Discover Bendigo on this award-winning tour visiting gold-rush diggings, the stunning Sacred Heart Cathedral and the Great Stupa. A rich journey through history, culture and story.

PRICE: $59
per person

 

Discover Bendigo on an inspiring 3-hour journey that brings Australia’s gold-rush past and cultural heritage vividly to life. This award-winning experience blends powerful storytelling, spectacular landmarks and rare historic sites, offering a deep and memorable introduction to one of Australia’s most fascinating regional cities.

Travel in air-conditioned comfort as you explore Bendigo’s evolution from a chaotic goldfield into a grand 19th-century city shaped by wealth, ambition and remarkable characters. Along the way, your expert local guide shares engaging stories of miners, entrepreneurs, visionaries and communities who transformed Bendigo into the cultural destination it is today.

Your journey begins at the 1850s Chinese Diggings, a rare surviving gold-rush landscape where thousands of miners once laboured in challenging conditions. Walk among original digger’s mines, see both European and Chinese shaft styles, and learn how these early pioneers searched for fortune. Try panning for real gold using the same simple technique miners relied upon more than 170 years ago.

From here, enjoy a scenic drive through Bendigo’s extraordinary 19th-century architecture. Grand Second-Empire buildings, elegant boulevards and ornate civic monuments reveal the spectacular wealth that once flowed through the city. Your guide brings these streets to life with stories of fortune seekers, colourful personalities and bold Victorian-era vision.

Next, visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral, one of Australia’s tallest and most remarkable Gothic cathedrals. Step inside to explore soaring arches, intricate stonework and stained-glass windows crafted by Italian artisans in the mid-20th century. Hear the remarkable tale of Reverend Backhaus, whose vast fortune helped bring this architectural masterpiece to completion.

The journey continues to the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, the largest Buddhist stupa in the Western world and a place of deep spiritual significance. Explore the Peace Park, admire sacred artworks and encounter the world-famous Jade Buddha for Universal Peace. This is one of Bendigo’s most breathtaking and unexpected cultural landmarks—a powerful symbol of harmony, compassion and global connection.

Throughout the tour, enjoy plenty of opportunities for photos, questions and conversation. This small-group experience offers a relaxed pace, meaningful insights and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Recognised for excellence, Bendigo Guided Tours was awarded Best New Tourism Business in Victoria (2025) and is a finalist in the Australian Tourism Awards. Our experiences have also been featured by Tourism Australia as some of the most engaging and story-rich tours in regional Australia.

Whether this is your first time in Bendigo or you’re rediscovering a city you thought you knew, this tour offers an unforgettable introduction to its history, culture and spirit.

Explore rare 1850s Chinese Diggings with gold panning included.
Visit the stunning Sacred Heart Cathedral, one of Australia’s tallest.
Experience the Great Stupa, the largest Buddhist stupa in the Western World.
See Bendigo’s grand gold-rush architecture on a scenic city drive.
Hear powerful gold-rush stories from an award-winning local guide.

Air-conditioned small-group transport
Guided visit to 1850s Chinese Diggings
Gold panning activity with real paydirt
Visit to Sacred Heart Cathedral
Visit to the Great Stupa & Peace Park
Scenic drive showcasing Bendigo’s heritage architecture
Engaging commentary from an award-winning local guide
All entry fees
Photo opportunities at every stop
Gratuities
Food and Drink

 

This is just one of the many unforgettable experiences the Australia has to offer. Discover more tours, hidden gems, and must-see spots in Brisbane, Melbourne, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney or on our complete Australia guide.