Our region: a foodie and creative hub

120+

wineries and breweries

395+

small-scale, niche and artisnal producers in the region

16

regular community and farmers markets

One of the strengths of our region is the great diversity of what we produce here. The ‘gastronomy region’ we referred to in our UNESCO Creative Cities application spans from the Murray River to the Macedon ranges, and comprises the North Central Catchment area, the Loddon Campaspe region, as well as the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and other Traditional Owner Groups. In recent years our City and region have transformed into a foodie and creative hub, with art, food, music and innovation inspiring the community and attracting visitors and new residents. We are home to award-winning produce and restaurants, as well as many successful grass-roots initiatives to reduce food poverty, adapt to climate change and champion creativity.

Read our Implementation Framework and Action Plan

6,467

employed in creative industries in Greater Bendigo

5000+

artworks at Bendigo Art Gallery – one of Australia’s largest regional galleries

1858

Australia’s oldest working pottery opened

1871

Australia’s oldest ongoing festival began – Bendigo Easter Festival

Across our region, we are known for our

Apples, pears, stone fruit

Wine, beer and cider

Award-winning sheep, beef and pork

Dairy and cheese

Bread

Passionate producers focused on sustainability

Winner Outstanding Region in Australia

‘Delicious’ 2020 Produce Awards recognised Bendigo as an outstanding culinary destination

Australia’s #1

regional Chinese restaurant

1st Recognition and Settlement Agreement in Victoria between Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the State of Victoria

40,000 ha of regional, state and national parkland – 130 play spaces and over 50 sports fields

Australia’s only Regional Sustainable Agriculture Strategy

Home to Victoria’s Shiraz Central region

Winner of the 2021 Victorian Local Government Award for Tourism

“Bendigo’s mineral wealth is matched by its culinary riches: award-winning restaurants serving local produce, cafes and bars housed in former gold rush banks, general stores and hidden in laneways, and historic pubs on almost every corner.”
– Good Food Magazine