Images and Video
Bendigo Discovery Tour
Highlights
- Explore Bendigo's gold rush history at iconic 1850s sites, immersing in the rich heritage of this grand city.
- Descend underground at Central Deborah Goldmine, experiencing firsthand the depths of Australia's historic gold mining.
- Ride vintage trams along Pall Mall, taking in the stunning 19th-century streetscape and vibrant city atmosphere.
- Savour exquisite wines at Balgownie Estate, delighting in the flavours of the region's renowned vineyards.
The Bendigo Discovery Tour takes you on a journey of the gold rush city of Bendigo. Bendigo in the 1880’s, was deemed the richest city in the world, the goldmines descended over a kilometre beneath the surface to get the gold from the quartz reefs.
The Bendigo Discovery Tour takes you to the iconic places of Bendigo, showing you the heritage buildings and 1850’s gold rush sites, as well as modern Bendigo that has made this such a grand city.
Descend underground at the Central Deborah Goldmine with your guide to see how the gold was mined, then travel on the vintage trams that travel along Pall Mall and other city streets to view the 19th Century streetscape grandeur.
Discover the life of the Chinese miners at the Golden Dragon Museum and Bendigo Joss House. Visit Bendigo Pottery, the oldest pottery in Australia, see how the pottery was made and view the original kilns. Bendigo is surrounded by the Bendigo National Park and Bendigo Regional Park, walk through Box-Ironbark forests with your Eco-guide, to see native fauna and flora. Finish the day off by tasting the fabulous wine at Balgownie Estate.
This tour is Ecotourism Certified.
Itinerary highlights
Chinese Joss House and Golden Dragon Chinese Museum
Through the 1850’s thousands of Chinese miners had arrived to prospect for gold. Visit Bendigo’s Chinese quarter exploring the Golden Dragon Museum, and the city’s original Emu Point Joss House (temple) built during the gold rush.
Bendigo Pottery
Bendigo Pottery is Australia’s oldest working pottery, established in 1858; Bendigo Pottery has the most significant collection of ceramic wood fired kilns left in the world, which are now part of the Interpretive Museum.
Bendigo Tramways – Talking tram
Learn about Bendigo’s history as you ride on Bendigo’s Talking Tram, sit back, relax and let the tram do all the talking as you journey through the past 150 years.
Tour details
-
Available from 21 January 2026 to 31 December 2026
Features
Service facilities
This business does not currently offer accessible facilities.
Operation information
Golden Nugget Discovery Tours
Golden Nugget Discovery Tours is a leading Victorian Ecotourism tour operator, we conduct small group nature, sightseeing, heritage and wine tours.
It’s the ideal way for couples, small groups and individual travellers to experience the many regions of Victoria, such as Goldfields, Great Ocean Road, Grampians, Daylesford and Spa country, Murray region, Southwestern coast, Victorian Volcanic Plains plus the Pyrenees and Southern Grampians wine region.
Relive the history and heritage of the gold rush as you visit Ballarat and Bendigo.
Walk with your eco-guide along the Goldfields track to discover wild nature and gold rush relics.
See the rainforests, tall cliffs and 12 Apostles coastal scenery of the Great Ocean Road and the wide wilderness beaches of the Southern Ocean south-west.
Experience the nature of the Grampians with its wildflowers, kangaroos, emus, waterfalls, aboriginal rock art and wonderful views.
Discover Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and the Spa region. This region is famous for its mineral springs and spas.
Experience the Murray River region, with an eco river cruise, National park visits and river ferry boat history at Echuca and Swan Hill.
Travel the Silo Art Trail of the Wimmera Mallee, stopping at the many murals painted on the old grain silos.
The Pyrenees and Southern Grampians wine regions make some of the finest wines in Victoria. Taste the fine wines and food of both regions.
Tags
Accreditations
-
ATEC Tourism Trade Ready
-
ECO Certified (Ecotourism) by Ecotourism Australia
Memberships
- Australian Tourism Export Council
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
Plan more around this area
White Hills, VIC 
Tasman Holiday Parks – Bendigo
The family fun starts as soon as you check in to the beautifully maintained Bendigo holiday park.
Big Hill, VIC Larni Yirrip Campground (Bendigo Regional Park)
Immerse yourself in Dja Dja Wurrung culture and Country at Larni Yirrip (Home of the Ironbarks) Campground in Bendigo Regional Park. This contemporary cultural space
Marong, VIC
BIG4 Bendigo Marong Holiday Park
BIG4 Bendigo Marong Holiday Park is an oasis in the heart of the central Goldfields.
Axedale, VIC Kimbolton Campground
The peaceful, secluded Kimbolton Campground nestled among towering box-ironbark trees is close to Lake Eppalock.
Bendigo, VIC The Dispensary Bar and Diner
Hidden down Central Victoria's hippest laneway is Bendigo's leading restaurant & bar. A unique experience, unparalleled in the region, the Dispensary Bendigo is open 6
Bendigo, VIC Terrae Restaurant
Terrae's seasonal menu celebrates the finest local and regional produce, including fresh ingredients from our own farm’s kitchen gardens and orchard.
Bendigo, VIC Bendigo Tram Café
The Tram Café exudes Bendigo’s style and is located at Australia’s oldest operating Tram Depot.
Bendigo, VIC Ms Batterhams
Set in the basement of the old school hall at MacKenzie Quarters, and converted into a sophisticated, yet unpretentious, lounge bar. Perfectly positioned in the
Bendigo, VIC Le Foyer Restaurant and Cocktail Bar
Le Foyer Brasserie is a French restaurant in Bendigo.
Bendigo, VIC The Woodhouse Bar and Grill
Specialising in premium wagyu and dry aged grass feed beef, regional meats and wood fired pizza.
