• Home pick-ups & set downs (most metro areas – please contact us for details)
• Picnic-style morning teas & all meals
• All accommodation & admissions to all attractions
• Experienced & informative tour driver/guide.

Experience Celebrate the magic of winter as we journey to the historic cities of Bendigo and Ballarat, where the area comes alive with colour and charm. The highlights of our tour are the dazzling Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill and Electric Wonderland in Bendigo. We will enjoy spectacular evenings of lights, music, and festive cheer. Along the way, we enjoy a blend of scenic drives, cultural attractions, and rich heritage, with plenty of time to relax and soak up the atmosphere of these grand old goldfields towns.

Day One – MONDAY 7 JULY 2025

This morning, we set off from Adelaide and begin our journey eastward into regional Victoria.

Our first break is at Tailem Bend, where we pause for morning tea and enjoy a chance to stretch our legs.

Continuing on, we stop in Bordertown to enjoy a relaxing lunch at Soul Café, a local favourite offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we make a brief comfort stop in Nhill before continuing our travels.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Stawell and check into the Magdala Motor Lodge (03 5358 3877). We take time to settle in before coming together for dinner at the motel, looking forward to the discoveries ahead in Bendigo and Ballarat.

Day Two – TUESDAY 8 JULY 2025

This morning we depart from Stawell and travel east to the township of St Arnaud, where we enjoy morning tea and take time to view the impressive silo art — striking large-scale murals that celebrate the region’s local identity and history.

From here, we continue to Bendigo and enjoy lunch at the Beechworth Bakery, known for its welcoming atmosphere and country-style favourites.

Our first afternoon stop is a visit to the Bendigo Art Gallery, one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious regional galleries. Here, we explore a diverse collection of Australian and international art, including rotating exhibitions that highlight both contemporary works and classical pieces. The gallery’s striking architecture and thoughtfully curated displays make it a cultural highlight of the region.

Next, we visit Bendigo Pottery, Australia’s oldest working pottery. Here we explore its rich history, view skilled artisans at work, and have time to browse the extensive collection of ceramics, homewares, and local crafts.

We then check into the All Seasons Bendigo Hotel (03 5443 8166), our comfortable base for the next two nights. After freshening up, we gather for a relaxed dinner at the hotel restaurant.

This evening, we experience the magic of Electric Wonderland, where Bendigo’s parks and streets come alive with dazzling light displays and enchanting installations — a perfect way to finish a vibrant day.

Please note: The official event programs for Winter Wonderlights in Ballarat and Electric Wonderland in Bendigo have not yet been released. Once the programs are made available, Endeavour Tours will finalise and plan the specific attractions and locations to be visited as part of the tour. All itineraries are subject to change based on the official event schedule.

Day Three – WEDNESDAY 9 JULY 2025

This morning we begin with a visit to the Bendigo Visitor Information Centre, where we gather local insights before enjoying some free time to browse the surrounding heritage precinct or nearby shops.

After morning tea, we head to the Bendigo Military Museum, located in one of Bendigo’s historic drill halls. The museum features personal stories, memorabilia, and artefacts that honour the service and sacrifice of those who served, with a particular focus on the Bendigo region.

Lunch today is served at PepperGreen Farm, a unique social enterprise combining local produce, retail, and community gardening. It’s a relaxing spot to enjoy fresh regional flavours in a charming farm-style environment.

In the afternoon, we step aboard the Vintage Talking Tram for another fascinating ride through Bendigo’s historic streets. The tram offers engaging commentary, highlighting key landmarks, architectural gems, and Bendigo’s colourful past.

We then return to the Central Deborah Gold Mine, where we embark on the surface self-guided tour, offering a chance to explore historic mining equipment, heritage buildings, and the story of one of Bendigo’s most iconic gold mining sites.

After a fulfilling day of discovery, we return to the All Seasons Bendigo Hotel for some downtime before dinner.

Day Four – THURSDAY 10 JULY 2025

After breakfast, we farewell Bendigo and make our way south through the Victorian countryside. Our first stop is at Creswick Woollen Mills, where we enjoy morning tea before discovering how this family-run business has been producing quality natural fibre garments since 1947.

We continue on to Ballarat, where a town tour introduces us to this historic gold rush city’s grand architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and impressive public buildings.

Lunch is enjoyed at a local eatery in Ballarat before we visit the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, one of Australia’s most significant cool-climate gardens. Nestled beside Lake Wendouree, the gardens feature heritage statues, a conservatory of seasonal blooms, and beautifully landscaped grounds.

Our afternoon continues with a visit to the Ballarat Tramway Museum, where we explore the city’s tramway heritage and view restored vintage trams. There may even be a chance for a short ride along the lakeside track.

Later in the day, we check in at the Sovereign Park Motor Inn (03 5331 3955), our home for the next two nights. Dinner is served at the motel’s restaurant before we experience the enchanting Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill — a dazzling evening of light projections, faux snow, and festive displays set within the historic outdoor museum.

Day Five – FRIDAY 11 JULY 2025

Following breakfast at the Sovereign Park Motor Inn, we set off on a scenic drive to Mount Buninyong, an extinct volcano offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside — a peaceful and picturesque start to the day.

We pause for morning tea before heading back for a day visit to to one of Ballarat’s most iconic attractions, Sovereign Hill. Here, we step back in time to the 1850s gold rush era, wandering through recreated streets, visiting historic shops and cottages, and perhaps even spotting a blacksmith at work or gold panning in action. Lunch is enjoyed onsite, allowing plenty of time to immerse ourselves in the lively atmosphere of this award-winning open-air museum.

In the afternoon, we visit the Eureka Centre, which presents the compelling story of the Eureka Stockade — a defining moment in Australia’s democratic history. The centre offers powerful exhibitions and interpretive displays.

Next, we make our way to the Ballarat Aviation Museum, where we take a guided tour through a fascinating collection of historic aircraft and aviation artefacts.

We return to our accommodation in the late afternoon, with time to relax before gathering for dinner at the motel, reflecting on the rich stories and history uncovered throughout the day.

Day Six – SATURDAY 12 JULY 2025

After breakfast, we farewell Ballarat and begin our journey home, travelling west along the Western Highway.

Our first break is in Horsham, where we enjoy morning tea and take time to stretch our legs in this regional hub known for its attractive streetscapes and nearby natural beauty.

Continuing through the Wimmera, we stop in Kaniva for a short comfort stop before arriving in Keith, where we enjoy a relaxing lunch at the Keith Hotel.

In the afternoon, we pause once more in Tailem Bend for a final comfort stop, before the last leg of our journey back to Melrose Park.

As we travel the familiar roads home, we reflect on the highlights of our Bendigo and Ballarat adventure – historical sites, vibrant winter lights, and the shared stories and laughter that made the tour truly memorable.