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The city of Bendigo is one of the largest provincial cities in Victoria. It has a population of 85000 and is an important regional center located about 131 kilometres north west of Melbourne along the Calder Freeway. The city has its historical roots set in the days of the great Victoian Gold rush. In 1851 two women found gold in the Bendigo creek area and that started the massive gold rush that was to follow. Since 1851 over 22 million ounces of gold have been mined from the quartz reefs of the Bendigo Goldmines. The massive wealth that has been created here has produced a prosperous city with many beautiful heritage buildings and a special place in Australia’s history. There are many ornate buildings decorated in the colonial Victorian style. Prominent examples are the Bendigo Town Hall, the Post office, The Institute of Technology and many of the older pubs an hotels.

The local tourism industry today, is based on the historic gold production of the city. The Central Deborah Gold Mine and other attractions managed by the Bendigo trust are the major drawcards. Bendigo is still a large gold producer and there is estimated to be at least as much gold left in the region as has been mined in the past. The structure of the reefs and surrounding rock is such that very deep tunnelling is possible and consequently deeper and deeper reefs are able to be accessed.

Bendigo is easy to get to. The Calder freeway provides 110 kilometre per hour road access. Regular rail services from Melbourne operate on a fast regional track. Bendigo airport is in the process of being upgraded to accept jet services. When you get there, there is lots to see and do. The Bendigo Art gallery is the oldest and largest of the regional Galleries. The Bendigo National swap meet is the largest of its kind in Australia attracting visitors from interstate. It is a popular place for sports lovers with excellent facilities for many codes including athletics, tennis cricket and football.

Bendigo is a great place to visit and share in the history of one of the country’s most important mining towns.

Bendigo