Thirteen Years Ago
This week, on 06 December, is the anniversary of the date, thirteen years ago that I moved to Bendigo. Little did I know at the time, that this would be one of the best decisions I have ever made. The reason for the move wasn’t happy but the decision was life changing. I wasn’t sure about it at all. If anything, I was very unsure but was also very lost and didn’t know where I should go to start the next phase of my life.
My marriage had broken down, and I felt that I needed a new start, in a place where I had no memories of life as part of a couple. I chose Bendigo because I knew it had a great cycling culture. At the time, cycling was a huge part of my life, and now that I was about to starting a new life, I wanted to get more serious about it. Soon after starting my life in Bendigo, I was riding three times each week with a cycling group and through cycling was getting to create a new group of friends. Life from then on, took on a new purpose, which for some time to come was a selfish purpose. But it was what I needed at the time.
There have been so many major events in my life since moving to Bendigo. Just six months after the move, my first grandchild, Jake was born, and a few months after that my son Steven and his partner Kellie married. My spine was broken in a collision between my bike and a car. I bought and ran my own cafe, having no experience or expertise in this area at all. The cafe was sold a few years later and I moved on to my current job. I bought a house, sold it and built another. I met my current partner and we are now living happily on our ‘off the grid’ property.
In the first few years after the move, I loved being a tourist in Bendigo. It seemed to me that I viewed Bendigo through the eyes of a tourist. There was so much to do and see, that every last minute of my free time was occupied. Now that we are heading into the holiday season, it occurred to me that Bendigo is a fantastic place to spend a few days and wanted to share what is available her.
Listed below are some of the reasons that I think visitors should come to Bendigo. There is much more to do and see than I could list here, but these are a few of my favourites.
Centre of Victoria
Bendigo, or the Central Goldfields area, that it is known as, is the geographic centre of Victoria, which makes it a perfect base, especially for those coming from interstate. Almost everywhere worth visiting in Victoria, is just a day trip away. Bendigo offers the experience of a large regional city along with almost everything you would find in the major capital cities.
Central Deborah Gold Mine
The Central Deborah Gold Mine is situated very close to the CBD, making it is very easy to access. Visitors can check out the historic buildings and mining equipment above ground , go panning for gold, visit the gold museum, or climb the poppet head for a view over Bendigo. Or you could do one of the underground mine tours. There are three tours of varying depths below ground, to choose from – The Underground Tour to 61 metres, The underground Adventure Tour to 85 metres and The Nine Levels of Darkness Tour to 228 metres for those with a good level of fitness.
I’ve done all three tours and can them recommend them as being, fun and educational. The Central Deborah Mine is a must for tourists of all ages.
Bendigo Art Gallery
The Bendigo Art Gallery, established in 1867, is one of Australia’s oldest and largest regional galleries. Home to a permanent Australian art collection along with important 19th century British and European paintings, sculpture and decorative art. The Bendigo Art Gallery has made a name for itself as the regular host of blockbuster national and international exhibitions. These world class exhibitions, constantly bring many visitors to our city. The most recent international exhibition was Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion
Golden Dragon Museum
Bendigo very much values it’s Chinese heritage which dates back to the 19th century on the goldfields. The Golden Dragon Museum, which owes it’s existence to the Bendigo Chinese Association, depicts the authentic living history of the Chinese people from their days on the goldfields up until the present day. Based on the Imperial Place in Beijing, with it’s architecture and gardens which feature a Buddhist temple. The Golden Dragon Museum is in the centre of town, but is very relaxing and quiet. The gardens are the perfect place for quiet contemplation.
Shops and Cafes
Bendigo has a bustling CBD and Marketplace stores featuring the latest labels in it’s quirky stores and boutiques. There are quaint lanes and arcades featuring upmarket shops and artistry. The city of Bendigo has become known for it’s cafe culture. At least one cafe, and usually more, can be found in almost every block of the CBD area. If higher end dining is your preference, you won’t be disappointed with Bendigo’s restaurants, featuring locally grown fresh produce and wines.
Rosalind Park
Right in the centre of the CBD, Rosalind Park in an oasis away from the busy-ness of Bendigo. Set on 60 acres, the park is home to trees dating back to the 19th century. With its grassy open spaces, Rosalind Park is the perfect resting place for visitors and locals alike and is beautiful in all seasons.
The Bendigo Easter Festival
The Bendigo Easter Festival began in 1871 and is still going strong today. Huge crowds converge on Bendigo every year for this Easter Festival. Huge crowds line the streets for the torch light procession and the main parade featuring community groups and Dragons from the Golden Dragon Museum. The Awakening of the Dragon in the forecourt of the Golden Dragon Museum is not to be missed. The crowds never disappoint and this is one of the most popular events on the Bendigo calendar for both visitors and locals. Next year is the festival’s 150th anniversary on April 10-13, 2020.
There are many more reasons to visit Bendigo, but these are just seven of my favourites. Have you been to Bendigo? What was your favourite thing to do or see? I love it when you comment and promise to reply to all comments.
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I can understand how you love living in Bendigo as we enjoyed our visit there a few years ago. The Art Gallery looks very interesting, and somewhere we didn’t get to visit. Living off the grid would be a great way to live. The only way we have experienced is via a motorhome.
Hi Suzanne we are planning on buying a Motorhome and setting it up off grid. Pleased to hear you enjoyed Bendigo. Thanks for popping in
Hi Jennifer, this was a great post about your city! I’m happy to say I’ve been to many of the places you mentioned and made sure I got a photo of myself at the Deborah mine years ago! #mlstl
Hi Deb pleased to hear you have enjoyed Bendigo. Thanks for popping in again
Oh wow I love Bendigo and thank you for sharing some insider information. I used to live in Ballarat and Shepparton and would visit friends via Bendigo. My bestie lives in Kyneton and works in Bendigo, I should pay her a visit one day. It certainly does have some great cycle tracks. #MLSTL
Bree my home town was Shepparton. I lived there for 53 years. It’s a small world. Thanks for visiting.
I’ve only been to Bendigo once but loved it as a city. Like you, our reasons for moving here from Sydney came from challenges, but it was the best thing we could have done too. #MLSTL
Jo you’re also proof that sometimes a challenge can turn out to be good thing. Thanks again for visiting
I really enjoy it when you share little snippets of your life Jennifer – and you’ve certainly had a few ups and downs in the 13 years you’ve been in Bendigo. I’m so glad you found your happy place and thanks for giving us an idea of what the town offers – I had no idea about the ‘dragony’ side of things on offer there!
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
Thanks Leanne.
Isn’t it amazing to look back on our lives, the choices we made, and where they led us? It sounds like your brave choice to start over somewhere new was perfect for you. I would definitely love to visit Bendigo sometime…and hopefully meet you in person! Thanks for sharing a bit of your home with us. #MLSTL
Hi Christie There are many sliding doors moments in our lives which make me wonder what would have happened if…… I hope you do get to visit from the other side of the world one day. I’d love to meet you IRL
Hi Jen, I’ve visited a few places surrounding Melbourne, such as the Great Ocean Road, Philip Island and the Mornington Peninsula. I always think of the Gold Rush when I read about Bendigo and Ballarat. My husband and I have a Victorian driving holiday on our list and I would love to visit Bendigo and maybe even have a coffee with you. You have done so much for the community and thanks for sharing and promoting your home at #MLSTL.xx
Thanks Sue. You’re right to connect Bendigo with the goldrush. It was huge here. You must let me know if you decide to visit the area
That was a lovely way to share your story and that of Bendigo. I admit I mix up Ballarat and Bendigo being an ignorant NSW person.
I had no idea of your accident. You have done well to recover in all aspects.
Thanks for all the info. Maybe I ‘do’ need to learn more about both places.
Denyse #mlstl
Thanks Denyse. I have to say many people get Ballarat and Bendigo mixed up. They are both regional and historic cities. Thanks for visiting