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THE OLD goldmining town of Bendigo, just 100 miles north of Melbourne is full of surprises with plenty to do on a day trip or a longer stay.
Set amidst rolling bush covered hills, Bendigo is known to locals and visitors alike, as the golden heart of Victoria.
A city where the character of the gold-rush days still remains.
Ten years before the discovery of gold In the Bendigo district, sheep quietly grazed along creek banks.
The cry of 'Gold' came in 1851 and the tranquil valley was transformed.
Thousands of miners swarmed to Bendigo seeking fortunes. The buckets, pans and pockets were filled and Bendigo was plunged into the world's spotlight.
The goldrush bought a bustling shanty town and enormous yields from gold deep in the ground lead to a real boom. Bendigo was the richest quartz reef mining area in the world.
The deep working mines are gone but the Central Deborah, the last mine worked, stands as a reminder of that golden past and is a popular tourist attraction.
The city is now a well-established community providing every facility for resident and visitor alike.
Bendigo is full of history and many attractions are within easy walking distance or you may prefer to take the tram - the talking tram that is.
As you ride on one of the meticulously restored trams, a commentary explains the history and significance of the buildings and locations as you pass by.
You'll see and hear about such things as the majestic Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Alexandra Fountain, the grand Beehive Store, the famous Shamrock Hotel, Bendigo's Victorian showplaces such as the Post Office and Court House, and the memorial to Bendigo's gold pioneers.
A golden experience can be had at the Central Deborah Goldmine. You can see the mine just as the miner's themselves did up until 1954.
Under the towering 21-metre - high poppet head, you enter a lift cage to descend the shaft to a working level 60 metres below the surface. Below ground you will be lead on a fascinating exploration of actual mine workings.
Above the ground is also interesting with engine rooms and miners quarters to explore.
Bendigo and the surrounding areas are full of galleries, arts, crafts and antiques. Renowned especially for its pottery, the more well-known potteries include: Bendigo Pottery, Sweenies Creek Pottery, Woodstock and Cannie Ridge Potteries. All are individual and welcome visitors to view or buy their works.
Numerous art galleries offer works by local artists including contemporaries. paintings, ceramics, sculptures, photography and drawing.
An excellent selection of fine antiques are also to be found in Bendigo galleries and stores. Leatherwork, jewellery and dried flowers make ideal gifts - Bendigo is an ideal place to shop for a friend.