Two hours drive from Melbourne, the Victorian Goldfields first come into view as a landscape of majestic Victorian buildings, constructed during the height of the Gold Rush during the 1850s and 60s. This region was once Victoria's wealthiest, attracting Australians and Chinese in their quest for the precious metal, gold. Today, the region is home to a vibrant, thriving community with a rich herita
ge and legacy. Behind the ornate façades and historic streetscapes lie vibrant, contemporary restaurants, cafes and bars, charming boutiques, and for the avid treasure-hunter, antiques and treasures from the past. Some of regional Victoria’s best art galleries can be found here (Art Gallery of Bendigo, Art Gallery of Ballarat), along with historic letterpress makers, book binders, leather crafters and other resurging artisans of fading crafts. This is a region that will surprise, intrigue and charm, be your fancy cabaret, burlesque, beer & cider fests, vintage, rockabilly, antique bikes & cars, road cycling, gold fossicking, antique bargain hunting and more. For more information on Ballarat and Bendigo visit www.visitballarat.com.au and www.bendigotourism.com.