Photo: City of Greater Bendigo
Exploring your local park or bushland reserve is a great way to have fun, get fit and spend time in nature.
Our Bendigo's Natural Treasures Map reveals some great places to visit, and you can help ensure the bushland is kept healthy by keeping to tracks, taking your waste home and leaving the area as you found it.
7. Wellsford State Forest
The home of some of the region’s largest old Ironbark trees and one of the best places to see wildflowers in spring. Ride out on the O’Keefe Rail Trail and make a day of it.
8. Spring Gully Reserve & trail
A lovely bushland reserve catering for the whole family with barbeque and picnic facilities. Marvel at some of the magnificent red gum trees that used to feature along Bendigo’s waterways. Ride or stroll along the Spring Gully Trail that joins the Bendigo Bushland Trail.
9. One Tree Hill Lookout
A great sunset spot surrounded by lovely bushland. Wander up at the end of the day and reap the benefits.
10. Kennington Reservoir
A bushland gem in the ‘burbs. This lovely reserve contains grassy woodland flats, bushland and the reservoir. A great place to see which animals are visiting the water.
11. Diamond Hill
Gaze out over the township and admire the history in to the landscape. Take a walk through the regenerating forest. In spring marvel at the wildflowers. Keep an eye out for birds and animals.
1. Bendigo Bushland Trail
This 65km loop includes bicycle and walking tracks as well as some road tracks. Follow the blue and gold sign posts that feature ‘Rex’ the echidna. This trail will guide you through some of Bendigo’s best natural spaces. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you go!
2. Rosalind park
In the centre of town Rosalind Park is home to a large colony of Grey-headed Flying Foxes. These animals are amazing to watch as they hang upside down and chat to each other. Rosalind Park is also a good place to grab a torch for possum spotting at night.
3. LAKE WEEROONA
This popular recreation spot is great for watching the ducks and waterbirds including swans and moorhens.
4. Bendigo Creek Trail
Follow the Bendigo Creek, contemplating the important role waterways play in providing sanctuary for animals and creating linkages in the landscape.
5. CRUSoE Reservoir & NUMBER 7 PARK
The perfect spot to relax, walk, fish and try a spot of birdwatching. The water attracts an array of birdlife and provides a beautiful backdrop to the forest.
6. THE MULGA BILL BICYCLE TRAIL
This short trail to the north of Bendigo connects Lake Neangar to Lightning Hill Lookout in the Greater Bendigo Regional Park. The lookout gives fantastic views over Eaglehawk and Bendigo. You can also look out over the Whipstick Forest, home to special Mallee vegetation unique within central Victoria.
- For further details and maps of these trips take a look at the 'Self-guided Adventures' section of our resources page.