Alexandra Fountain
Probably Bendigo’s most recognisable landmark, this fountain dates back to 1881 at the height of the gold rush. The fountain was opened by Prince Albert Victor and the future King George V.
The roundabout is known as Charming Cross at the top of Pall Mall, Bendigo’s main street. The name Alexandra was taken from the then Princess of Wales and is built of hard-court granite.
The Federation Exhibition
This is one of the best interactive museums you will find in regional Victoria- and it’s free! This self-guided display gives you a great insight into the Federation of Australia and Bendigo itself, both yesterday and today. There are some great artefacts and memorabilia on display and a wealth of interesting fun for all.
Tram Museum
Bendigo’s historic tram museum is in Arnold Street. The first trams, introduced to Bendigo in 1890 and still run today, outside Melbourne these are the only trams running in Victoria. In the early days the trams were battery power and later steam, electric trams ran from 1903. The tram ceased proper public transport use in 1972 and now takes on a more tourist operation. There are over 30 restored trams either on the Bendigo Tram Tracks or on display at the museum.
Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Located at 66 Short St. Sacred Heart is an outstanding Gothic cathedral is Victoria’s largest cathedral outside Melbourne and reputedly the last Early Gothic style cathedral built in the world.
Designed by the architect W Tappin commenced in 1896 and not being completed 2003 when the bell was finally added. The stonework is made up from Barrabool Freestone and Australian Blackwood is used extensively. Marble Pews were imported from Sicily and the huge 21-metre stained-glass windows were made in Birmingham in the UK. The tall spire stands some 86 metres including a 7 metre high bronze cross- the cathedral is a dominating structure and can be seen from all over Bendigo.
Golden Dragon Museum & Chinese Gardens
Located at 5-13 Bridge Street and opened in 1991 the Golden Dragon Museum & Chinese Gardens celebrates the Chinese people of Bendigo from the years of the Gold Rush to the present. This museum is a step into the orient, with a host of memorabilia and regalia. The most popular of the exhibitions are the six dragons on display. The Loong Dragon is believed to be the world’s oldest imperial dragon. It was used in the Australian Federation ceremony in 1901 and was again used 100 years later for the centenary of Federation. It is believed the dragon dates back to the early 1890s. The world’s longest dragon also can be found at the museum. It is called the Sun Loong and is over 100 metres long, requiring 52 people to carry it and has 90000 mirrors, 30000 beads and 4500 scales.
