School excursions rock!
Bendigo was once the richest producer of gold in the world, yielding over 700,000kg during its iconic gold rush. That would be worth a staggering $135 billion today!
Through immersive tours at authentic attractions, students will deepen their understanding of Australia’s past, connecting classroom concepts to real-world experiences.
At Bendigo Experiences, we can coordinate your excursion to:
Swap your text books for a hard hat, and the classroom for underground tunnels!
Central Deborah Gold Mine operated during the gold rush, yielding 929kg of gold. That would be worth $179 million today.
Walk in the footsteps of past gold miners, hear vintage mining equipment roar into action, and try your luck panning for gold.
60 mins
Prep to Year 10
Descend 61 metres underground on Australia’s deepest underground mine tour. Explore hidden tunnels, encounter unique geological formations, see gold in its natural state, hear the roar of mining machinery and discover what life as a miner was really like.
Cost
Curriculum
45 mins
All ages
Dominated by a huge 22 metre high poppet head, you’ll learn about the original buildings and machinery which were essential to the operation of Central Deborah Gold Mine, including the Blacksmith’s Shop, First Aid quarters, Carbide Lamp Room, Engine Room and Gold Treatment Area. Afterwards, try your hand at panning for gold.
Cost
Curriculum
Your time with us will vary depending on the size of the group. Visitors will be split into groups of 23 for their tours. Flat enclosed footwear is essential. It’s an average of 14 degrees underground, bring along a jacket. There aren’t any toilets underground. Prices subject to change.
Ding, Ding! Step aboard a vintage tram and let the city of gold unfold around you.
Rolling through Bendigo since 1890, Bendigo Tramways is Australia's oldest continuously operating tramway. Sit back, relax, and let the tram do all the talking while you learn about Bendigo's fascinating history, landmarks and monuments.
60 mins
Prep to Year 10
Bendigo is a living museum and the tram is you tour guide. Choose the overhead commentary that best aligns to your curriculum; Gold rush history, Dja Dja Wurrung First Nations history, or Anzac Centenary.
Cost
Curriculum
60 mins
All ages
Be guided through Australia’s oldest operating tram depot, discover how trams are restored, and learn about the cultural history of our iconic fleet. See trams that operated as public transport, trams that carried royalty and trams that have survived two world wars.
Cost
Curriculum
Think critically about conflict, service, sacrifice and the human cost of war.
The Bendigo Military Museum is one of Australia's most significant memorial museums, housed within the striking and architecturally iconic Soldier's Memorial Institute. Tours are led by military veterans and experienced guides.
60 mins
All ages
Explore the service and sacrifice of Central Victorians who served in World War I and World War II. Every artefact tells a story, feel the weight of a soldier’s equipment, hear the roar of gunfire in the trenches, and read deeply personal letters sent home.
Cost
Curriculum
60 mins
All ages
Storyscape brings Bendigo’s military history to life through sound and storytelling. Explore immersive audio experiences inside the museum, then step outside to hear even more stories connected to Bendigo’s military past. It’s a unique and engaging way to discover the people, places and events that shaped our community.
Cost
Curriculum
Smell the incense, uncover Chinese traditions, and learn about Guan-Di the god of war and prosperity.
At the heritage-listed Bendigo Joss House Temple students will discover more about Chinese beliefs and the story of the Chinese who came to Bendigo in search of gold.
30 mins
All ages
This Chinese place of worship is one of the few remaining buildings of its type in Australia. The main temple is dedicated to Guan-Di. Chinese saw him as a wise judge, guide, protector and provider of wealth and prosperity, attributes needed in this strange land.
Cost
Curriculum
Stress less, the Tram Café have got you sorted!
We can arrange morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea for your group. Using local suppliers and fresh produce, you’ll be fuelled, hydrated and ready for your next adventure.
Allow 45 mins
All ages
Enjoy a selection of seasonal fruit, cakes and slices served buffet style, along with cold drinks. Morning or afternoon tea provides the perfect opportunity to take a moment to relax and refuel before continuing on with your excursion.
Cost
$15.00 per person
Inclusions
Variety of cakes, slices, seasonal fruit and refreshments
Allow 45 mins
All ages
Enjoy a packed lunch, individually boxed, which can be enjoyed outside on the surface of Central Deborah Gold Mine, undercover in our Education Room, at the Tram Café or take them with you to enjoy on board the bus!
Cost
$25.00 per person
Inclusions
The venue location is subject to change based on group size. The Tram Café may be used for smaller groups. Prices subject to change.
We’ve partnered with BIG4 Bendigo Park Lane Holiday Park to make your excursion seamless, comfortable and stress free!
I don’t want to miss great experiences coming up!
