If you appreciate good food and great scenery then pack a picnic and head for Bendigo’s beautiful Eucalyptus ecosystem. Bendigo is surrounded on all four sides by some of the worlds finest Box-Iron Forests. Each of the surrounding forests are different, having their own unique characters. Flora, Fauna, Reptiles, Spiders, Insects, Landscapes, Historic and Cultural sites. There are numerous walking tracks to be traveled which vary in degree of difficulty. From easy grade tracks for the not so fit, to tracks that could test even the most ardent walkers. To get an idea of what can be seen by visitors to Bendigo’s goldfields click on the thumbnails below.

Environmental groups rallied to achieve national park status of the Greater Bendigo Region, comprising of the Whipstick and Kamarooka, State Parks. Parts of Wellsford, Mandurang South, Marong, and Sandhurst State Forests. Eaglehawk and One Tree Hill Regional Parks. Diamond Hill Historic Reserve. Part of Crusoe Big Hill water production area and several Nature conservation reserves. Bushland reserves, Township, and other Small land parcels. Their proposal stating that, "it’s vital that all remaining box-ironbark bushland around Bendigo should be preserved intact forever and the best way of achieving this and to create regional wealth at the same time, is to create a National Park for Bendigo". National Parks.

State Parks State parks are generally of at least 10,000ha of public land. Although similar to national parks in most respects, state parks are generally less extensive and generally support less diverse values and landscapes.

Regional Parks Regional parks are generally of at least 1,000ha of public land, readily accessible from urban centres or a major tourist route set aside primarily to provide recreation for large numbers of people in natural or semi-natural surroundings.

Scenic Reserves - Geological Reserves - Bushland Reserves Streamside Reserves - Flora and Fauna Reserves - Historic Reserves Outstanding natural values make some public lands highly significant for their landscape, botanical or wildlife populations and habitats for all.

Municipal Parks and Playgrounds Greater Bendigo maintains 104 public playgrounds throughout the municipality. Rosalind Park

Bendigo Skate park is controlled by council, it was designed to enable skaters of almost every skill level to participate. Bendigo Skate Park - Rifle Range - Golf Courses - Sporting Reserve and Ovals

Bendigo has a magnificent assortment of gardens. Botanical Gardens - Chinese Gardens - Open Garden - Sculptured Gardens - Civic Gardens - Conservatory Gardens - Ladies Memorial Gardens - Nurseries

Places to Camp or Picnic Free dispersed camping is permitted almost anywhere within Central Victorian National parks, State parks, Regional parks and Bushland Reserves although, large groups should contact Parks Bendigo, prior to their visit into box-ironbark forests.

Past forest industries There are many historic remains from past forestry industry to be seen in box-ironbark forests. A little history, a lot of fun!

Tracks ‘n’ Trails Greater Bendigo has an extensive network of walking paths and trails.

Waterways There are some great spots for stress free picnicking, bush walking, fishing, boating, swimming and other great water activities.

NB: maps referred to on bendigolive.com are available for free at the Bendigo’s Visitor Centre located in the Old Sandhurst Public Offices you can also pick up brochures for Bendigo’s Bushland Trail

Parks Victoria; www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Free call 1800 813 153
NRE/Parks Victoria are located together at; 57 View Street, Bendigo 3550

ATA Aboriginal Tourism Association Tel: (03) 9620 4533
Email: ata@sprint.com.au

Coliban Water; 2 Alder Street, Golden Sq, 3555 - Tel: 1300 363 200