Vienna is beloved for its baroque architecture, fashion-forward boutiques, classical music, and walkable streets. But if your wallet isn’t ready for a trip across the globe to the Austrian capital, why not pack up the car and head to Bendigo for a weekend instead? As the fourth-largest inland city in Australia, Bendigo is a local favourite, offering a culture-rich experience with heritage streets, delicious wine, stellar street art, and a fine collection of vintage buildings and Victorian-era architecture. Bendigo’s nickname, “Vienna of the South,” comes from its impressive gold rush legacy and the architectural vision of German architect William Vahland. In the late 1800s, Vahland’s designs for the city’s buildings aimed to bring a taste of European sophistication to the heart of Victoria. Keen to plan a visit? Here’s how to spend the perfect summer day in Bendigo.
Things to do in Bendigo this summer
Between 1850 and 1900, Bendigo became one of the world’s most significant goldfields. The wealth that poured in during this time sparked a period of rapid growth, transforming it into a bustling city. Today, the popular spot still carries the echoes of its gold rush past, defined by its heritage-listed buildings, character-filled streets, and old-world charm.
If you’re craving something different from palm-fringed beaches and turquoise seas this summer, Bendigo makes for an ideal day trip, with a variety of experiences that cater to all kinds of travellers.
Start your day by hopping on a Bendigo Blues Tram for a unique city tour, and enjoy live music and local brews as you take in the sights or go on a heritage walk and discover all the stunning ornate architecture around town. Keep an eye out for Specimen Cottage, the oldest house in Bendigo, the Sacred Heart Cathedral, one of Australia’s largest churches, the former Sandhurst Gaol, and the former Post Office as you wander.
For a cultural fix, visit the renowned Bendigo Art Gallery, one of Australia’s oldest and most celebrated regional galleries or make a beeline for Chancery Lane, and get charmed by a delightful blend of food, fashion, and art. Keen to soak up the sun instead? You’ll love the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, one of Victoria’s earliest and a delightful spot for a picnic or BBQ, no matter the season or make a beeline for Rosalind Park, which boasts historic trees and even a conservatory right in the heart of town. To escape the crowds, carve out some time for Yi Yuan Chinese Garden, a beautifully designed garden with Chinese architecture and a lotus pond.
Other ways to enjoy the town
If all that exploring gets you a bit peckish, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Bendigo. The city has plenty of elegant cafes and chic restaurants for all tastes and preferences. In fact, it’s officially a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, thanks to its incredible food scene. Local favourites include Fox and Giraffe, serving delicious breaky, Old Green Bean for a well-brewed cup of joe, The Anxious Goat for seriously good toasties, and Out of Order, known for their bagels and speciality coffee. Also worth a visit is Edwards Providore for tasty baked goods and gift hampers, Fortuna Villa for high tea set in a botanic garden setting and Percy and Percy for classic breakfast and a cosy atmosphere.
For a more refined experience, locals normally head to Alium Dining for quality cocktails and excellent service, Borchelli Ristorante for classic Italian cuisine, El Gordo for a delightful slice of Spain and The Woodhouse Bar and Grill, a rustic steakhouse offering expertly grilled meat and delicious wine and Wine Bank on View, a wine bar in a heritage building. Spring and summer are the best times to plan a visit, so don’t miss out. Read more about Bendigo and find accomodation options here.
Planning your trip
If you’re ready to swap Vienna’s grand boulevards for the charm of Bendigo, getting there from Melbourne is a breeze. The city is less than a 2-hour drive from Melbourne and easily accessible by public transport. Just hop on a direct train from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station, and enjoy scenic views of the Victorian countryside along the way. Plan your travels on Public Transport Victoria.