subject: Everyone can enjoy Bendigo's rich heritage [print this page] Everyone can enjoy Bendigo's rich heritage
Bendigo, in the southern Australian State of Victoria is often cited as one of the best examples of a 19th century Gold Rush city in all of Australia. It doesn't take long to get there from Melbourne. Just take the Calder Freeway inland and within 2 hours, you will be there. If you don't have a car, you can take a luxury bus or the train. However you choose to get there, upon arrival you will live in grand style. Bendigo was built on the fabulous wealth created at the height of the Gold Rush and you can see evidence of that wealth everywhere in town.
The architecture in Bendigo is one of its main attractions. Many of the best examples of nineteenth century Federation architecture are found here on wide boulevardes that were created by the city's founding father's for the sole purpose of catering to its wealthy inhabitants. Travelling down the quite town streets to will see public building and homes designed by some of Australia's top architects in the 19th century..
The Gold Rush era in Bendigo began in 1851 and in many ways hasn't really ended yet. Gold mining came to a temporary halt in 1954, but has resumed since then. With today's technology gold mining continues along the many quartz reefs that are found spread out around the town.
News of gold in Bendigo spread quickly throughout Europe. Hence, Bendigo was settled by a combination of European migrants, principally from Germany, Ireland and Cornwall. Thousands of Chinese miners came to Bendigo as well and have not been forgotten since. Some of Bendigo's major attractions are the wonderful Josh House, the Golden Dragon Museum and the beautiful Chinese Gardens.
Whether you are an architect or not, you can't help but admire the exquisite artistry that went into the building of everything from the most opulent mansions down to the most humble of wooden churches in Bendigo. Architecture is not all that the city has to offer, though. One of the favorite activities of locals and visitors alike is hiking or cycling through the city and beyond and exploring areas like Whipstick Forest or further afield in the wine growing regions nearby.
While you're in Gold Rush territory, you may as well get a taste of the gold miner's life. You probably won't actually strike it rich when you try your hand at gold panning in historic Maldon, but you'll have fun trying. Then there is the fascinating Central Deborah mine, where you can step into a real miner's cage and see what it feels like to enter a deep-shaft mine.
If you wish to have a taste of the high life of the Gold Rush era, that is easily done in a Bendigo accommodation. Many of the grand mansions of the era have been transformed into guesthouses and B&Bs. Your palatial temporary residence will be within walking distance of the city center, where you can explore the wonderful art galleries, museums, gift and crafts shops and other attractions in the heart of the city. If you're staying in Melbourne, everyone will tell you that you must visit Bendigo. Listen to them. They're right.
