We reckon we've got Bendigo down to a nine art: paddock-to-plate eateries and deep red shiraz, live-music tram tours and blockbuster exhibitions, open spaces for art and those for ambling, and creatively comfortable hotels.
Read on and discover our top nine reasons to Bendi-go.
1. Ride the Blues Tram
A tram ride through the city streets with live music and local beer? Now we're talking. Jump aboard a Bendigo Blues Tram tour to see the sights while toe-tapping to tunes from the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival.
2. Explore Bendigo Art Gallery
One of Australia's oldest and largest regional galleries, Bendigo Art Gallery is home to an array of permanent collections as well as touring national and international exhibitions. Don't miss the exclusive Frida Kahlo: In her own image exhibition, on now until July 13.
Image: Frida Kahlo: In her own image at the Bendigo Art Gallery
3. Stay at the Art Series Hotel
Stay in creative comfort at the Mercure Bendigo Schaller. Inspired by artist Mark Schaller's working studio, this Art Series Hotel is decked out with original artworks and large-scale sculptures.
4. Dine in the City of Gastronomy
Taste the best of central Victoria's produce at exceptional restaurants, wine bars and cafes. Head to top spots like Terrae and Alium Dining to discover why Bendigo has been recognised as the UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Image: Terrae at Hotel Ernest Bendigo
5. Discover the Bendigo wine region
Seek out the famous deep-red shiraz and cabernet sauvignon from the Bendigo wine region. Meet the vignerons and sip, swill and dine among the vines at cosy cellar doors. Don't miss Balgownie Estate, Bendigo's oldest cellar door with a superb restaurant and options to sleep under the stars.
6. Wander down Chancery Lane
Take a trip down Chancery Lane, full of cafes for people-watching, wine bars for red-wine quaffing, live music for grooving, and street art for selfie-snapping. Best enjoyed over a tipple at The Dispensary or El Gordo.
Image: Chancery Lane Bendigo
7. Get your caffeine fix
Discover small-batch specialty brews at Brewhouse Coffee Roasters, where you can watch the roasters at work. Or head to the corner store with more, Percy and Percy.
8. Stroll through picturesque parks
Wander wide streets paved with gold-rush architectural finery: grand banks, ornate hotels, majestic theatres and the gold-leaf-daubed town hall. For lush terrain, amble 60 acres of open spaces in the heart of Bendigo at Rosalind Park.
Image: Rosalind Park Bendigo
9. Try your hand at pottery
Get behind the wheel at Australia's oldest working pottery: Bendigo Pottery. Book a lesson with a potter and learn to throw a wheel. Arrange for on-site glazing and firing of your new treasures, and sign the kids up for Clay Play.
