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Booking Enquiries

We specialise in tailoring itineraries to suit your specific needs. It doesn't get much easier than that!

Download a copy of our EXCURSION GUIDE BOOK for full details about our excursion offering, including tours, catering options and sample itineries. 

We can handle any booking enquiries relating to Central Deborah Gold Mine or Bendigo Tramways.

To make a booking enquiry, just fill out this online Booking Enquiry Form. If you have any further questions please feel free to phone us on (03) 5443 8322.

Be sure to familiarise yourself with our Booking Terms and Conditions before confirming your excursion.

Terms and Conditions

Conditions of entry

• Children aged 15 years and under must be supervised by an accompanying adult of 18 years or over.
• Proof of age and concession identification may be required to received discounted tickets
• Bendigo Heritage Attractions will endeavour to ensure that our tour offerings are open to visitors during our advertised opening hours. However, our hours of operation are subject to change without notice due to weather or operational requirements. We reserve the right to suspend, close an attraction or cancel tram tours in such circumstances. In the event of such suspension or closure, we shall reschedule tour offerings to an alternative time and/or date. Under no circumstances do we accept any liability for any unavailability, cancellation or closure of an attraction or tram tour.
• Visitors should be cautious of potential hazards at each of Bendigo Heritage Attractions’ sites. These include, but are not limited to, moving trams, uneven gravelled surfaces, varying light levels and operational machinery such as mining equipment.
• For your safety, everyone descending underground at Central Deborah Gold Mine is required to wear a hard hat in line with government regulations.
• Bendigo Heritage Attractions has a ‘no smoking’ policy. Smoking (including the use of e-cigarette or similar) is not permitted on any of our sites.
• You must obey all reasonable written and verbal directions given by Management and/or staff at all times.
• You must not behave in a way which interferes with the safety or enjoyment of other visitors or persons on site. We will not tolerate any offensive, irresponsible or unsafe behaviour, theft or vandalism.
• Guests affected by alcohol or drugs will not be permitted entry to our attractions or to remain on the premises.
• Bendigo Heritage Attractions reserves the right to refuse entry or request a visitor to leave any of its sites or facilities.
• Bendigo Heritage Attractions does not take responsibility for personal injury, loss or damage however caused, including any negligence (but not gross negligence), breach of duty, default or omission on the part of Bendigo Heritage Attractions' staff, volunteers, contractors or agents.
• Whilst at Bendigo Heritage Attractions, visitors are responsible for the security of their own property. All bags may be subject to search, and Bendigo Heritage Attractions will not be responsible for articles lost, stolen or damaged.

Payment, Changes & Cancellation Policy: 

• Full payment is required at the time of booking. By confirming your booking, you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions.
• Tickets are fully non-refundable. Late arrivals, no shows, or participants who commence a tour but choose not to complete it will not be offered a refund or the opportunity to reschedule. 
• To reschedule, please contact us up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour start time and we will work with you to find a suitable alternative. Where an alternative cannot be found, a gift voucher will be issued instead. No changes are permitted inside 24 hours of your scheduled tour start time.

• Occasionally, we have to make changes to or cancel confirmed bookings, and we must reserve the right to do so. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will notify you as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before arrival, we will offer you the choice of the following options:
  • accepting the changed arrangements or
  • cancelling or accepting the cancellation in which case you will receive a full refund of all monies you have paid to us.

Please note, the above options are not available where any change made is a minor one. In all cases, our liability for significant changes and cancellations is limited to offering you the above-mentioned options. We regret we cannot pay any expenses, costs or losses incurred by you as a result of any change or cancellation.

• Without written consent from Bendigo Heritage Attractions, purchased tickets cannot be resold, packaged or used for commercial purposes such as competitions or promotions.

• Entry will be denied if tickets are not purchased from an authorised distributor.

Accessibility: 

• Bendigo Tramways: Due to the heritage nature of the trams, some are not wheelchair accessible. You are invited to provide advance notice of your visit by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phoning (03) 5443 8322 so that we can ensure the most appropriate tram is on the tracks for the day of your visit. Three of the six tram stops are wheelchair accessible; the Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Tramways Depot and Lake Weeroona stops.
• Bendigo Joss House Temple: Limited wheelchair accessibility.
• Central Deborah Gold Mine: Explore the Surface and Mine Experience Tour are both wheelchair accessible.

Privacy Policy: 

• Personal information collected by Bendigo Heritage Attractions is used for the purpose of coordinating your booking.
• Bendigo Heritage Attractions may use personal information for direct marketing purposes, which visitors will be given the opportunity to ‘opt out’ of.
• Visitors may appear in photography or video recordings within their capacity as a visitor at Bendigo Heritage Attractions and consent to the use of any such film, image or recording being used for promotional purposes at the discretion of Bendigo Heritage Attractions.
• Commercial use of photography and videography.
• Images and videography of Bendigo Heritage Attractions’ sites and assets can only be used for private purposes. Images and video footage cannot be sold, licensed, published or commercially used without the written consent of Bendigo Heritage Attractions.

For Group Booking Terms and Conditions click HERE

For the Bendigo Heritage Attractions Brand Survey Giveaway Terms and Conditions click HERE

Group Enquiries

We specialise in tailoring itineraries to suit your specific needs. It doesn't get much easier than that!

We can handle any booking enquiries relating to Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Tramways or the Bendigo Joss House Temple. 

Fill out the form below for any booking enquiries. If you have any further questions please feel free to phone us on (03) 5443 8322.

Be sure to read our Terms and Conditions before confirming your booking.

Plan your excursion

We know that planning a school camp can be a time consuming exercise,
so we've tried to put as much of the information you need in one place ...

Prices - Prices for Central Deborah Gold Mine and Bendigo Tramways.

Other Bendigo Activities - In addition to our attractions, there is a whole lot more to do in Bendigo with your students.

Where to stay - Choose from a range of accommodation options suited to school groups.

Accessibility - Accessible access and translations are covered in this section.

Safety Considerations - Safety Considerations, Public Liability, accreditation and site plans are available here.

Getting here - Maps, distances, recommended bus companies and train access information.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Booking Equiries - Let's get your group booked in!

Safety and Risk Management

At Bendigo Heritage Attractions every effort is made to ensure a safe environment for all of our guests, across all of our sites.

Code of Conduct and Conditions of Entry

Let’s work together to ensure everyone has a positive and memorable experience. We kindly ask that the BHA Code of Conduct and Conditions of Entry are implemented by all participants of your group.

Safety Considerations

The safety of your group is paramount and key to enjoying a fantastic experience. Let’s prepare for a fun, but safe, adventure by taking into account our Safety Considerations

Public Liability Insurance

Bendigo Heritage Attractions’ sites fall under the City of Greater Bendigo’s Public Liability Insurance Policy. Our Certificate of Currency can be downloaded here.

ATAP Accreditation

Bendigo Heritage Attractions is an Australian Tourism Accredited organisation. Ensuring we meet specific criteria and are committed to exceeding your expectations with great customer service and the highest standards of business practice.

Site Plans

What to do in an emergency

Our staff have been trained to manage emergencies. All groups will have a dedicated tour guide, tram driver or tram conductor with them. Please follow the directions of your guide and our staff members in the case of an emergency.

Suggested Itineraries

We specialise in school excursions, enhancing student learning through authentic experiences and tailoring itineraries to suite your specific needs. It doesn't get much easier than that!

Why not make your trip to Bendigo an overnight stay?

We've compiled some example itineraries to help make planning your next Bendigo excursion a breeze.

PLEASE NOTE: While we're happy to tailor your itinerary, we only manage the accounts for Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Tramways and the Bendigo Joss House Temple. Payment for other sites will need to be arranged seperately with the individual venues.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessibility

Central Deborah Gold Mine:

• The reception, gift shop and surface of Central Deborah Gold Mine are wheelchair accessible.
• The Mine Experience Tour is wheelchair accessible. Access underground to Level 2 is via an industrial lift. The underground tunnels are flat, but there are some puddles.
• A wheelchair is available on site which can be borrowed.

Bendigo Tramways:

• The Vintage Talking Tram Tour is wheelchair accessible. Please let us know in advance so we can ensure that an appropriate tram is allocated to your group, as not all of our trams can accommodate wheelchairs. Central Deborah Gold Mine has the best accessible Tram Stop.

Bendigo Joss House Temple:

Unfortunately the Bendigo Joss House Temple is not wheelchair accessible. There are small steps at all of the entry ways which was a common cultural practice when the temple was built over 150 years ago.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilets are available at Central Deborah Gold Mine.

Guide dogs and registered assistance dogs

Guide Dogs and other registered assistance dogs are welcome at all of our sites.

Translations

We have printed French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Spanish translation sheets available for the Mine Experience Tour at Central Deborah Gold Mine and Bendigo Tramways Vintage Talking Tram Tour (General History). 

FAQ - Education

We hope that these frequently asked questions will help you in the preparation and planning of your excursion to Bendigo.

Can you design a customised itinerary for our curriculum requirements?
Absolutely. Just let us know what topics you want to cover and we will tailor your tours to suit.

How many supervising teachers need to come with my group?
Please ensure that the required number of supervising teachers/adults accompanies the group on each of tour, as specified by the Victorian Department of Education and Training:

• https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/excursions/guidance/supervision
• Early childhood ratios: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/providers/regulation/Pages/edchildratios.aspx

Is parking available for buses?
Yes, free coach parking is available at the back of Central Deborah Gold Mine on Creek Street North, out the front of Bendigo Tramways on Hargreaves St, or at the front gates of the Bendigo Joss House Temple.

Is there accommodation close by?
Yes, check out Bendigo's group accommodation options here.

Do groups receive a discounted rate?
Groups of 10 people or more will receive group rates.
Click here for the group rates.

Do teachers or bus drivers receive any discounts?
Teachers/bus drivers receive free entry at a ratio of 1:10 children.

What should we bring with us?

• Enclosed footwear if you’re heading underground at Central Deborah Gold Mine.
• It is an average of 14 degrees underground, warm clothing is recommended.
• Camera: You won't want to forget this adventure.
• Pocket money: We have a fantastic gift shop with affordable keepsakes to help your students remember their adventure to Bendigo.

Is there more for school groups to do in Bendigo?
A true Bendigo highlight is the range of quality experiences and things to do. Check out our recommendations here.

Is photography permitted?
Absolutely, we encourage it!

What do I need to do to make a booking?
Just fill out this online booking enquiry form and we'll get the process started. If you have any further questions please feel free to phone us on (03) 5443 8322.

Other Bendigo Activities

In addition to Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Tramways and the Bendigo Joss House Temple Temple there are a lot of other attractions in Bendigo that have an educational offering for school groups and cover a range of subject areas including science, nature, art and sustainability.

It is well worth considering staying overnight or for two days with your students to get the most out of your Bendigo experience. 

Post Office Gallery

Experience: The historic Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887, is now home to the Post Office Gallery as well as the Bendigo Visitor Centre and the Living Arts Space. Established in 2010, Post Office Gallery is a satellite exhibition space of Bendigo Art Gallery providing an engaging platform for the interpretation and display of the myriad social history stories of the city and surrounding region. Post Office Gallery has a changing annual program of curated exhibitions and events ensuring a broad and dynamic exploration of the region's varied history. Visit their website to see their current exhibition schedule.
Website: postofficegallery.com

Bendigo Botanic Gardens

Experience: Tours, programs and activities are available on request and are offered at various pre-school, primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Programs include Curator walks and talks focusing on the history of the gardens and future development. Primary school tours focusing on Environmental Sustainability, waterwise plants and growing your own food. Natural environment based tours focusing on the role of water in the landscape, the ecology of the billabong, revegetation techniques and the flora and fauna of Bendigo. Animal based tours about the birds of the aviary and animals of the Bendigo Creekn Specialist tours for differently abled groups and those with sensory impairments. Landscape design studies focussing on projects we've completed in the gardens.
Website: bendigobotanicgardens.com.au

Sandhurst Gaol Tours

Experience: Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre rises majestically from within what was once the Sandhurst Gaol. Discover the symbiotic fusion between 1860s penitentiary architecture and clever contemporary design to create an extraordinary arts and community facility. Our knowledgeable guides share the stories of inhabitants old and new, while exploring this world class performance facility. Constructed in the early 1860s, the gaol was based on the Pentonville prison model where the wings radiate from a central tower. Your guide will explore spaces throughout this facility, telling the tales that once remained behind the walls.
Website: bendigotourism.com

The Zone

Experience: Great evening activity! Enhance your physical education program. The Zone's activities are suitable for physical education classes, team building exercises or just a fun day out for all ages. Skating: Learn to skate lessons and inline hockey sessions tailored to meet your phys ed program requirements. Laser Tag: Fun, fitness, strategy, technique and team building! Depending on your groups requirements there are options for both solo and team games. Mini golf: Students can enjoy the challenge of our 18 hole mini golf course whilst developing their golfing skills.
Website: thezone.com.au

Great Stupa of Universal Compassion

Experience: Experience one of Victoria's largest cultural attractions. The Great Stupa located just outside of Bendigo, is the largest Stupa in the Western world. It offers an educational and fun excursion for school children of all ages. Students have the opportunity to learn about Asian culture, meditation and wellbeing, Buddhist faith, garden and landscaping, architecture and art. Tours can be tailored according to your schools social and academic curriculum. A tour includes: viewing our 5 minute introductory DVD, presentation on the current stage of construction and future plans for the site, an introduction to Buddhism - with questions and answers, a guided tour inside the Great Stupa and the gardens, and viewing of artworks and Holy objects.
Website: stupa.org.au

PepperGreen Farm

Experience: Originally serving as a Chinese market garden and in later years a plant nursery, PepperGreen Farm has bloomed into the 21st century as a social and training precinct featuring it’s very own nursery, produce garden, farm kitchen, heritage tram and artisan studios. PepperGreen Farm offers school groups different lessons under the following frameworks; Farm Kitchen Lessons, Biodiversity and Cultural Lessons or Chinese Heritage and Culture Lessons.
Website: peppergreenfarm.com.au