Discover Bendigo’s bold flavours, rich culture, and the spirit of Frida Kahlo on this unforgettable small-group tasting tour.
There are many things to do in Bendigo, but if you’re a foodie, art lover, or curious traveller seeking an unforgettable afternoon, “A Taste of Bendigo – Frida Edition” should be at the top of your list. This vibrant 2.5-hour walking tour blends the region’s UNESCO-recognised gastronomy scene with Mexican-inspired flair and local storytelling, creating a unique way to explore Bendigo’s CBD.
Hosted by Bendigo Guided Tours, this limited-time experience brings together food, art, and culture in celebration of the acclaimed Frida Kahlo exhibition showing at the Bendigo Art Gallery.
What is A Taste of Bendigo – Frida Edition?
It’s a guided walking tour with flavour and flair. Limited to just 10 guests per tour, the experience takes you on a leisurely 1km walk through Bendigo’s historic streets, stopping at four standout venues for food and drink tastings that showcase the region’s bold produce and creative hospitality. Along the way, your guide weaves in stories about Frida Kahlo, local legends, and the city’s colourful past and present.
Whether you’re visiting for Fiesta Bendigo, in town for the Frida exhibition, or just looking for a way to explore Bendigo differently, this tour offers the perfect bite-sized slice of what makes the city special.
Where You’ll Go & What You’ll Taste
Each venue has been carefully selected not just for its food, but for the story it tells about Bendigo’s identity as a City and Region of Gastronomy. Here’s what to expect:.
1. Ms Batterhams
Start in style at this refined underground restaurant tucked into the basement of the historic All Saints School. Known for its Southern European flair, Ms Batterhams embraces the Fiesta theme with a zesty taco made from seasonal produce, paired with a crisp Harcourt cider. The moody ambiance sets the tone for what’s to come.
2. Wine Bank on View
Just steps away in the grand 1870s Union Bank building, you’ll find Wine Bank on View. Inside, wine expert Mark Coffey serves up a tasting flight of three local wines, each selected to reflect the region’s distinct terroir. Your sip is paired with a flavour-packed prawn tostada created specially for Fiesta. It’s a celebration of local wine, food, and storytelling in one iconic setting.
3. Bendigo Brewing
A hidden gem in the historic Chinese precinct, Bendigo Brewing is known for its small-batch beers made using local ingredients and their house yeast, Venus. You’ll enjoy a tasting of their freshest brews alongside a wood-fired pizza slice inspired by Mexican flavours. As you sip and snack, your guide shares the fascinating tale of the building and its colourful characters.
4. Dispensary Bar and Diner
Tucked into Bendigo’s Chancery Lane, The Dispensary Bar and Diner is a bold and flavour-forward stop to end the tour. With a speakeasy vibe and a cheeky sense of fun, it’s the perfect setting for a final toast. Here you’ll enjoy a juicy lamb taco and a guided tequila tasting, complete with a mythic tale about Mayahuel, the Aztec goddess of the agave plant. Salud!
An Artistic Twist: Frida’s Spirit Lives On
This isn’t just a food tour with a Mexican twist. Throughout the walk, your guide shares handpicked stories from the extraordinary life of Frida Kahlo—her art, her politics, her defiance, and her love of tequila. From tales of parties where she stunned guests by drinking straight from the bottle to moments of pain and resilience, Frida’s presence lingers like a splash of colour through the streets of Bendigo.
As you pass murals, hidden laneways and Festival activations, you’ll see the city through Frida’s lens—bold, beautiful, unafraid.
What Makes This Tour Different?
- Local Flavour: From Harcourt cider to handcrafted beer brewed just around the corner, every stop showcases produce from the Bendigo Region.
- Small Groups: With just 10 guests per tour, it’s intimate, welcoming, and allows time to chat and connect.
- Expert Storytelling: Your guide is passionate about Bendigo’s past, present, and future—with stories that surprise and delight.
- Gastronomy Meets Art: The tour blends the culinary and creative in celebration of Bendigo’s status as a UNESCO City and Region of Gastronomy.
Key Info
- When: Saturdays at 2pm
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Distance: Approx. 1.4 km walking
- Price: $103.95 (includes all tastings)
- Group Size: Max 10 guests
- Start Point: Steps of the Capital Theatre, View Street
What Guests Are Saying
“So informative and loads of fun. Venues were perfect, food and drink amazing. If you enjoy a Saturday afternoon stroll with lots of local tidbits (both info and food/drink), then you need to book Jamie’s Bendigo Guided Tours!” – Sue Gentry ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This is a great tour. It was so much fun, finding out about the rich history of this beautiful city while deep diving into the local wine and food scene. A fantastic day out, Brilliant.” – Peter and Brooke C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Want More? Explore Bendigo with Our Other Tours
While the Frida Edition runs during the Fiesta period, Bendigo Guided Tours offers a range of immersive experiences all year round:
- Private City Tours: Tailored to your interests. See the sights, explore the gold rush past, or just enjoy an easy walk with great company.
- Gold Rush Heritage Tour: A deep dive into the 1850s that made Bendigo boom. Visit key landmarks, learn about the miners, moguls and mischief-makers who shaped the city.
Final Word
If you’re looking for unforgettable things to do in Bendigo, this walking tour is the perfect way to indulge your senses, connect with local stories, and taste the best of what this creative city has to offer.
Book your spot now and let your tastebuds lead the way.
Book at bendigoguidedtours.com.au/walking-tour or contact Jamie on 0408 521 972.
