Destinations

Roadtripping to Bendigo

Less than a two-hour drive from Melbourne CBD lies this historic mining town which has undergone a cultural boom.

By BTYB Bendigo Art Gallery

DO

Marimekko: Design Icon exhibition
The fashion house's enigmatic prints are now synonymous with '60s and '70s style. Showcasing a collection of the Finnish designer's outfits, swatches, samples and sketches, this latest exhibition hosted by Bendigo Art Gallery explores the brand's meteoric rise and its role in women's liberation.
The exhibition is on until 11 June 2018. Book tickets here.
42 View St, Bendigo, Vic
Image: supplied
Cover more ground and sample some of Bendigo's most loved eats with a tour of locals-only favourites. History, legends and goodie bag included, it's an enjoyable way to get to know the town.
51-67 Pall Mall, Bendigo, Vic
A stroll down the city's vibrant Chancery Lane is a must on any visitor's itinerary; check out the alleyway's electric mix of cafés and restaurants, and browse through Robe designer gallery for the latest fashion from some of Australia's most celebrated brands including Sass & Bide, Nudie Jeans and Elka Collective. Need a haircut? Walk-ins are welcome at hipster hairdresser, Royal Jim's Barber.
Wine tasting
Bendigo's climate makes it a perfect place for producing shiraz; the region's full-bodied reds are renowned for their ageing qualities. Stop in at a few of the local cellar doors and pick up a few bottles to take home as souvenirs. Talk to passionate winemakers and learn the stories behind the region's most recognised drops. With more than 60 wineries in the region, you'll be spoiled for choice. Our favourites? Balgownie Estate and Wine Bank on View.

EAT

Pastry chef Marsha Busse's buttery croissants and flaky pastries are legendary in and out of town. Meats from the restaurant's rotisserie are served alongside the 'daily trimmings', all of which are sourced from central Victoria. Located near the Bendigo Art Gallery, head to Harvest for a late-lunch sitting after your visit.
55 View St, Bendigo, Vic
Pull up at Percy and Percy and get your smashed avo fix with a Bendigo twist: crumbled Meredith Dairy goat's cheese, sumac-dusted chickpeas and pea tendril salad. The building itself is a snapshot of Bendigo's history; it was a grocery store in the 1920s before becoming a milk bar in the 1980s. Grab a sweet treat on the way out, delivered fresh daily from Castlemaine's Peddling Pastry.
110 Hargreaves St, Bendigo, Vic
Husband and wife chef team Nick and Sonia Anthony showcase a paddock-to-plate menu which continually evolves with seasonal ingredients and celebrates the region's incredible produce. From steamed Chinese pumpkin buns and Camboer goat kataifi cigars to pancetta-wrapped kangaroo loin and Beijing roast duck with umeboshi plums, the hatted restaurant offers the region a unique play on international and Australian cuisine.
25 Queen St, Bendigo, Vic
The Woodhouse's smoky aroma will lure you like a moth to a flame. As Bendigo's only steakhouse - serving premium F1 wagyu and free-range dry-aged beef sourced from local and regional farms - the grill burns through 40 tonnes of red gum a year. The award-winning restaurant delivers great fare with a warm, welcoming and rustic atmosphere. Loved by the locals, it's a must-visit when in Bendigo.
101 Williamson St, Bendigo Vic
Image: supplied

STAY

A boutique hotel, The Schaller's modern interiors celebrate the work of Australian artist Mark Schaller. Located only a few minutes' walk from the Bendigo Art Gallery, this is one hotel every art enthusiast will love waking up in.
Cnr of Bayne and Lucan Sts, Bendigo, Vic
A stay in one of the glamping tents at Balgownie Estate will give you a taste of Bendigo's vast natural beauty. Ten minutes from the buzzing town centre, the retreat is an ideal off-the-grid luxury experience you'll remember long after you depart. If you're there in April, be sure to stick around for the end-of-harvest Winemakers Festival.
46 Hermitage Rd, Bendigo, Vic
Image: supplied
This article is presented by Bendigo Art Gallery. Plan your getaway to Bendigo today with bendigotourism.com.