ROSALIND PARK WALK
Like many great cities of the world, lush green parkland in Bendigo’s bustling CBD acts as the city’s lungs, where the natural meets man-made. An easy 40-minute walk around Bendigo’s 19-acre Rosalind Park, named after the Bard’s character in Shakespeare’s As You Like It, offers a tranquil escape and a window into the past.
www.bendigotourism.com |
CHINESE HERITAGE
A personalized tour of Bendigo’s renowned Golden Dragon Museum – the hub of Chinese cultural activity in Australia – offers delegates a truly unique experience. Educational and enlightening, the museum, complete with classical Chinese gardens, temple and the oldest imperial dragon in the world, chronicles the legacy of the Chinese, who flocked to Bendigo during the gold rush.
www.bendigotourism.com |
UP, UP AND AWAY
Bendigo’s striking streetscapes, picturesque surrounding countryside and Mediterranean climate makes it an idyllic location for hot air ballooning. The spectacular views and accompanying champagne breakfast more than make up for the early start. Getting high might just be the perfect way for your delegates to spend their down time.
www.goldrushballooning.com.au |
MAJESTIC STREETSCAPES
A 90-minute walking tour entitled Bendigo’s Beautiful Buildings will reveal an architectural landscape unrivalled in regional Victoria, including the city’s stunning main thoroughfare named after London’s legendary Pall Mall. From the imposing Sacred Heart Cathedral to the iconic Capital Theatre and St Killian’s, the largest wooden church in the southern hemisphere, Bendigo’s diverse design will delight.
www.bendigotourism.com
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A MOMENT OF ZEN
A Buddhist retreat and educational facility set in bushland outside Bendigo, the Atisha Centre offers guided meditation and a diverse program of courses about Buddha’s teachings. The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion – one of the most significant Buddhist temples in the world – is currently under construction at Atisha. A peaceful and potentially lifechanging way for delegates to unwind.
www.bendigotourism.com |
ARTISANS OF BENDIGO
The one-of-a-kind Artisans of Bendigo program, designed by the region’s own nationally and internationally recognised artists, offers a chance for art lovers to meet artists face to-face in their own studios and purchase works direct. More than a dozen painters, jewellers and potters are part of the program and private tours of a series of studios can be arranged.
www.studiosgalleriesofbendigo.com |
TAKE A TRUNDLE
When your delegates are talked out, they can sit back, relax and let the tram do the talking. Bendigo’s famous talking tram tour explains the golden past of the city founded on one of the world’s richest goldfields. Each hop-on, hop-off tour includes a visit to Australia’s oldest operating tram depot and takes in all the sights.
www.bendigotramways.com |
KILN SOME TIME
A visit to the famous Bendigo Pottery, Australia’s oldest working pottery and home to a number of heritage-listed beehive kilns is a team-building exercise delegates can really “throw” themselves into. Delegates can create their own clay masterpiece onsite and have their fired pieces delivered to their home. There is also an interpretive museum, café and gallery.
www.bendigopottery.com.au |
A TRUE GOLD MINE
A trust exercise of epic proportions; an underground tour of the Central Deborah Gold Mine will see delegates don hard hats and overalls to climb ladders, work drills and search for gold – all 85m below the surface in a real gold mine. Hourly tours and the 2.5 our tour includes a meal served underground in the crib room.
www.central-deborah.com |
MARKETS
For many people, the weekend isn’t complete without a visit to a market of some description – whether it’s looking for antique glassware, that old-fashioned rocking chair or the perfect bunch of organic vegies. The Bendigo region boasts a plethora of different markets, offering home-made and second-hand goods, local art and craft, fresh produce, bric-a-brac and much more.
www.bendigotourism.com |
WINE WITH CLASS
Set in a gorgeous landmark Victorian building in the heart of Bendigo’s vibrant arts precinct, Wine Bank on View offers an extensive range of quality wine, alongside tapas, light meals and coffee. Wine Bank has quickly emerged as the place to be in Bendigo, and is the ideal place for delegates to relax and network after a full day.
www.bendigotourism.com |
DRINK IT IN
A full or half-day tour of some of the Bendigo region’s award-winning vineyards will add a relaxed social element to any corporate event. Central Wine Tours can tailor a tour specifically to your group. Delegates can tour cellars, chat with winemakers and experience their craft first-hand. And best of all, there’s no driving.
www.centralwinetours.com.au |
TRAM CAR DINING
ninesevensix is undoubtedly Bendigo’s most unique dining experience. Retaining its original number, 976, this beautifully refurbished 1952 Melbourne W-class tram can provide your group with the best vistas of Bendigo’s gracious buildings at night, coupled with a delicious four-course menu and drinks.
www.bendigoninesevensix.com.au |
SIP & CYCLE
While they’re not always associated with each other, cycling and wine tasting are perfect partners. What better way to work off that shiraz and cheese plate than with a leisurely pedal? Visitors to Bendigo can choose from four different Winery Cycle Trails, created to guide riders to the many treasures of the renowned wine region.
www.bendigotourism.com |
BLAZE A TRAIL
For a complete change of pace, horse riding in the Whipstick State National Park with the Ironbard Riding Centre is a great way to build team morale. Beginners through to experienced riders can enjoy an early morning trot or a late afternoon canter into the unset. And best of all, there’s a full stocked bar too.
www.bendigotourism.com |
LET’S GET PHYSICAL
Cycling and walking are two of the best ways to experience the region’s natural beauty. Countless kilometers of tracks and trails interweave across the region, with many leading to lookouts with breathtaking views of the city and surrounding countryside. The 2-hour Bendigo Bushland Trail is an ideal way to explore the local flora and fauna.
www.bendigotourism.com |
INDULGE
A tranquil setting, a superb foot rub, a rejuvenating facial, a head massage. Relaxed yet? Your delegates will be if they pamper themselves at one of Bendigo’s elegant day spas. The historic city’s grand and gracious setting provides the perfect backdrop for a luxurious spa experience; after the formalities of course.
www.silkdayspa.com.au
www.spaeleven.com.au |
OARSOME TIME
Imagine literally drifting from one award-winning winery to another, tasting fine wine and delicious food along the way. Bendigo Adventures’ guided kayaking wine tour on the Goulburn River in the Heathcote wine region offers tastings at Mitchelton and Tahbilk wineries and includes lunch and transport from Bendigo. No previous paddling experience is required.
www.bendigoadventures.com |
DISCOVERY
Like the ubiquitous model train set, Bendigo’s Discovery Science and Technology Centre is essentially designed for kids, but secretly adored by adults. Boasting the tallest vertical slide in the southern hemisphere, which drops you 7m straight down at speeds of up to 40 km/h, and a state-of-the-art planetarium, Discovery is a big kids’ playground. Corporate functions are a specialty.
www.discovery.asn.au |
GET INTO A SPIN
Throw your delegates into a spin with an authentic Australian cultural experience – learning how to throw a boomerang. In a 2-hour session with Wycheproof Boomerangs in Bendigo, delegates can discover the origins of the ancient weapon, the secret of why it returns; and also create their own boomerang to keep.
www.boomerangsales.com |
STEAM AHEAD
For a genuine first-class experience, you can’t go past a classic steam train journey; finely restored carriages, lush, open landscape flashing by, a glass of red and lunch or dinner. The Victorian Goldfields Railway links the historic towns of Castlemaine and Maldon and runs several days a week. Timetables are available from the Bendigo Visitor Centre.
www.vgr.com.au |
GET IN THE ZONE
With many adults often accused of behaving like children, why not let them loose at The Zone? A huge entertainment complex ideally suited to corporate entertainment, The Zone offers indoor and outdoor go-karting, interactive laser games, mini golf, ice hockey and paintballing, the ideal way to identify future leaders! Group bookings welcome.
www.thezone.net.au |
GET THE STAR TREATMENT
Reward your delegates for a day or night by letting them live the life of a movie-star with transport from one of Bendigo’s limousine services. Take in the night-time sights with comfort and glamour or transfer your VIP’s from A to B in the lap of luxury.
www.yourride.net.au
www.ozlimos.com.au |
SWING INTO ACTION
An early-morning round of golf can be a great leveller and provide a relaxed opportunity for team-building. Each of Bendigo’s five courses throw up their own distinct challenges and pleasures, from the undulating greens and granite hills to the roaming roos at Bendigo Golf Club. Who’ll make the cut?
www.bendigogolfclub.com.au |
JOSS HOUSE
A Chinese place of worship, the Bendigo Joss House was built in the 1860s by Chinese migrants who came seeking their fortune on the rugged goldfields. Constructed with local, handmade bricks, the Joss House is one of the few remaining original buildings of its type in Australia and offers an insight into the religious traditions of another culture.
www.bendigotourism.com |
WORLD-CLASS ART
With its notable collection of important Australian works, significant contemporary collection and recent recordbreaking international shows, such as The Golden Age of Couture: Paris & London 1947- 57, Bendigo Art Gallery, one of the oldest and finest regional galleries in Australia, is a “must see” for all groups. Private, guided tours are available. A great venue for cocktails.
www.bendigoartgallery.com.au |
STRIKE IT RICH
For those willing to get a little dirt on their hands, gold prospecting in the forests surrounding Bendigo is an interesting way to spend a few hours. Full and half-day prospecting trips, including a guide, transport, food and drinks and metal detectors. Who’ll have a Eureka moment?
www.bendigotourism.com |
BOWL EM OVER
Pick a skip, head to the green and play a rink or two. Described as the “friendliest club in town”, the Bendigo Club offers corporate groups the chance to enjoy a social game of the genteel sport – lawn bowls. And while the beer’s not quite at genuine 1972 prices, it is cold and on tap.
www.bendigoclub.com |
ORGANIC EXPERIENCE
In the state’s apple core, the ancient art of small-batch cider making is alive. Bress, an idyllic 60-acre biodynamic farm at Harcourt, produces sought-after wines and ciders and also offers wood-fired pizza, antipasto and cheese in a picturesque setting. The cellar door welcomes groups by appointment and tours of the farm can also be arranged.
www.bendigotourism.com |
AMAZING ARCHITECTURE
The antithesis of the adage “never judge a book by its cover”, Bendigo’s Town Hall is one of Victoria’s most remarkable boom time buildings; with its stunning interior features, such as elaborate plasterwork, extensive hand-painted decoration and delicate gold leafing, more than matching its imposing façade. Step back to a more genteel time with a personalised guided tour.
www.bendigotourism.com |
TEAM ADVENTURES
Bendigo Adventures coordinate and lead fun, exciting and professional team building events. Use one of their developed programs or send them your ideas and they will tailor an activity to best cater for your needs.
www.bendigoadventures.com |
TRI IT ALL
A 3-hour self-drive tour, the Tri Wine Tour features three wineries located within 10 minutes drive of each other; Balgownie Estate, Sandhurst Ridge and Connor Park. With up to 30 wines available for tasting, it is a great starting point for delegates to appreciate the diversity and character of the Bendigo wine region.
www.bendigotourism.com
www.balgownieestate.com.au |
WINE TOURS & TRAILS
From memorable reds to crisp whites, the region’s wines are a delight; and touring wineries is one of the most popular ways for business visitors to spend time away from the conference centre. Organisers can select from a number of touring routes, such as the Vine to Vintage Trail, which links the Bendigo, Heathcote and Macedon Ranges wine regions.
www.bendigowine.org.au
www.heathcotewinegrowers.com.au |
A WANDERING FEAST
Even with just an hour to spare, delegates can sample the gorgeous food and wine of the region by following one of the city’s food and wine itineraries. Whether it’s the froth and bubble of a creamy cappuccino at one of the intimate cafes or a sweet treat from the city’s own chocolaterie, there’s something for every taste.
www.bendigotourism.com |
EXPERIENCE IT ALL
Rather than arrange numerous organized tours, why not provide delegates with a Bendigo Experience Pass, a handy multi-attraction pass to four of Bendigo’s best attractions at a discounted price, and let them relax at their own pace? A great way for delegates to experience Bendigo Pottery, Central Deborah, the Golden Dragon Museum and the Talking Tram.
www.bendigotourism.com |
RACE AWAY
Visit one of Victoria’s most prestigious racecourses – Bendigo Jockey Club, or experience the excitement of harness racing at Lords Raceway. With an action packed calendar of thoroughbred and harness racing meetings, there is always an excuse to don a fascinator or tie, share a drink and back your fancy. Whether entertaining guests in a corporate marquee or thanking your staff – it’s a great day out.
www.bendigojc.com.au
www.bhrc.com.au |
