in the stories this unique city has to tell.
Embark on the Bendigo Discovery tour to uncover the vibrant history of Bendigo and marvel at its stunning Victorian structures. The grandiosity of Bendigo’s intricate architecture, nestled amidst age-old gardens, bears witness to the immense wealth that lay within its quartz reefs. Board Bendigo’s Talking Tram to delve into the city’s past – sit comfortably, let the tram guide your journey, and immerse yourself in stories from the last 150 years.
Our tour includes visiting the Diamond Hill Historic area within the Bendigo Regional Park. Once a bustling town of 10,000 inhabitants in the 1880s, complete with churches, hotels, cottages, and a Gold Commissioners Camp, Diamond Hill now lies within a eucalyptus forest. Today, numerous remnants – mullock heaps, water races, deeply sluiced gullies, foundational ruins, and vestiges of gardens – evoke the area’s past glory.
You’ll have an exclusive chance to journey into a genuine gold mine at the Central Deborah Goldmine. Experience the life of a 1940’s gold miner 61 meters underground.
During the 1850s, thousands of Chinese prospectors flocked to the area in search of gold. The tour takes you to Bendigo’s Chinese quarter, where you will explore the Golden Dragon Museum and the city’s original Emu Point Joss House (temple), constructed during the gold rush.
We’ll also visit Bendigo Pottery, Australia’s oldest operational pottery establishment since 1858. Here, you’ll discover the world’s most significant collection of ceramic wood-fired kilns, now part of the Interpretive Museum.
Lastly, relish the flavours of the region as we visit the Balgownie Estate. Central Victoria’s climate and fertile soils make it the perfect place for growing Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wines that the region is renowned for. Here, you’ll be able to sample these and other exquisite wines.
Central Deborah Goldmine: Embark on a guided tour of this historic gold mine and experience firsthand the challenging conditions that 1940s miners endured deep below the earth’s surface.
Chinese Joss House: Step into this original temple from the gold rush era and marvel at the intricate architecture, a symbol of Bendigo’s rich Chinese heritage.
Golden Dragon Chinese Museum: Explore the vibrant history of Chinese immigrants on Bendigo’s goldfields and marvel at a fascinating collection of artifacts that span thousands of years.
Bendigo Pottery: Visit Australia’s oldest pottery studio, a hub of ceramic artistry since 1858, and witness a beautiful blend of historical charm and contemporary creativity.
Bendigo Tramways: Take a relaxing journey on the talking tram as it narrates stories about Bendigo’s past and provides insight into the city’s 150-year-old tramway history.
Victoria Hill: Experience the depths of Bendigo’s gold mining history at Victoria Hill, home to some of the deepest gold mines in the city.
Balgownie Estate Winery: Savor award-winning wines in a beautiful vineyard setting. Indulge in the tastes of premium Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, the region’s specialty.
Bendigo Regional Park: Explore the Diamond Hill Historic Area, where the echoes of a bustling 19th-century gold mining town blend seamlessly with wild nature.
Fine Art Gallery Entry: Enjoy access to Bendigo’s acclaimed art gallery. Witness a myriad of exhibitions featuring both local and international artists.
Sovereign Hill Entry: Step back in time with entry to this immersive, open-air museum. Discover life during Victoria’s gold rush days through hands-on activities, costumed characters, and historical buildings.
Ludbrook House – Ballarat Orphanage Museum Entry: Gain a poignant insight into the life of the orphans who once lived here through a collection of memorabilia and personal accounts.
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Complete the form below to request a booking for this tour. We will be in touch by email and/or phone to confirm your booking and payment. A personal touch to ensure you have an enjoyable experience with us.
