2023/24 - 4 Days: Bendigo Goldfields Tour

Day 1: The Victorian Goldfields – Monday (LD)

Welcome aboard! We are off to Bendigo this morning, via Daylesford and Castlemaine. Our morning stop is in the main street of Daylesford to stretch our legs and check out the cafes and shops before continuing to Castlemaine where we board the Victorian Goldfields Railway for a ride on the original steam train which runs from here to Maldon. A light lunch is served on board. The historic village of Maldon was christened the "First Notable Town in Australia" by the National Trust because of its authenticity. Today cottage gardens, pavements overhung by verandahs, tailing dumps and old mining structures are the essence of Maldon. We will spend a couple of hours free time to enjoy the village before continuing to Bendigo for a 3 night stay. (Meal Inclusions: Light lunch/Dinner in the motel) 

Lakeside Hotel, 286 Napier Street Bendigo: 03 5445 5300 – 3 nights

Day 2: Bendigo – Tuesday  (BLD)

We commence our touring this morning with a visit to the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, the largest Buddhist monument in the western world and the final home for the largest gem quality Jade Buddha in the world. Then we are off to Ravenswood Homestead for a brief tour and morning tea. Gold was first discovered on the property which led to Bendigo becoming one of the richest towns in the world. Consequently this property plays a big part in the history of Bendigo and is a most interesting visit. Lunch today is at nearby St Annes Winery. With 40 years' experience and family-owned passion, this is an interesting stop. The winery uses organic cultivation practices – allowing sheep to roam free in specific vineyard blocks to reduce the weed load and the need for sprays. The water conservation involves drip irrigation and soil probes to precisely measure the amount of water needed. The restaurant overlooks the property and is a delightful spot for lunch. All up, it will be a fascinating day! (Meal Inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Winery lunch at St Annes)

Day 3: Bendigo – Wednesday (BD)

After a leisurely breakfast this morning we join the ‘Talking Tram’ to see some of the stunning buildings - such as the Shamrock Hotel - and to learn a little about the history of the Goldfields. At the nearby Golden Dragon Museum we will hear about the contributions made by the Chinese people of Bendigo. One permanent display is “Sun Loong” the longest Imperial dragon in the world and “Loong” the oldest Imperial dragon in the world. We will then have some free time in the Mall to buy some lunch or do some shopping. Perhaps call into Myers? Bendigo was home to the first Myer Store - it opened 1900. After prospering, they opened a second store in Bendigo in 1908. In 1911, Myer purchased the business of Wright and Neil, Drapers, in Bourke Street, Melbourne, near the General Post Office, and a new building was completed and opened in 1914. This afternoon we have arranged a guided tour of the magnificent Sacred Heart Cathedral which overlooks the city. It is the only English Gothic Cathedral in Australia. The foundations consist of granite from Harcourt, near Bendigo. The walls are of sandstone, from the Geelong region and the dressings and carvings are of limestone from Waurn Ponds and Mt. Gambier. The floor is Calacutta Vagli Extra Marble from Italy. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the motel)

Day 4: Heading Home – Thursday (BL)

This morning we have a slightly later breakfast before we complete our check out. We have then planned a visit to Bendigo Pottery. Known as Australia’s oldest working pottery the site and buildings have been placed on the “Historic Buildings Register” by the National Trust. We enjoy a self-guided tour of the Interpretative Centre. Here we step back in time and learn about the production processes, machinery, working conditions and traditional skills of Bendigo Pottery from its beginning in 1858 to the present. There is also the chance to purchase some quality items at factory prices. We then farewell Bendigo and make our way towards Sunbury. Our lunch stop is at Living Legends. This historic homestead, located at Woodlands Historic Park, offers a glimpse into the landscape of the settlers in the 1840s. The homestead is a rare example of an early prefabricated building with the ruins of two other 19th century homesteads, Cumberland and Dundonald, also on the park. The homestead is surrounded by magnificent gardens which have been extensively restored. To remember retired champion racehorses Living Legends has been established as a home to champions like Brew, Apache Cat, Dorriemus and Might and Power - famous horses many of whom have won the Melbourne Cup. Early afternoon we head home to complete our 4 day tour. (Meal Inclusions: Breakfast in the motel/Light lunch)

Tour Price

$1,145 per person (sharing a twin or double room)

The tour price is dependent on a minimum of 40 paying customers. Should the number of bookings not reach the minimum of 40 the following prices apply –

  • $1,170 per person twin share (minimum 35)

  • $1,200 per person twin share (minimum 30)

  • $1,245 per person twin share (minimum 25)

  • $1,320 per person twin share (minimum 20)

Add $260 for a guaranteed single room

Personal Travel Insurance is strongly recommended

Tour Inclusions

Tour price includes deluxe coach touring, 3 nights accommodation, meals as indicated (B=Cooked or buffet breakfast, L= Light or packed lunch, D=2 course limited choice dinner or buffet). Other attractions and entries included as per the itinerary.

Next Steps

To arrange a tour for your club simply contact Alex Corones from Australian Road Journeys on 0488 117 682 with your preferred date of travel – he will do the rest! When everything is confirmed, ARJ will provide printed itineraries for distribution to interested club members.

Read some testimonials from past groups here.

Tour Conditions

A deposit of $350 per person is required to secure your booking. This deposit is fully refundable until 60 days prior to the day of departure. Final payment is required 45 days prior to the day of departure. Bookings cancelled within 14 days prior to the day of departure are non-refundable. No additional cancellation fees apply.

Personal Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.

The Itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Australian Road Journey’s reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. Australian Road Journey’s will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion. All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc.