Practical Guide for Bendigo Residents Ready to Explore and Enjoy Local Spots This Winter

Bendigo City Council launched its Winter Explore Pass on July 10, giving residents free or discounted entry to six local attractions through August 31.

The pass arrives as daytime temperatures drop below 12 degrees and families seek indoor and outdoor options close to home rather than heading to Melbourne. Council data shows 68 percent of Bendigo households took at least one overnight trip last winter, and officials want to redirect some of that spending to nearby businesses.

Two stops already seeing increased bookings are the Bendigo Art Gallery on View Street and the tram depot on the corner of Hargreaves Street and Mitchell Street. The gallery is running a free Sunday talk series on regional artists, while the tram depot offers $8 heritage rides that loop past Rosalind Park and Lake Weeroona.

Sample one-day route

Start at the gallery at 10 am for the talk, then catch the tram at 11:30 for a 20-minute ride ending at the Lake Weeroona playground. Lunch at the adjacent café costs $14 for a pie and coffee. Afternoon options include the free Botanic Gardens walk or the $6 entry to the Golden Dragon Museum on Bridge Street. Total out-of-pocket for a family of four stays under $50 if the pass is used.

Transport data from the council’s 2025 resident survey found that 42 percent of households own at least one bicycle yet only 11 percent use them for leisure more than once a month. The new pass includes a map of the 8 km shared path that runs from White Hills to Kangaroo Flat, with bike racks at each listed venue.

Next steps for residents

Passes are available at the Bendigo Library branch on Hargreaves Mall or online through the council website. Book tram rides in advance on the depot’s booking page to secure the discounted rate. The program runs every weekend and selected weekdays until the end of August.