Get out and about this summer without breaking the bank

CHRISTMAS is done but the School Holidays have barely begun! Luckily there’s plenty of activities for parents and kids to do around Bendigo that won’t cost you a pretty penny!

Dive into art

The Bendigo Art Gallery (established 1887) has a formidable permanent collection of 19th, 20th and 21st century art, with a particular emphasis on contemporary Australian art.

Its current exhibition, Living Connections: Reflections on care, kinship, and Country, showcases a selection of contemporary paintings by artists from across Australia, including First Nations artists and those who call Central Victoria home.

Cost: Free

Water Wonderland

The Long Gully Splash Park, located in Cunneen Street, is a zero-depth water park with a dry play area. There’s shaded seating and barbecues.

The ‘gold rush’ themed park is solar heated with treated water checked by staff daily.

Touchpads on the crossing signals at each end of the splash pad activate the equipment, which runs in 16 different cycles.

Cost: Free

Summer in the Parks

Outdoor cinemas at Goornong Recreation Reserve, Cooinda Park and Golden Square Pool.

The Community Farmers and Moonlight markets.

A come and try bowls day at South Bendigo Bowls Club.

Don’t forget the Rotary Club’s Australia Day Celebrations at Lake Weeroona, with a barbecue, live entertainment, family activities and community displays.

Cost: Free except Golden Square Pool (normal entry prices apply)

Take a tour

Bendigo Heritage Attractions operates the Joss House Temple, Central Deborah Gold Mine and the Tramways Depot, all of which can be visited via the Talking Tram, which also stops off at various other points.

Cost: A family one-day Vintage Talking Tram ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) is $40, which includes access to the ​Central Deborah Gold Mine surface.

Great Stupa of Universal Compassion

The Great Stupa is home to The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, the largest Buddha carved from gemstone quality jade in the world.

It was carved from a rare boulder of translucent jade discovered in Canada in the year 2000.

It’s 2.5m high and sits on an alabaster throne that’s close to 1.6 metres tall.

Cost: Donation