Victoria Travel Guides

Victoria spotlight

Lodgings in Bendigo - From Plush Boutique Hotels to Bed-and-Breakfasts

Bendigo’s accommodation covers the full gamut, from plush boutique hotels to cozy cottages and basic roadside motels. In the city centre (or "CBD"), you’ll find many of these options are in period buildings with imaginative decor, while the surrounding districts have less-characterful offerings. The region also has farm rentals and rural retreats, while a few wine estates in and around Heathcote offer their own accommodation.

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Gold Mines, Art Galleries, Tram Tours, and More - What to See and Do in Bendigo

Without losing its innate gentility, Bendigo has changed enormously over the past decades. This elegant town has seen a rush of “tree-changers” - city folk who have migrated here in search of a better quality of life. They have brought a demand for more sophisticated restaurants and shops, and have polished Bendigo’s rough edges. Australia’s most vibrant regional gallery keeps the weekends buzzing with day-trippers.

A Visitor's Guide to Bendigo - Gold Rush Splendor in Central Victoria

The streets of Bendigo may not be paved in gold, but they bear testament to one of history’s greatest gold rushes. In 1851, a couple of housewives discovered alluvial gold along the banks of Bendigo Creek, an event leading to a huge influx of fortune hunters from across the world. Sudden wealth bestowed the town with many stately homes, civic buildings, and soaring churches.

Wine, Theater, and Music - Nightlife and Entertainment in Bendigo

Fine wine, the performing arts, and live music are the backbone of nightlife in the Bendigo region. The biggest names in Australian contemporary music have cut their teeth in the country’s vibrant “pub rock” scene, and the tradition continues. On the quieter side, cozying up with a glass of local shiraz in a smart wine bar is many people’s idea of a perfect evening.

Family Fun in Bendigo - Water Parks, Cycle Paths, and Discovery

Bendigo naturally lends itself to fun family times, no matter the weather. In cold months, there are plenty of indoor activities for all ages to enjoy. During the summer, a state-of-the-art aquatic centre is the perfect place to cool off and have fun in the water. Exploring the surrounding countryside, where spotting kangaroos at sunset is almost assured, is easy by car, bike, or train.

Bendigo - The Arts and Culture Capital of Central Victoria

Ever since European artists flocked to the goldfields to paint the miners at work, and singers and performers filled the music halls to entertain them, Bendigo has been strong on arts and culture. Today, the region is a magnet for artists of all stripes, attracted by its rich history and alternative lifestyle. A strong collective spirit also drives a full calendar of community arts projects.

From Farmers' Markets to Fine Dining - A Guide to Eating in Bendigo

Bendigo’s dining scene reflects its cultural and demographic shift from backwater to modern boom town. Fish and chips and pub meals are no longer the order of the day, but are now complemented by sophisticated dining establishments that would be just as at home in Sydney or Melbourne. Look out for the rich red wines made in the Bendigo and Heathcote regions to go with your meal.

Travel Tips for Bendigo

Hub of Australia's Goldfields region, art capital of Central Victoria, and charming city break, Bendigo has a lot going for it. Once a boomtown during Australia’s gold rush, it now attracts many newcomers drawn to its wealth of heritage architecture, fine food and wine, and world-class museums. A string of enticing towns and villages around Bendigo means there is plenty on offer beyond its borders.

A city guide to Melbourne – families, galleries and wildlife

Ancient heritage, world-famous wines, world-class performances and exotic wildlife are just some of the reasons to make Melbourne your next city break. Join the cosmopolitan hive and soak up the ambitious atmosphere, or get to know the historic city, and pay homage to its past at the many educational sites. As night falls, the city comes alive in a throng of activity, from high-brow plays to mixologists manipulating cocktails into enticing potions at the many local bars.

Melbourne Travel Guide - Your destination overview of Melbourne, Australia

The sprawling city of Melbourne has a number of districts, neighborhoods and suburbs which all have a unique feel and atmosphere. The city has a diverse range of culture and heritage dating back to the 1800s when the city was founded.

A Melbourne travel guide – global dining and quirky shopping in Australia’s cultural capital

Easy-going Melbourne puts a high value on the good life. Book a Melbourne hotel and put style, sport, food and drink top of the agenda on a Melbourne city break.

Where to stay in Melbourne

Melbourne is a city of contrasts. Its many international influences means that every neighborhood has something unique and exciting to offer, be it a vintage market filled with handmade goods, or a plush and high-end restaurant. The city has both an urban center and a beachside area, giving plenty of options for any traveler.

Melbourne shopping guide – where to buy in the city

Shopping in Melbourne is a varied task. The city, often referred to as Australia’s capital, is full of vintage markets and handmade goods, while at the other end of the scale are world famous designers and bespoke, high-fashion items that can’t be found anywhere else, making Melbourne truly a shopper’s nirvana. In and out of the CBD are various areas and locations that cater to an array of budgets and tastes, so anyone and everyone are accommodated for.

Where to eat in Melbourne – a guide to the city’s dining culture

Dishes in Melbourne are as varied as the city’s culture. A blend of old and new, East and West, every palate is catered for in the city. Restaurants of historical importance go hand in hand with contemporary fixtures that are constantly spreading across the city. There are, of course, options for each budget, with high end eateries found along with Southbank Promenade, while fast food and local cuisine is in abundance in Chinatown and St Kilda.

What to see and do in Melbourne – a guide to notable attractions and landmarks

Old meets new in the city of Melbourne, as Aboriginal heritage still remains tucked between a progressive, modern city. Blessed with vivacious locals, where a sociable vibe trickles throughout, the city is a bustling hot pot of activity; from daily coffee breaks to frenzied sporting events, natural escapes and trails to adrenaline-filled architecture: Melbourne is a city of plenty.

Melbourne Shopping Guide - Find where and what to shop and buy

Often said to be the shopping capital of Australia, Melbourne is truly a shopper's paradise, with an abundance of shops catering to all tastes and budgets. You will find everything from expensive designer brand clothing to novelty souvenirs and electronics.

Melbourne Entertainment Guide - For fun, recreation, and relaxation

Melbourne is an entertaining city with a vast array of history, culture and heritage. Visitors will enjoy the fantastic museums, cosmopolitan city suburbs and outdoor sporting events. There is truly something for everyone in this exciting city.

Melbourne Food and Dining Guide - Restaurants, where to eat, and more

The cosmopolitan city of Melbourne is known as the food capital of Australia, with literally thousands of choices available in the central city area alone. The city enjoys a wide variety of flavors and cuisines from around the world, which are complemented with the exceptional produce available in Australia.

Melbourne Sightseeing Guide - Visit notable attractions and landmarks

Melbourne is a truly spectacular city with an abundance of interesting attractions, magnificent sites and beautiful landmarks. The city is filled with culture, history and heritage, which provides a fantastic atmosphere for visitors.

Melbourne Travel Tips - Helpful hints and advice on local destination information

Melbourne is a culturally-rich cosmopolitan city that has a wonderful friendly and open atmosphere which helps to make everyone feel welcome. The weather can be erratic with four seasons in one day but for the most part, it is generally mild year round. Public transport in Melbourne is fantastic, with an array of choices including buses, trains, trams and taxis.

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