There are plenty of free things to explore in Bendigo which is located near the remote center of Victoria. Bendigo boomed and became very popular during the Victorian gold rush in the mid-19th century. It’s also one of the richest goldfields in the world, and its mines have produced more than 780,000kg of gold. Bendigo has a lot to see you can go hiking, biking, and gold detecting in the Bendigo National Park. Go for a walk and have a picnic at one of the many parks, gardens, and Lakes. Explore Bendigo on one of the Vintage trams and learn the rich history of Bendigo. Take a Free Bendigo heritage walking tour.
Lake Weerona Park
Is located in Bendigo and is a popular place to go for a walk, ride and enjoy the outdoors.
Rosalind Park
Was a grassy woodland with large River Red Gums lining the creek and pools used by the Dja Dja Wurrung people for food and water. It was then transformed into a muddy goldfield and then finally into a beautiful parkland for the community. The park has a beautiful playground, sculptures, an observatory, the Poppet Head lookout tower, and is home to the annual tulip display.
Take a ride on the Vintage Tram
You can hop onto one of the vintage trams that slowly make its way through the city past the Cathedral, along Pall Mall, past Lake Weeroona, and finally finishes at the Joss House Temple. Adult prices start from $10 per person. Click Here for more information.
Bendigo Creek trail
You can experience Bendigo’s unique heritage, history, and attractions along the Bendigo Creek trail. Either walk or ride along the trail. Either start at Crusoe reservoir and end in Epsom or go the opposite way. The trail is 19km one way. Part of the Trail goes through Rosalind Park and Bendigo along the road but there are signs.
Long gully trail
From Lake Weerona to Bendigo Stadium. You will also pass Long Gully splash park along the way which is a great spot to cool down.
White Hill Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens was established in 1857 it provides a beautiful garden around a lake with plenty of shade. The Garden for the Future opened on April 22nd 2018 and provides a contemporary botanic garden experience to enjoy. It is located on the south side of the Heritage Garden
Lake Neangar
Located in Eaglehawk about a 10 minute drive from Bendigo. We explored Lake Neangar and Lake Tom Thumb which were both established in 1883. You can take a stroll around both lakes. The loop is a 3.7km loop around both lakes and is rated as easy. Also while in Eaglehawk check out Canterbury Park right near Lake Neangar.
Crusoe Reservoir
The Reservoir is located on the outskirts of Kangaroo Flat. It is a popular spot for Kayaking, swimming there is also a pontoon that you are able to jump off into the Reservoir. There is a 3km circuit around the reservoir. From here there is other tracks taking you through the bushland leading to the No 7 Carpark. The Bendigo Creek trail also leads to the reservoir so you can either start your ride or end your ride here.
Porcupine Flat Dredge
Located 30 minutes out of Bendigo is this Historical site. You can get a close look at these massive old mining machines. The machines were abandoned in 1984. Mr. George Heywood started working on the site in 1958 where he developed the dredge operation on Porcupine Creek. He then purchased the dredge sometime after 1958, although it may not have been operational until after 1973.
Click Here to see the best free things in Ballarat. Which is located 2 hours from Bendigo.