Hotel Ernest Bendigo

09/10/2026

29/09/2026

Explore flower fields, nature walks, art galleries and cellar doors across the region, plus a spring-themed festival. In partnership with The Bendigo Region, here’s what to do on a weekend away.

Featuring: DUMAWUL, Bendigo Openstudios and Bendigo Pottery

Words by Quincy Malesovas
Broadsheet Melbourne

https://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/entertainment/article/a-guide-to-a-colourful-spring-weekend-escape-in-Bendigo Art Gallery

From glowing tulip displays and galleries to Unesco-recognised dining and cellar door trails, here is your ultimate spring itinerary for Bendigo.

24/09/2026

14 stunning towns in regional Victoria to visit over the Grand Final long weekend

With world-class w**e regions, sweeping coastal drives, and a regional dining scene that easily rivals the capital’s best, Victoria was practically built for a three-day getaway – and with the AFL Grand Final weekend just around the corner, it’s time to get planning. From the seafood-centric town of Apollo Bay to the forgotten goldfields of historic Walhalla, here is your definitive guide on where to enjoy that extra day off in Victoria.

by delicious. Australia team

Bendigo, Goldfields, Victoria

Recognised as Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy in 2019, Bendigo – also a Wotif Town of the Year – is undergoing a culinary renaissance. Known for its rich gold-rush history and world-class art gallery, the food scene in Bendigo is now one of its main draws. Dine underground in the atmospheric w**e cellar, Terrae Restaurant & Bar, sip craft cocktails inside Gpo Bendigo, in the converted old post office. And dig into dry-aged duck breast and a house salad at The Dispensary Bar & Diner, which showcases ingredients sourced directly from Central Victorian farmers.

Ballarat, Central Highlands, Victoria

Ballarat is a boom town once again. These days, those visiting the Goldfields in pursuit of riches on a long weekend might strike it lucky with a booking at the luxurious Hotel Vera Ballarat, which has fancy fine diner Babae Ballarat onsite. Nearby Underbar is also exceptional with a 20-seat restaurant led by Michelin-trained chef Derek Boath. Wander around Lake Wendouree in the central area of Ballarat to discover more specialty cafes and head to MrJonesdining in Bakery Hill for modern Asian fare from Damien Jones (ex-Michelin-starred Nahm in London).

With world-class w**e regions, sweeping coastal drives, and a regional dining scene that easily rivals the capital’s best, Victoria was practically built for a three-day getaway – and with the AFL Grand Final weekend...

16/09/2026

Cocktails and Couture with Estelle Michaelides
Join acclaimed designer Estelle Michaelides Estelle Michaelides in conversation with Bendigo Art Gallery Curatorial Manager, Lauren Ellis Lauren Lola Ellis for an insightful conversation exploring the realities of designing and creating for high profile clients and fashion influencers. Estelle will share her experiences navigating the pressures, expectations and opportunities that come with working in the spotlight and how these collaborations shape her creative process. Discover the balance between personal artistic vision and client demands and gain a behind the scenes look at the influences that inform her work and drive innovation in contemporary fashion design.
$90, 2 cocktails and nibbles

Hosted within Terrae’s underground bar Terrae Restaurant & Bar located with Hotel Ernest

To book go to:
https://bookings.obeeapp.com/terrae/e/estelle-michaelides

10/09/2026

Spring is one of the best seasons to visit regional Victoria and see it in full bloom. After a good battering of cold weather during winter, you’ll suddenly see spring lambs bounding about in the fields. Locals rambling along tree-lined streets. And visitors who purposefully get lost after following a fork on the road purely because it’s carpeted with petals. Here are 16 of the best regional towns in Victoria that are worth a visit in spring. Including Bendigo...

Bendigo locals will happily tell you the footfall of passing petal-peepers increases noticeably during the annual Bloom festival in spring. Experience the magic by checking Bloom Watch and ambling with certainty around gardens planted with about 43,000 flowers. Bendigo was named Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2019. Check out why by visiting Madame Jude for muffins, before booking Terrae Restaurant & Bar. This former bank champions kitchen-garden plates, handmade pasta and nightcaps. You’re welcome.

https://www.delicious.com.au/travel/australia/gallery/best-regional-towns-victoria-visit-spring/nr3xdvwz

We can say with crisp certainty that spring in regional Victoria is one of the best seasons to visit the southern state and see it in full bloom. Here are 10 of the best regional towns in Victoria that are worth a visit in spring ⬇️

09/09/2026

The best restaurants in the Bendigo Region

Once reserved for the protection of historical heritage, UNESCO now honour cities of cultural significance, granting the prestigious title of City of Gastronomy to regions that celebrate their culinary heritage with local ingredients and a vibrant food culture.

For the Bendigo Region — named Australia’s first UNESCO City and Region of Gastronomy in 2019 — this title was awarded in part for the focus on paddock-to-plate culture as part of its rich heritage.

Featuring Terrae Restaurant & Bar (located within Hotel Ernest), Ms Batterhams, Alium Dining, The Woodhouse Bar & Grill and Le Foyer, Fire-led dining & bar, Bendigo.

https://www.gourmettraveller.com.au/travel/destinations/bendigo-region-unesco/

Australian Gourmet Traveller

The Bendigo Region is one of two of Australians UNESCO Region of Gastronomy, earning the culinary honour for their vibrant food scene.

06/09/2026

These towns have just been ranked the best in Victoria.
Whether you’re a foodie, festival addict or outdoor adventurer, Victoria’s diverse array of towns will no doubt dazzle you – if you let them. We’ve put together a list of the 20 best towns in Victoria to visit this year, based on Australian Traveller’s industry-judged 100 best Aussie towns to visit list.

16. Bendigo
Overall rank: 74/100

Recognised as a City of Gastronomy, Bendigo is a full-bodied cultural experience. You’ll find plenty to sink your teeth into, literally, but also first-rate galleries, such as the Bendigo Art Gallery and Post Office Gallery; architecture from the gold-rush era; and a thriving festival calendar. “Bendigo is becoming cool," affirms panellist Paul Hamra.

“It’s also a great base to visit smaller local tourist towns like Kyneton, Castlemaine and Heathcote." Then there’s DUMAWULTours, which explores the city through the lens of First Nations storytelling. Bendigo is both composed and – thanks in part to La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus – unexpectedly lively; come for the food, stay for the art, and plot your return.

Don’t miss: DJs at the Babylon Lounge and Garden Bar, which keep the tunes spinning until 3am.

These quaint yet vibrant boroughs have just been ranked the top 20 towns in Victoria, boasting everything from foodie delights to festivals.

05/09/2026

The Australian Fashion Festival Regional Series is landing in Bendigo, and this is your exclusive opportunity to chat with the heavy hitters of Australian fashion while enjoying incredible meals and drinks in this UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Here's what's on the Bendigo Fashion Series program:

Indulge in a five-course dinner at The Woodhouse Bar & Grill, featuring a specially curated menu showcasing local bush ingredients. An evening of conversation, culture and cuisine, hosted by acclaimed Indigenous food expert, fashion designer and artist Cassie Leatham, who shares her knowledge and passion for connecting people to Country through food.
📆 Thursday 17 September

Then, sip cocktails and enjoy nibbles at Cocktails and Couture inside the beautiful Terrae Restaurant & Bar. Join an intimate conversation featuring acclaimed designer Estelle Michaelides and Bendigo Art Gallery Curatorial Manager Lauren Ellis, exploring the realities of designing for high-profile clients and fashion influencers.
📆 Sunday 20 September

These are the perfect experiences for fashion and food lovers alike, but spots are limited, so now is the time to book. To secure your spot at the Bendigo Fashion Series!

02/09/2026

Discover the surreal, heritage-listed Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve in Heathcote. Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, this historic 1880s mining site offers a stunning, family-friendly 1km walk through colourful clay canyons.

The Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve is located about 110 km north of Melbourne, or roughly a 1.5-hour drive. From Heathcote, follow Pink Cliffs Road for around five minutes to the gravel car park. Entry is free, and the reserve is open 24 hours.

Visit the Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve in Heathcote. Enjoy a 1km walk through surreal pink clay gorges just 1.5 hours from Melbourne.