Walk in the footsteps of Bendigo’s Chinese miners, a courageous community that helped shape a city and inspire the world. On this small-group cultural journey, you’ll trace the story of Dai Gum San (“Big Gold Mountain”), where thousands of Chinese diggers endured hardship, prejudice, and triumph during one of the greatest gold rushes in history. Led by a passionate local guide, this immersive tour reveals the hidden history of Bendigo’s Chinese community through rare heritage sites including the 1850s Chinese Diggings and one of Australia’s rare regional Chinese cemeteries. 

Along the way, you’ll hear stories of perseverance, community, and fortitude with tales of miners crossing oceans and deserts to seek fortune and freedom, and whose legacy still echoes through Bendigo’s streets today. The journey includes morning tea at PepperGreen Farm, a social enterprise built on the site of the original Chinese market gardens.

Note: Tour does not include access to Chinese Joss House due to it being closed on weekdays.

Free Pick and Up and Drop Off in Bendigo available.

What to Expect

Step into the story of Dai Gum San or “Big Gold Mountain”on this immersive 3hour journey through Bendigo’s Chinese heritage. Travelling in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with short, easy walks at each stop, you’ll explore authentic gold-rush sites, sacred resting grounds, and living community landmarks that tell the story of Bendigo’s earliest Chinese pioneers. Expect a relaxed pace, plenty of photo opportunities, and moments to connect with the spirit of resilience that helped shape the city.

Highlights

• Walk among the Chinese Diggings at White Hills – explore one of Bendigo’s few remaining goldfield sites and try your hand at panning for real gold on the historic diggings.
  

• Visit the historic Chinese Cemetery – step into one of Australia’s most significant Chinese burial grounds, a peaceful landscape of carved headstones and symbolic offerings that honour the lives, hopes, and journeys of those who came seeking fortune and found belonging.
  

• Experience PepperGreen Farm – wander through the vibrant gardens established on the site of the original Chinese market gardens, view the site of a preserved 1850s brick kiln, and enjoy morning tea featuring fresh local produce and home-baked scones.
  

• Explore the Golden Dragon Museum and Chinese Gardens – admire stunning artefacts, photographs, and processional regalia that celebrate Bendigo’s Chinese community including the world’s longest Imperial Dragon, Dai Gum Loong, before enjoying a peaceful stroll through the adjoining ornamental gardens.

Each stop brings Bendigo’s Chinese legacy vividly to life, from the red earth of the diggings to the enduring symbols of culture, craftsmanship, and community that continue to thrive today.

What Guests are Saying

“My wife and I were fortunate to be able to join Jamie from Bendigo Guided Tours on a very informative tour of the Chinese mines and precinct. 27 years in Bendigo and I went to places that I have never been to before. If anyone is wanting a tour, I would recommend Bendigo Guided Tours”  – Two Adults One Child (Trip Advisor) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Jamie, thank you so so much for today! We honestly didn’t know what to expect but your tour succeeded in anything we could have imagined. It was something we both needed for ourselves. I can’t wait to experience more tours” Rhiannon (Google) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Great day spent learning about Bendigo, it’s history and hidden gems. Jaimie showed a great mix of buildings, landmarks and gold mines. His knowledge is in depth and his passion about history makes it even more enjoyabl”. – Elizabeth C (Google) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Itinerary

We meet and conclude at the Bendigo Visitor Centre, 51-57 Pall Mall (or alternatively, Pick Up and Drop Off is available).

10:00am – Visitor Centre:

Meet your local guide and begin your journey into the story of Dai Gum San — “Big Gold Mountain.”

White Hills Chinese Diggings:
Walk among the remnants of 1850s diggings where Chinese miners once toiled and try your hand at panning for real gold on this historic site.

Chinese Cemetery – White Hills:
Visit one of Australia’s most significant and best-preserved Chinese burial grounds. Discover its beautifully inscribed headstones, symbolic offerings, and the remarkable 19th-century burning tower still used in traditional ceremonies today.

PepperGreen Farm:
Explore the gardens established on the site of the original Chinese market gardens and view a preserved 1850s brick kiln built by Fok Sing & Co. Relax over morning tea featuring freshly baked scones and locally sourced produce in the café surrounded by working gardens.

Golden Dragon Museum & Chinese Gardens:
Step inside Bendigo’s world-renowned museum dedicated to Chinese heritage. See intricate artefacts, silk regalia, and the world’s longest Imperial Dragon, Dai Gum Loong. Then stroll through the peaceful ornamental gardens that celebrate friendship between cultures.

1:00pm – Return to Visitor Centre.

Practical Information

Duration: 3 hours
Travel: Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and short guided walks
Start & Finish: Bendigo Visitor Centre (51–67 Pall Mall, Bendigo)
Inclusions: Professional local guide, all transport, morning tea at PepperGreen Farm, and entry to the Golden Dragon Museum.
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water bottle, camera, and a sense of curiosity.

Why Choose This Tour?

Authentic heritage experience – Walk the same ground once worked by Bendigo’s Chinese pioneers.
Meaningful storytelling – Hear stories of courage, endurance, and community that shaped a city.
Rare historic access – Visit one of Australia’s few surviving Chinese cemeteries and gold diggings.
Local hospitality – Enjoy fresh local food and warm service at PepperGreen Farm.
Small-group comfort – Travel in a modern 8-seater vehicle with time to ask questions and connect.

? Book your place today and walk in the footsteps of the Chinese miners who helped shape Bendigo’s remarkable story.