Bendigo is Victoria’s fourth-largest city, located around two hours from Melbourne. Bendigo is known for the city’s gold rush history, vibrant arts scene, natural beauty, and relaxed lifestyle.
Bendigo has a vibrant cultural scene with museums, galleries and world-class restaurants and wines.
There are many parks, gardens and nature reserves where you can go hiking, camping, cycling and fishing. Lake Weeroona, the largest lake in the city, is located right in the middle.
Healthcare, education, manufacturing and retail are among the major industries.
Awesome Activities for Kids in Bendigo
Bendigo has a lot of awesome activities to keep your kids entertained while you explore this historic Australian town. There’s something to please every child, from outdoor adventures to interactive educational experiences. Central Deborah Gold Mine is a great place for kids to explore the underground and experience gold rush history. It is a great place for family outings. Bendigo offers a wide range of activities that will make your family’s memories last.
We’ll tell you some of the hidden treasures of Bendigo, one of Victoria’s most beautiful towns. Bendigo has a lot to offer kids, from science and nature to the outdoors and arts to places where they can just have fun.
Here are some awesome activities for kids in Bendigo. So pack your bags, and prepare to create lasting memories in the charming city of Bendigo!
1. Bendigo Botanic Gardens Play Space
The first is the Botanic Gardens play space with its magical fairytale theme (pictured above and beneath). This exciting play area for children will transport you to the 19th-century fairytale book Alice in Wonderland. It is located inside the gardens and is set up as a series of garden rooms, sheltered by hedges.
This encourages exploration. The Secret Garden has special mushroom tables and chairs for children, and there is even a secret mirror just like the book. The fort’s throne chairs are large enough for kids to pretend they are king or queen for a day.
2. Bendigo Pottery
Children must be six years old to use the pottery wheel, although little play kits are available for younger children. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, including hand-sculpting pottery. Bendigo Pottery is home to one of the largest collections of wood-fired kilns and an interpretive museum built around it. The displays date back to 1858.
3. Mulligrubs Play Centre
Mulligrubs Play Center is a unique product that is loved by some parents and hated by others. Consider, for instance, that there is a chef on staff! The owners of this business, who are grandparents of four children, visited the US for ideas and a lot of the equipment was the first in Australia.
You can see from the pictures that it is pretty cool. You can choose from different play zones (up to age 12), and even purchase a meal for take home if you are out of dinner ideas or have no time. The 60-seater cafe serves lunch and breakfast at weekends, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. You can also grab a cup of coffee in the mezzanine, which overlooks the play area.
4. Central Deborah Gold Mine
Central Deborah Gold Mine is Australia’s deepest mine and offers a variety of activities both above ground and underground. The underground experience will captivate your primary schooler, as they explore all 61 levels. On the surface, you can see many original gold rush buildings, equipment, and structures. This is the ideal place for a child who enjoys being active to learn more about Australia’s rich history of gold mining. You can take an underground tour to experience the gold-mining techniques of the 1850s
5. Bendigo Family Nature Club
This one will require some planning, but looks like a lot of fun. Bendigo Family Nature Club hosts events every third Sunday with naturalists. Bendigo flora, fauna, and other local features will be explored through a variety of fun activities such as bike rides, nature hikes, and more.
You can register on the website of the club to get information about upcoming events and booking details. The Nature Club is a collaboration between the Bendigo Sustainability Group, The Bendigo Field Naturalists, and other groups. It’s a great option for people who want to try something new.
6. The Discovery Science and Technology Centre
The Discovery Science and Technology Centre has so much to offer! Curious Kids workshops are geared towards children aged three to five. They include a storybook followed by an activity in the laboratory. Primary schoolers can enjoy a trip to the planetarium, or slide down the tallest vertical slide in the Southern Hemisphere!
A Thong-A-Phone will make kids giggle as it shows how to use a pair of objects to play a song. A new Minibeasts Zone is also being planned for those who are interested in insects, spiders, and bugs. It makes me itch just to think about it, but as you can see, there’s something for everyone.
7. Lake Weeroona Playground
It’s popular among the locals, so you know it will be great. It’s ideal for a family walk, thanks to its location near the lake. But if the kids are looking to get a little more adventurous (literally), the playground is packed with adventure play equipment. There are ramps, ladders, tunnels, and steps galore surrounding cute little walkways.
Chain bridges and scrambling walls surround the playground. The Favourite Flavors gourmet foods store is conveniently located across the street. The store is famous for its homemade ice cream and, as a surprise to no one, it’s also very popular among locals.
8. Bendigo Corner Store Cafe
Bendigo Corner Store Cafe is one of the most child-friendly cafes in the area. If you have a toddler, you will understand how important it is to find a child-friendly cafe. There’s a play area in the cafe’s backyard with a sandcastle and blackboard, so parents can relax and kick back. It’s not true, but it sounds nice. This cafe, which is open for breakfast and lunch, has a great reputation and the staff seem to be very friendly.
9. Colour Your World Art Studio
This small art studio was discovered by chance and I am very happy I found it. What child wouldn’t enjoy putting on the painting smock and covering themselves (and a canvas) with paint? Paint? Megan, from Color Your World, runs classes in her private studio. She teaches kids as young as 18 months, as well as up to primary school age. She encourages students to use their imagination and creativity, and most importantly, have fun.
10. Jumpz Trampoline Park
Jumpz, Bendigo’s first trampoline park is so fun that I just had to mention them. It’s especially cold in Victoria! There is also a program for the littlest ones, called mini jumpers. It is open to children aged five and below. There are also organized activities like trampoline basketball or dodgeball.
Or your children can bounce away the day themselves. They’re sure to have fun. Jumpz Burgers also offers gourmet burgers, snacks, and drinks to replenish energy.
Check out our previous posts on fun travel activities for kids. We’ve visited Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Also, we’ve been to Adelaide, Newcastle, Canberra, Perth, Tassie. What would you like to see us visit next?
Other Exciting Things to Do in Bendigo
Bendigo is a vibrant regional town in Victoria that attracts families to its rich history, beautiful park, and exciting events. Bendigo has a wide range of activities for everyone, whether you are looking for things to do, interested in science, art or just having fun in the playground.
Plan Your Bendigo Adventure
Imagine you are a gold prospector exploring the cool depths of a real mine, the Central Deborah Gold Mine. Discover the passageways and tunnels, and learn about the history of mining. You can even pan for gold! This exciting experience brings Bendigo’s gold rush to life.
Take a ride on the charming vintage talking tram for a unique look at the past of the city. This tour is a narrated journey through Bendigo’s historic streets. It reveals grand old buildings, and shares stories from the city’s days of gold rush.
1. Exploration of Creativity and Culture
Bendigo Pottery is the place to unleash your inner artist! Create your clay masterpieces. Classes and workshops are available for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or aspiring Picasso. Imagine the thrill of creating your clay sculpture and taking it with you as a souvenir.
2. Visiting Bendigo Art Gallery
Bendigo Art Gallery is a must-see for art lovers. This stunning venue features a wide variety of paintings, sculptures and installations. In many galleries, kids can draw, touch and build mini-artworks. The special children’s section is a colourful wonderland with lots of creative spaces and activities. You might find a fun scavenger hunt to engage kids in the gallery.
Consider visiting this art gallery at a time when it is hosting special events and exhibitions. You will have a memorable experience. Bendigo Art Gallery will be an inspiring and gratifying visit for the art lover or passerby. The gallery showcases the rich heritage of Australian creativity, old and new.
3. Museums and Mines
Rosalind Park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The central park has a large playground that includes climbing frames, slides, and swings. The beautiful gardens are a great place for parents to relax while their children burn off some energy. Bring a picnic and spend a wonderful family afternoon.
Lake Weeroona is another option for outdoor enthusiasts. The picturesque lake has a playground and a cafe to take a break. Rent paddle boats and explore the lake, or try fishing to catch dinner. ).
4. Festivals and Events
It’s important to keep up with upcoming events to maximize your Bendigo experience. The “What’s on in Bendigo” page of their website has a complete list of festivals and events, including markets.
5. Bendigo Easter Festival
Do not miss the annual Bendigo Easter Festival. This vibrant festival is packed with family-friendly activities. A grand parade of colorful floats with lively music will snake through the streets. Explore the market stalls filled with local crafts and Easter treats.
Enjoy delicious hot cross buns and chocolate eggs. Take part in exciting activities such as the Easter Egg Hunt or visit the petting Zoo where your kids can pet fluffy chicks and adorable bunnies.
6. Bendigo Accommodations
Bendigo has a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets and styles. You’ll be able to find the right accommodation for you, whether you are looking for a historic hotel such as the Golden Square Motor Inn or a holiday park that is family-friendly with playgrounds and pools, like Park Lane Holiday Park, or a modern apartment at Quest Bendigo Central with laundry facilities.
7. Bendigo Weather
Bendigo has four distinct seasons. Before packing, check the Bendigo weather to make sure you have appropriate clothing. Summers can be warm and sunny. They are perfect for outdoor activities. Pack layers for the winter, which can be cold and crisp. The spring and autumn are ideal seasons for exploring the city by foot or bike.
8. Bendigo-Melbourne Train: Easy Access to Your Trip
Bendigo can be reached by train easily from Melbourne. Plan your trip by checking online schedules and prices. Bendigo offers a direct rail service to Melbourne. This is a convenient way to travel. The trip takes about 1 hour and 58 minutes, with trains leaving every 30 minutes at peak times.
Conclusion
Bendigo is a great destination for both families and solo travelers. It offers a unique blend of culture, history and outdoor adventures. There’s something to suit everyone, whether you want to explore the gold mines or immerse yourself in the art scene. Bendigo’s welcoming atmosphere, unique attractions and family-friendly activities will make your visit a memorable one. Pack your bags, and prepare to create lasting memories in the charming city of Bendigo!
