MELBOURNE TO BENDIGO

Welcome to our 5-day Easter tour to Bendigo!  With chauffeured pickup from home, we are transferred to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew. We begin our journey travelling to Mount Macedon, where we enjoy our morning tea break. Nearby, we can explore the renowned Stokes Collection, located in the heart of the stunning Forest Glade Gardens. This remarkable collection is a testament to the life-long passion of Cyril Stokes and his love of beautiful decorative arts. Each piece reflects years of research and travels to art auctions and estate sales around the world. After a memorable visit, we enjoy lunch before continuing to Bendigo, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant Easter long weekend celebrations.

OVERNIGHT: Quality Lakeside Hotel, BENDIGO

GOOD FRIDAY

We have time this morning for anyone who wishes to join a local church service or simply relax over a leisurely breakfast. Meeting up again, we visit the Golden Dragon Museum. It shares the story of the impact and contribution made by the Chinese people of Bendigo - from the gold rush of the 1850s to the present day. We now enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon exploring the main Easter Festival Precinct of Rosalind Park. Here we can enjoy lively entertainment, pop up stalls and much more before returning to the hotel to relax before dinner.

PLEASE NOTE: At the time of this publication, the programme for the 2026 Easter Festival has not been finalised and activities mentioned are only an indication of what may be available. All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions. We cannot be held responsible for any changes that are beyond our direct control.

OVERNIGHT:  Quality Lakeside Hotel, BENDIGO

MORE OF BENDIGO AND CASTLEMAINE

Bendigo boasts one of the most impressive collections of Victorian-era architecture among Australia’s inland cities. This morning, a local expert joins us on the coach for a guided tour of some of the city’s architectural highlights, including the iconic Shamrock Hotel and the majestic Sacred Heart Cathedral. After farewelling our guide, we travel south to Castlemaine to visit the Buda Historic Home and Garden. This beautifully preserved residence offers a superb example of Victorian colonial architecture and provides a fascinating glimpse into the area’s refined past. Enjoying lunch, we then pop into Pud for all Seasons, renowned supplier of the tastiest gourmet puddings, and chocolate delicacies for all occasions! Then returning to our hotel, we have time to relax before an early dinner, as later this evening, we head out once more to experience the enchanting Torchlight Lantern Procession and Fireworks. This spectacular event lights up Bendigo’s streets with illuminated floats from local emergency services, community groups, and the Bendigo Chinese Association—culminating in a dazzling fireworks display over Rosalind Park.

OVERNIGHT:  Quality Lakeside Hotel, BENDIGO

EASTER SUNDAY GALA PARADE

This morning, we head into town to enjoy the Easter Sunday festivities. We start with the Rotary Art and Craft Market, where you can browse an array of handmade goods, unique treasures, local produce, and much more. We’ll have time to explore and purchase our own lunch before we take our places along the parade route for the highlight of the Bendigo Easter Festival, the Easter Gala Parade. Enjoy the colour and excitement as bands, dance groups, sporting clubs, and cultural organisations make their way through Bendigo’s historic streets. Watch out for Dai Gum Loong, the world’s longest Imperial Dragon, as he winds his way through the crowd in a magnificent display. This afternoon we visit Bendigo Pottery where we enjoy self-guided tour of the Interpretive Centre. Here, we’ll step back in time to learn about the evolution of pottery making - from its beginnings in 1858 through to modern times.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  Quality Lakeside Hotel, BENDIGO

HOMEWARD BOUND

We enjoy a relaxed final morning in Bendigo, beginning with a scenic round-trip ride on the Vintage Talking Tram, where we’ll take in the city’s wide streets and majestic architecture while learning about its goldfield history. Next, we visit the Bendigo Joss House Temple, a historic Chinese place of worship. Here, we explore Chinese beliefs and learn about the immigrants who came to Bendigo in search of gold, a fascinating and vital part of the region’s cultural heritage. Then we farewell this beautiful historic city and commence our journey home. Enjoying lunch along the way the arrive in Melbourne where our chauffeurs will be waiting to take us to our very doors, bringing our Easter adventure to a close.