Delve into history at Heritage Fiesta - A Free Family Day Out!
Looking for a unique day out close to home? Discover the rich heritage, culture and character of Bendigo at Heritage Fiesta, a free community open day taking place on Saturday 17 May 2025 from 10am-5pm.
Hosted by Bendigo Heritage Attractions, this exciting event offers exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to some of Bendigo’s most iconic sites including the Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Tramways and the Bendigo Joss House Temple.
Relax aboard a Vintage Talking Tram Tour, get hands-on with a gold panning experience, enjoy live music and a cuppa at the Tram Café and delve into Chinese heritage at the Bendigo Joss House Temple.
You can also explore partner locations with exclusive access to the Military Museum, the new Heritage House Museum and PepperGreen Farm, all free of charge!
Whether you’re a history lover, curious explorer or just after a fun day out with your family and friends, Heritage Fiesta promises something for everyone, complete with festive vibes, fascinating stories and unforgettable experiences.
So, pack a sense of adventure, gather your crew and uncover the stories that helped shape Bendigo.
Entry is free, however donations are welcome!
Bendigo Heritage Attractions is a non-profit organisation that maintains and operates some of Bendigo’s most significant heritage sites, including the Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Tramways and the Bendigo Joss House Temple.
DATE: Saturday 17 May 2025
TIME: 10:00am-5:00pm
COST: FREE
The Details
Explore the Depot and Workshop
Explore the Bendigo Tramways Depot and Workshop, speak to our world-renowned workshop team and see first-hand how heritage trams are restored.
Duration: Allow 45 minutes
Times: 10:00am-5:00pm. (Last entry 4:30pm)
Cost: FREE
Pre-book: Reserve your ticket online here.
Vintage Talking Tram Tour
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Did you know our fleet of heritage trams all exceed 100 years of age? Step on board a restored tram and be transported through the heart of Bendigo.
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Bendigo Tramways Museum
| Within our Museum you’ll find treasured artifacts and photos which have come straight from the vault and are on display to the public for the first time. Duration: Allow 15 minutes Times: Open 10:00am-5:00pm Cost: FREE Pre-book: Bookings not required |
Bendigo Tram Café
Take a moment to sit back and enjoy a light meal at our Tram Café. Relax on the deck with a coffee in hand, while listening to live music. Treat yourself to artisan ice cream or gelato from our Golden Scoops Gelato cart!
Food and drinks at café prices. Full details here.
Central Deborah Gold Mine Surface Tour
| Central Deborah Gold Mine will be offering free guided tours on the surface of the mine. See heritage mining equipment in action, try your hand at panning for gold and discover more about our fascinating goldrush heritage. Duration: Allow 45 minutes Times: 10:00am-5:00pm (Last entry 4:30pm) Cost: FREE Pre-book: Reserve your ticket online here. |
Central Deborah Gold Mine Underground Experience Tour
Become enthralled by Bendigo’s underworld as you are guided through the honeycomb of underground tunnels with one of our friendly and knowledgeable guides at Central Deborah Gold Mine.
Duration: 75 minutes
Times: 10:00am-4:30pm
Cost: From $29
Pre-book: Reserve your ticket online here.
Bendigo Joss House Temple
Hop off the tram at Stop 6 and discover the extraordinary world of Chinese culture at the Bendigo Joss House Temple.
Duration: Allow 30 minutes
Times: 10:00am-5:00pm (Last entry 4:30pm)
Cost: Entry by donation
Pre-book: Bookings not required
Partnerships
Bendigo History House Museum
As part of our Heritage Fiesta, Bendigo Historical Society will be opening the History House Museum for the duration of the event.
Visitors can enjoy informal curated talks about their current exhibition, “Treasures,” which highlights a small selection of people and stories from over 35,000 items in their collection.
Bendigo families have generously donated items over the past sixty years, while thousands of volunteer hours have been dedicated to cataloguing and preservation. This community collection is a recognition and celebration of Bendigo’s history and of its place in a larger national picture.
To view the Bendigo Historical Society online collection, click here.
Duration: Allow 20 minutes
Times:10:00am-5:00pm
Cost: Entry by donation
Address: 11 Mackenzie Street, Bendigo. Hop off the tram at Stop 2.
Pre-book: Bookings not required
Peppergreen Farm
Just a brief stroll from the Bendigo Joss House Temple at Stop 6, the Peppergreen Farm café and gardens will be open during the event. Relax in the sunshine amidst the gardens and farmland, or indulge in delicious, freshly-prepared meals made from produce grown right on the farm!
Duration: Allow 20 minutes
Times: 8:00am-4:30pm
Cost: Food and drinks at café prices.
Address: 40-44 Thunder Street, North Bendigo. Hop off the tram at stop 6.
Pre-book: Bookings are highly reccommended. Please click here to book.
More info: Click here
Bendigo Military Museum
Step beyond the museum’s walls and ascend to the heritage-listed Band Rotunda, a rarely seen treasure perched atop the Soldiers Memorial Institute. Normally closed to the public, this exclusive opening invites you to unearth a hidden piece of Bendigo’s history.
Volunteers will be on hand to share stories of the rotunda’s past and its connection to the Soldiers Memorial Institute. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, photographer, architecture lover, or simply curious, don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a forgotten vantage point of Bendigo.
Please note: Access to the Band Rotunda is only available via a staircase.
Times: 11:00am-3:00pm
Cost: Entry by donation (Does not include entry to the Museum exhibitions).
Pre-book: Bookings not required
Location: 37-39 Pall Mall, Bendigo. Hop off the tram at Stop 2.
More info: Click here
Bendigo Woollen Mills
Australia’s largest manufacturer of hand-knitting yarn, Bendigo Woollen Mills, is located just beyond the Tram Café. They offer a huge range of locally made products. During the Heritage Fiesta event, visitors can enjoy a 10% discount on full-price yarns.
Times: 10:00am-5:00pm
Address: 4 Lansell Street, East Bendigo. Hop off the tram at Stop 3.
More info: Click here
We can’t wait for you to join us!
Continue the Fiesta!
After a full day of discovering our heritage sites, don’t miss the chance to hop on our La Música Tram - a vibrant Groove Tram specially transformed for Fiesta Bendigo.
Immerse yourself in a world of pure entertainment, featuring live music, local drinks, and tequila, all while surrounded by the breath-taking landscapes of Bendigo’s rolling hills.
Don't miss out on this incredible fusion of culture and fun! Your ticket to the ultimate fiesta experience awaits!
More info: Click here