Every regional city needs a grand park in the centre of town. Bendigo has one of the best. Spread over 24 hectares, Rosalind Park shows off the natural and cultural history of the city with sculptures, art works, playgrounds and monuments dotted among the expansive open spaces, gardens and heritage-listed trees.

Located around Bendigo Creek, the area was an important food and water source for the traditional custodians of the land, the Dja Dja Wurrung people. Prior to European settlement the creek would have been lined with river red gums and teeming with billabongs and birdlife. When gold was discovered, the area became the site of one of the largest government camps in the Victorian goldfields, and later a significant public park.

Stroll around historic sites such as the Cascades, a reconstructed 19th century water feature, and Poppet Head lookout tower, once used to process mine tailings and hoist a flag indicating mail had arrived. The Chinese Garden pays homage to the local Chinese community, who were a crucial part of the city’s early gold mining history, while the fernery is a peaceful place to stroll and admire the impressive palm collection.

Winter sees thousands of tulip bulbs planted, which burst into colour in spring. Look for the tulips in garden beds along Pall Mall and in the Conservatory Gardens. When the display is over you can purchase tulip bulbs to take home and plant in your own garden.