Bendigo

　　Bendigo is a small city located in central Victoria, Australia. It is the fourth-largest city in the state after Melbourne, Geelong, and Ballarat. The foundation of Bendigo's tourism industry lies in its rich gold mining history, which remains a vital part of the local economy.

　　As a legacy of the gold rush, Bendigo boasts many exquisitely decorated late-Victorian colonial buildings that give the city a distinctly "French" flair. Notable examples include the Bendigo Town Hall, the post office, and the courthouse. These structures are all designed in the Second Empire style and are meticulously preserved by the local government. The Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo is the third-largest cathedral in Australia. Built from sandstone, its main structure was completed between 1896 and 1908, while its bell towers were finished in 1954 and 1977, respectively. The Bendigo Joss House Temple is a Chinese temple built by miners in the 1860s and is the only one in Victoria that has been preserved and is still in active use today. Rosalind Park, located adjacent to the city center, is a Victorian-style park featuring sculptures and a granite elevated aqueduct. Other attractions include historic gold mines, as well as modern technology and tramway museums.

　　Held annually in early November, Bendigo’s National Celtic Festival is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting participants from across Australia and around the world. The Bendigo Easter Festival draws tens of thousands of visitors each year, celebrating with events including performances, exhibitions, and festivities.

　　Bendigo Reason to visit: The fourth-largest city in Victoria Continent: Oceania Country/Region: Australia Province/State: Victoria City: Bendigo