Dec 1 2010
Destination: Bendigo Victoria Australia
The city of Bendigo started its gold rush history in 1851 when the Bendigo fields were largely inhabited by miners up until 1954 when Bendigos last remaining mine closed up for business. This was largely for the fact of the depth and vast amount of water in the ever-deepening mines but with the latest technology, they have been able to continue gold mining and continue to do so today with reports of a large amount of gold still hidden within the cities goldfields.
Today, the city of Bendigo is proudly the second largest inland city in the state with around 88,000 residents (Australian Bureau of Statistics). Bendigo is located around 130 kms north-west of Melbourne and has the only provincially headquartered bank and stockexhange in the whole of Austraila, namely the Bendigo Bank and the BSX.
The Central Deborah Gold Mine welcomes hundreds of tourists as a well known tourist attraction in Bendigo. The mine being one of the last to stop operating, had an operational life of 15 years while producing around 929 kgs or 29,865 ounces of gold.
Said to be one of the largest cathedrals in the southern hemisphere, the Sacred Heart Cathedral can be found in Bendigo and is known as Australias third largest cathedral.
The Bendigo Art Gallery showcases some wonderful art collections including one on the Bendigo goldfields aswell as Australian paintings, sculptures and decorative arts and it is Australias largest and oldest regional art galleries.
Bendigo is also home to the Golden Dragon Museum which holds a living history display from the gold rush history to the present day, for the Chinese Bendigo residents. Built by the Chinese diggers in the 1800s, Joss House is a historic temple known to be the only surviving temple in regional Victoria that is still used as a place of worship today.
Bendigo holds the Black Opal running race each year which is the richest professional 400m running race that attracts thousands of tourists over the popular two day event. Bendigo is also home to some fantastic festivals including the Bendigo Easter Festival aswell as the Dahlia and Arts Festival. Both of these festivals are held every year while both pulling in a great number of tourists to Bendigo.
The Bendigo National Swap Meet is said to be the largest swap meet in the southern hemisphere which is held every year for the nations car enthusiasts.
The Bendigo Pottery Interpretive Museum is said to be the countries oldest functioning pottery and it holds the all heritage listed collection of wood-fired kilns.
Interested in visiting Bendigo, Victoria? Why not check out the range of quality hotels Bendigo has to offer. Its a great way to get out there and see Victoria!
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