From the volcanic soils of Heathcote to the granite outcrops of Kooyoora State Park and the creative streets of Inglewood, regional Bendigo offers a rich escape that rewards curiosity.

Whether you’re chasing cellar-door indulgence, outdoor adventure or boutique shopping, this part of Victoria has something for every traveller.

From shiraz to Spanish varietals, discover Heathcote’s boutique wine scene. Image: Explore Bendigo.

Heathcote: Shiraz country with a sustainable twist

Just 40 minutes from Bendigo, Heathcote is a wine lover’s dream, boasting more than 30 cellar doors spread across a volcanic landscape. Originally known for its shiraz, the region is now also home to renowned Italian and Spanish varietals.

While the big names are well represented, Heathcote’s real charm lies in its boutique, family-run wineries. Here, you’ll often meet the winemaker themselves, pouring a glass and sharing stories of vintages shaped by the land. Experiences are deliberately intimate, with tastings held in rustic sheds, converted barns or small cellar doors tucked into rolling hills.

Unwind among the vines — Peregrine Ridge is wine country with a view. Image: Explore Bendigo.

At Peregrine Ridge, tastings come with views across rolling vineyards, while Munari Wines offers small-batch reds crafted with care. Sanguine Estate is another highlight, where winemaking is tied closely to the rhythms of the land, and vineyard walks bring visitors closer to the process.

Sustainability is a growing hallmark of the region. Envy Distilling, for example, operates entirely on solar power, producing handcrafted spirits with minimal environmental impact. Some wineries – including Silver Spoon Estate, Red Edge and Three Dams Estate – have also gone off-grid, combining old-world techniques with renewable energy and water conservation. These sustainable practices not only protect the land but also shape the character of the wines themselves.

From rent-a-row to stomp parties, experience winemaking hands-on at Shiraz Republic. Image: Explore Bendigo.

Shiraz Republic is home to a cellar door, Cornella Brewery and on-site accommodation. During vintage, visitors can join a “rent-a-row” or stomp party to experience the winemaking process and even play winemaker for a day. In spring, the Cornella Canola Walk adds another seasonal highlight.

Plush interiors, firelit nights and vineyard views — Heathcote glamping awaits. Image: Explore Bendigo.

When it comes to staying the night, Heathcote has embraced low-impact luxury. The Yellow Box Wood offers safari-style tents with plush interiors, allowing you to sip shiraz by the firepit before retreating to a comfortable bed under canvas.

New luxury accommodation options are elevating the Heathcote experience, with stylish stays available at Heathcote II, the centrally located 187 Heathcote and the Heathcote Wine Hub – each offering a unique blend of comfort, contemporary design and easy access to the region’s renowned food and wine.

Loddon Valley and Kooyoora: Ancient landscapes and waterways

Head northwest and the landscape shifts again, opening into the Loddon Valley, a region defined by winding rivers, fertile farmland and hidden natural wonders. This is slow country at its best – where days are shaped by picnics, paddles and long walks under big skies.

At the heart of the valley lies Kooyoora State Park, an ancient granite landscape scattered with caves, boulders and bushland alive with wildlife.

Within the State Park, the spectacular Mount Kooyoora – the word ‘Kooyoora’ is known as the ‘Mountain of Light’ by First Nations people – rises above the plains. This granite formation glows at sunrise and sunset, offering spectacular views and a reminder of the deep cultural connection between land and people. Walking trails wind through the park, ranging from easy rambles to more challenging climbs, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and spotting kangaroos along the way.

A must visit at Mount Kooyoora is the Melville Caves, a site of cultural significance for the local Dja Dja Wurrung people and once a reputed hideout for bushranger Captain Melville. Today, guided First Nations cultural tours give visitors the chance to hear stories of Country, bush foods and traditional land care from those who know it best.

Paddle the Loddon’s gentle waters — perfect for families and first-time adventurers. Image: Explore Bendigo.

Water is central to the Loddon experience. The Loddon River and other waterways invite canoeing and kayaking, with calm stretches perfect for beginners and families. Fishing is another favourite pastime, with golden perch and Murray cod among the prized catches.

For overnight stays, the Melville Caves Camping Area at Kooyoora State Park provides a convenient base for exploring both the state park and the wider valley, with easy access to the park’s incredible views and excellent bushwalking.

Inglewood: Art, antiques and nature combined

Rounding out a regional Bendigo journey is Inglewood, a historic township that has reinvented itself as a hub of arts, antiques and boutique shopping. Once a gold rush town, its wide main street is now lined with vintage stores, art galleries and quirky cafés. Browsing here feels like stepping back in time while uncovering treasures that are distinctly modern in appeal.

Step back in time in Inglewood, where vintage treasures meet modern charm. Image: Explore Bendigo.

Inglewood has also embraced creativity, with small studios showcasing everything from local photography to contemporary crafts. Seasonal arts festivals and exhibitions breathe further life into the community, drawing visitors who enjoy a mix of heritage and innovation.

Nature is never far away. The bushland surrounding Inglewood is home to diverse birdlife, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers. Keen observers may spot wedge-tailed eagles, rosellas or honeyeaters among the trees.

From first-timers to seasoned prospectors, discover the thrill of gold hunting. Image: Explore Bendigo.

Gold Nugget Hunter offer customised tours that combine hands-on gold detecting skills, local insights and the thrill of discovering treasures – whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced prospector.

The Eucalyptus Distillery Museum showcases the history of the “Blue Mallee” eucalyptus industry through historic artifacts, the 1890 “Old Jones” Distillery, interactive displays and self-guided or group tours.

A region of connection and care

What ties the Bendigo region together is a sense of connection – to land, to culture and to community. Winemakers share their stories with pride, Traditional Owners guide visitors through ancient landscapes, and boutique shopkeepers welcome travellers with the kind of warmth that only small towns can offer.

This is regional Bendigo at its best: a place where you can sip shiraz in a solar-powered cellar door, paddle a canoe down a quiet river, sleep under the stars in a glamping tent and browse for antiques the next morning. It’s a region that encourages you to slow down, tread lightly and savour every experience.

For more details, log on to bendigoregion.com.au