ATTRACTIONS WHIPSTICK VIC

The Star Cinema has provided the greater Bendigo community with independent, arthouse films and crossover cinema releases since 1999. It operates in the grand setting of the Eaglehawk Town Hall in Bendigo, Central Victoria.

This park protects some of the highest quality Box-Ironbark forest in north-central Victoria, along with mallee and grassy woodlands. This is an ideal spot for nature study, birdwatching, bushwalking, picnics, horse riding and camping. The best time to visit is between August and October when colourful wildflowers are abundant. The 60 kilometre Bendigo Bushland Trail goes through part of the park, and the Great Dividing Trail begins here, linking Bendigo, Castlemaine and Ballarat. Things to do - Recreational fossicking is allowed in some areas. Fossickers must hold a current Miners Right. - The park offers a range of opportunities for walking and mountain biking. - Scenic driving, cycling and walking - Most roads in the park are unsealed and suitable for car touring and cycling. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Balgownie Estate was the first boutique vineyard to be planted in the Bendigo district in more than 80 years. Established in 1969 by local pharmacist and winemaking legend, Stuart Anderson. The 70's and 80's are often reminisced over by those that would drive up from Melbourne for their allocation of the big full-flavoured reds, renowned for their exceptional ageing qualities. From these artisan beginnings, the 'Balgownie' name quickly gained a reputation for it's award winning wines both in Australia and overseas. Even the Queen, on a stately visit, got to have a wee sample of the 1975 and 1976 Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, Balgownie Estate boasts two vineyards and cellars: Bendigo, with predominantly old vine Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz as well as small parcels of Chardonnay and Viognier, and now the cool climate Yarra Valley with the regionally distinctive varietals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Both the Bendigo and Yarra Valley Cellar Door outlets provide visitors with access to wines from both regions. Each Cellar Door offers visitors a chance to embrace a holistic wine tourism experience with regionally inspired foods from a 'shared table' style cafe and an informative wine museum that captures the trials and tribulations of two of Australia's great wine regions. If that's not enough get away from it all at the Balgownie House; the perfect retreat ! You can relax and enjoy breakfast on the verandah, curl up with a good book on the couch, have a spa or maybe sleep all day (as do the kangaroos!), wander down to the cellar door to experience one of our famous reds or distinctive whites, 'tingle' your tastebud's with a regionally inspired lunch in the cafe.

At the Bendigo Joss House Temple you can discover more about the Chinese migrants who came to Bendigo in search of gold so long ago. The Bendigo Joss House Temple, a Chinese place of worship, was constructed in the late 1860s. Standing for over a century, the Bendigo Joss House Temple is one of the few remaining buildings of its type in Australia. It comprises a Caretaker's Residence, Temple and Ancestral Hall. The main temple is dedicated to Guan-Di, the god of war and prosperity. The Chinese saw Guan-Di as a wise judge, guide, protector and provider of wealth and prosperity. Constructed with locally hand-made bricks and painted red, symbolising the traditional Chinese colour denoting strength and vitality, the Bendigo Joss House Temple is an important part of Bendigo's cultural history.