Overview
Bendigo is the fourth largest inland city in Australia and is located approximately 150km north-west of Melbourne, Victoria. It is one of the fastest-growing regional centers in the State.
Bendigo’s nearest gold mine is Kirkland Lake Gold‘s Fosterville operation.
When gold was first discovered in Bendigo during the 1850’s the world soon discovered the Victorian town and it made Bendigo one of the most significant Victorian-era boom towns in Australia. Many miners invested the money back into building Bendigo, which is why it boasts some of the country’s most impressive architecture, public sculptures, fountains and gardens.
Today, Bendigo is a vibrant town with inspired creativity and innovation on show for all to enjoy.
Population: 99,122
Useful Links:
Council – City of Greater Bendigo
Newspaper – The Bendigo Advertiser
Business – Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Facilities
Bendigo is a large regional city, featuring grand gold-rush era buildings against the backdrop of a ballooning population. Residents can enjoy a wide range of facilities.
Good bush-walking opportunities, with lots of parkland nearby; trains to Melbourne, making for an easy commute to work; and an airport located to the north of the city on the Midland Highway.
Bendigo Health is the city’s largest hospital, only public and a major regional hospital, whilst St John of God is the largest private hospital. There’s a wide array of schools to choose from including Primary, Secondary, Pre-Schools and a local campus for La Trobe University.
A lively arts scene and prominent cafe culture, make catching up with friends or colleagues simple!
Activities
Beat the boredom in Bendigo, with a variety of activities to choose from.
Heritage halls, banks and factories have been given a new lease on life, re-invented as restaurants and wine bars. The former 19th century mechanics hall, fire state and even the gaol are now world-class theatres. Or explore other historic buildings, such as the Visitor Centre which opened in 1887 originally as a Post Office. It’s a classic example of Renaissance Revival style architecture and is now also home to the Living Art Space.
Bendigo’s art and cultural precinct is home to indie boutiques, showcasing local designers, lost trades, vintage goods and little eateries – with some of the best views in town!
Shop locally for handmade goods and fresh produce, see the latest blockbuster exhibition at the gorgeous Bendigo Art Gallery and learn the stories of the city at some of Bendigo’s must-see attractions.
Central Deborah Gold Mine’s crushing plant welcomes visitors daily for underground tours, so jump on board a talking tram for a unique guided ride.
The Golden Dragon Museum pays homage to the major influence Chinese people had on the goldfields, housing a significant collection of Chinese artifacts, including the world’s longest imperial dragon and his friends.
Australia’s oldest working pottery is still in full production at Epsom and now features artists studios, galleries and a vintage emporium. Try your hand at the potter’s wheel to create your own Bendigo memento.
Events
Bendigo is home to a number of annual events and festivals, enjoyed by the community.
Twisted History (every Saturday): Discover the spine tingling stories of Bendigo’s haunted past. Twisted History hosts Victorian-era guided tours through the streets of the most haunted locations in town.
Bendigo Easter Festival (April): The Festival is held each year and attracts tens of thousands of tourists to the city over the Easter long weekend.
Bendigo Queer Film Festival (April): The Festival is one of Australia’s few regional annual festivals celebrating the Queer film genre.
Groovin’ the Moo (April/May): The music festival is held at the Bendigo Showgrounds, regularly selling out, and brings many Australian and international acts to the city.
Festival of Light (May): The Festival is a multicultural celebration of peace and harmony inspired by the Buddha’s birthday held in May each year.
Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival (November): With over 80 artists from all over Australia, this not-for-profit festival is hosted in many venues around the City.
Bendigo National Swap Meet (November): The city hosts the swap meet for car parts every year and is regarded as the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Current Job Vacancies
There are currently no vacancies.