The discovery of gold in Victoria's central region over 150 years ago has left a rich and lasting legacy in almost every town in the Goldfields. Tour the impressive Victorian streetscapes of Bendigo & Ballarat with their grand hotels and public buildings or explore the quaint shopfronts and miners' cottages in townships such as Maldon, Castlemaine and Dunolly. Learn about gold rush history at Sovereign Hill, The Eureka Centre and the Central Deborah Gold Mine; all offer a fascinating insight into life above and below ground during the 1850s and 1860s. Take a break from exploring the goldfields at a stylish local cafe or restaurant. These establishments make the most of the fine local produce, and you can sample the local wines, olives, apples and more direct from the farm gate or cellar door. The region also boasts outstanding galleries and gardens. See superb collections of local and European painting at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery and Bendigo Art Gallery.
When to Visit Ballarat, Bendigo & The Goldfields
Ballarat, Bendigo & the Goldfields experience a temperate climate with four seasons. Conditions are typically dry and mild with cold winters. During the summer months the temperatures average around the mid twenties, while in the winter the daytime temperature drops to around 10°C. The area however is not exempt from experiencing hot and cold extremes. In winter, snow occasionally falls on nearby Mount Buninyong, and in very cold winters, snow has been known to fall in the major centres.
Getting Around Ballarat, Bendigo & The Goldfields
Ballarat is 120 kilometres west of Melbourne. Bendigo is 150 Km North West of Melbourne. Ballarat to Bendigo is 95km. The region is directly linked to Melbourne by a combination of state highways and major roads. Regular high-speed train services also link directly to Melbourne and extensive public bus service & taxi services operate within the major towns. There are a number of tour operators that conduct a range of different tours throughout the area, however if you want to discover the region at your own pace, a self drive visit is recommended.
RESTAURANTS & DINING HIGHLIGHTS - VIEW ALL
The Commercial Hotel is fondly known to the locals as "The Middle" and as the name suggests, th...
Located in the centre of Bendigo, Hunter House is a beautifully appointed mansion, built in 1882, offering all ...
Jonah’s Restaurant, in the Quality Inn Colonial, is well known for its array of delicious ...