The word ‘gold’ is synonymous with Bendigo, which has a history of being one of the richest producers of gold in the world. Today, Bendigo is a grand and gracious city with many connections to its golden heritage still widely accessible, offering your students a fascinating opportunity to experience and explore our history first hand.
CENTRAL DEBORAH GOLD MINE:
Mine Experience Tour: 61 metres underground,1.5hrs, recommended for Prep-Year 6.
With only the light on your helmet to light the path, our tour guides will explore Bendigo’s golden heritage with your students, the geology of the rock formations they encounter, demonstrate the mining methods that were practiced on the Deborah Reef and explain what it was like to be a miner during the harsh gold rush era. This tour is wheelchair accessible.
Underground Adventure Tour: 85 metres underground, 2.5hrs, recommended for Year 7-10.
Gear up in overalls, boots, miner’s hat and lamp. Climb ladders, work a mine drill and search for gold! Explore the underground tunnels, drifts and stope workings that still contain gold veins and gain an insight into the unique geology associated with the famous Bendigo Saddle Reef formations. This tour includes a hot lunch served underground!
BENDIGO TRAMWAYS:
Vintage ‘Talking’ Tram Tour: 1hr, recommended for Prep-Year 10.
Discover the wide streetscapes and grand architecture of Bendigo as your tram tells you entertaining stories about a city founded on one of the world’s richest goldfields, explaining key historic landmarks en-route.
Depot & Workshop Tour: 45mins, recommended for Year 4-Year 10.
Hear the colourful story of how Bendigo Tramways has survived to the present day and see first-hand the craftsmanship and techniques that are involved in restoring each tram to its former glory.
www.bendigotramways.com
BENDIGO JOSS HOUSE TEMPLE: 45mins, recommended for Year 3-Year 10.
At the Bendigo Joss House Temple, a Chinese place of worship, your students will be greeted by one of our friendly and knowledgeable guides who will help them learn more about Chinese beliefs and the story of the Chinese who came to Bendigo in search of gold so long ago. The heritage-listed Bendigo Joss House Temple was constructed in the 1860s and is now one of the few remaining original buildings of its type in Australia. It is a significant and unique part of Bendigo’s cultural history. www.bendigojosshouse.com
DISCOVERY SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CENTRE
Discovery Science & Technology Centre Sleepover: 5pm-9am, recommended for Prep-Year 6.
Inspire your students scientific curiosity and let their imagination run wild as they get lost in the magical world of science during a sleepover at Discovery. Not only will your students have plenty of time to explore the exhibits, a session in the Bendigo Planetarium and be dropped down the Vertical Slide, but we also provide dinner, somewhere unique to sleep and, of course, breakfast!
www.discovery.asn.au
COMBINE YOUR TOURS AND SAVE!
Our Booking Coordinator can create a package and itinerary to suit your specific needs. Phone (03) 5443 8255
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