A prosperous gold rush past lives on in the vibrant culture of Bendigo today.

Making History

Two local women set Bendigo on its golden path when they found gold along the Bendigo Creek in 1851. Mrs Kennedy and Mrs Farrell, the wives of two workers on a pastoral property have their place in history. Approximately nine billion dollars worth of gold was found in Bendigo, making it one of the richest goldfields in history.

Multicultural Past

News of their discovery quickly spread, and within a few years tens of thousands of people came. It was one of Australia’s biggest immigration phases, with
hopeful miners coming from places like Wales, England, America, Europe and China. Each brought their own traditions, that would go on to shape Bendigo to this day!

Chinese Traditions

At one point the Chinese miners made up 20% of the Bendigo population. Chinese Joss Houses were built, market gardens dotted the landscape and Chinese sections were established at local cemeteries. Today the mining bonanza and the influx of multicultural groups can be experienced in the museums, grand architecture and tourist attractions.