Discover the real gold of Bendigo on this inspiring 3-hour small-group adventure uncovering grand architecture, rare historic sites and modern marvels that reveal the city’s transformation from gold-rush boomtown to vibrant cultural capital.

Travel in comfort aboard our air-conditioned 8-seater People Mover as your local guide brings Bendigo’s extraordinary story to life, from the fevered diggings that once made it the richest city in the world to its magnificent landmarks of prosperity, vision and faith. Along the way, you’ll step into the story yourself with a hands-on gold-panning experience, sifting through paydirt for real gold just as the early diggers did.

It’s a journey that captures the spirit of adventure and discovery that built this remarkable city. You’ll see why Bendigo’s story is one of creativity, resilience and beauty, an Australian city unlike any other.

Tour Itinerary

Meet at the Bendigo Visitor Centre – 1:00pm
Your journey begins at the Bendigo Visitor Centre where you’ll meet your local guide and be introduced to the city that was once the richest in the world. Surrounded by French inspired architecture, hear the fascinating stories behind Bendigo’s grand Shamrock Hotel, a hub for miners, celebrities and royalty alike, and the remarkable George Lansell, known as the Quartz King for his role in shaping Bendigo’s mining success.

Drive to the Historic Chinese Diggings – 1:20pm
Travel a short distance to one of Bendigo’s most rare and important gold rush sites, where traces of both European and Chinese alluvial mining techniques from the 1850s and 60s can still be seen today. Here you’ll step into the story yourself with a hands-on gold panning experience, learning how diggers once worked the soil in search of fortune and maybe even finding a little real gold of your own.

Drive to Sacred Heart Cathedral – 2:05pm
Next, visit the magnificent Sacred Heart Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that stands as one of Australia’s largest and most awe-inspiring churches. Hear how Reverend Backhaus’s vision and determination helped build this enduring symbol of faith and prosperity, rising from the wealth of the goldfields.

Drive to the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion – 2:45pm
Continue north to the Great Stupa, a modern marvel of peace and spirituality and the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world. Stroll through its serene Peace Park and admire the craftsmanship that connects Bendigo’s gold rush heritage to its place today as a city of culture, compassion and global significance.

Return to Bendigo via Scenic Lookout – 3:30–4:00pm
Enjoy a relaxed return journey to the city, stopping at a scenic lookout for panoramic views of Bendigo’s golden landscape. Pass historic landmarks such as the Central Nell Gwynne Mine, taking in one final view of this remarkable city before returning to the CBD around 4:00pm.

What’s Included

• 3-hour fully guided small-group tour (maximum 7 guests)
  

• Comfortable air-conditioned People Mover transport
  

• Gold panning experience – keep what you find!
  

• Visit the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
  

• Visit to Sacred Heart Cathedral
  

• Expert local guide sharing fascinating stories and history
  

• Photo stops at key scenic and heritage locations

Why You’ll Love It

This tour goes far beyond sightseeing—it’s a journey through time and transformation. From the fevered days of the gold rush to Bendigo’s rebirth as a city of creativity, faith and compassion, you’ll leave inspired by the people, places and stories that turned mud into magnificence.