One of the best things about organising a Melbourne City car hire is that you aren’t limited to seeing and doing whatever’s within walking distance of your hotel.

Not that there aren’t plenty of events and activities to keep even the most discerning tourist occupied in this action-packed metropolis.

However, sometimes it’s nice to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and discover what else Victoria has to offer.

The lovely town of Bendigo, for instance, is just a two-hour drive north of Melbourne.

There are a number of world-class attractions here, so head to East Coast Car Rentals and organise your Melbourne International Airport car hire and get ready for some fun!

Central Deborah Gold Mine

One of the unique places you can visit here is the Central Deborah Gold Mine. With an experienced tour guide, you’ll travel approximately 61 metres underground and discover what it would have been like to be a miner here when gold was struck back in the 1850s!

Your tour guide will teach you all about the Central Deborah Gold Mine’s fascinating history, give you a hard hat with a little light on it to wear, and generally provide you with an afternoon’s educational excitement that you’re not likely to forget any time soon!

Bendigo Community Farmers Market

While you’re in Bendigo, you may also want to visit the Community Farmers Market, which is held on the second Saturday of each month.  There’s plenty of local produce for you to pick up here, such as olives, citrus fruits, cheeses and delicious wines.

This market offers a fantastic opportunity to mix and mingle with the locals and really get a feel for this vibrant town’s culture and way of life.

Golden Dragon Museum

There’s also the Golden Dragon Museum, which celebrates Bendigo’s long-standing association with China. This stretches back to the nineteenth century, when plenty of Chinese travellers arrived in the area to seek their fortunes during the gold rush.

One of the highlights of the Golden Dragon Museum is its collection of authentic Chinese costumes from different periods of the nineteenth century. A tearoom – the Golden Phoenix Restaurant – has also opened recently, when you can enjoy a delicious lunch for just $10.

Bendigo Water World

If you don’t mind staying in your rental car for a little while longer, head over the Bendigo Water World. It’s a seven-minute drive from the centre of town, and well worth the trip.

Bendigo Water World contains refreshing pools that cater to all age groups and swimming abilities. It’s also home to the Big Bendi Waterslide, which has been delighting visitors for many years.

There are free barbecue facilities and picnic tables, so make sure you stop by the supermarket on your way here and make a day of it.

Just keep in mind that this attraction is only open during the warmer months (November to February), and make sure you organise your holiday around these dates if you don’t want to miss out!

The Zone Family Entertainment Complex

Have you brought your kids to Bendigo? Then you’ll definitely want to check out The Zone Family Entertainment Complex!

This attraction comprises several “zones” that are all designed for specific activities. There’s a skate zone (for roller skating and roller blading), a laser zone (for playing laser tag), an “xtreme” zone (for doing paintball and driving go-karts) and a golf zone.

There are a number of “unlimited passes” available that let you undertake activities in a variety of zones, or you can just pick your favourite and enjoy!

Wherever you end up going on your trip to Bendigo, we know you’ll have a blast!