You’ve come for Frida — now let Bendigo surprise you.
If you’re heading to the Frida Kahlo: In Her Own Image exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery, let me just say this — you’re in for something truly special. Frida wasn’t just an artist; she was a force of nature. Her work is raw, unapologetic, and dripping with passion. And seeing her personal belongings and iconic fashion in the flesh? Goosebumps.
But once you’ve soaked up the colour and symbolism inside the gallery walls, you might find yourself wondering — what else is there to do in Bendigo?
Well, you’re in luck. Because this city has a story to tell — and it’s not just any story. Bendigo was once the richest city in the world thanks to the gold rush. And it’s still brimming with grand buildings, hidden alleyways, cultural gems and quirky local secrets. I run Bendigo Guided Tours, and I’d love to help you make the most of your visit while you’re here for Frida.
Before we dive into all the things you can do around town, let’s just take a minute to talk about Frida.
Why Frida Kahlo Still Speaks to Us
Frida Kahlo lived a life of extremes — from immense pain and heartbreak to bold beauty and fierce political passion. After surviving polio and a terrible accident at 18, she turned to painting while recovering in bed. The result? A body of work that is deeply personal, often confronting, and always powerful.
Frida’s self-portraits go far beyond the surface. They explore identity, pain, strength, and womanhood — and she did it all with a monobrow, a limp, and a flower crown. She didn’t hide the hard stuff. She wore it like a badge of honour. And somehow, all these years later, her art still connects — raw, honest, and strangely familiar.
The Bendigo Art Gallery exhibition dives into her world like never before — through the lens of her wardrobe, her makeup, her prosthetics, and the way she built her image. These personal objects have never been shown in Australia before, and many were literally sealed away in her bathroom for 50 years after her death.
It’s raw. It’s intimate. It’s unmissable.
So What Now? Exploring Bendigo Beyond the Gallery
You’ve taken in Frida’s inner world — now it’s time to see what Bendigo has to offer. And trust me, there’s plenty.
Whether you’re here for the day or staying the weekend, here are a few ideas to get the most out of your visit — including my number one recommendation (yes, I’m a bit biased): a guided tour of Bendigo.
1. Take the Stress Out of Sightseeing
Let’s be honest — planning a trip to a new city can be stressful. Where should you go? What’s worth your time? How do you get there without missing the good stuff?
That’s exactly why I started Bendigo Guided Tours. Our 3.5-hour small group tours are designed to take the stress out of your visit. We cover a mix of gold rush history, hidden gems, and modern culture — and yep, it’s all done in a comfy, air-conditioned people mover so you can rest your legs.
We visit places like:
Rosalind Park & Pall Mall — the beating heart of historic Bendigo.
- Victoria Hill — where you’ll hear tales of the deepest gold mine on earth.
- The Chinese Joss House or Sacred Heart Cathedral — depending on the day.
- And the breathtaking Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, home to the 2.5-metre tall Jade Buddha.
Our guides (that’s me or one of the team) are passionate locals who love this city — and we go beyond the basic facts to share the real stories, the little-known legends, and the quirky moments that make Bendigo what it is.
2. Bendigo’s Architecture Is Next Level
After being the richest city on earth in the 1800s, Bendigo didn’t hold back when it came to buildings. Think European-style boulevards, majestic domes, and ornate gold-rush facades.
Just a casual stroll through the city centre will have you reaching for your phone to snap a dozen pics — but if you want to truly understand what you’re looking at (and the stories behind it), a guided tour is your best bet.
3. Bendigo Wine, Food, and Local Flavour
If Frida’s vibrant colours leave you craving something equally bold, Bendigo’s culinary scene won’t disappoint. Whether you’re after a casual bite or a gourmet experience, there’s something here for every taste.
We can even tailor a private tour that includes stops at local wineries, hidden laneway bars, or cozy historic pubs. Some of our favourite venues are run by passionate local makers, and we love showing visitors a taste of the region.
4. Family or Solo Traveller? We’ve Got You Covered
If you’re travelling with older kids, they’ll be fascinated by the gold rush stories, underground mining tales, and ghostly yarns we include on the tour.
If you’re a solo adventurer, our small group format makes it easy to connect with others while enjoying a relaxed, friendly vibe. We also offer private tours for couples or groups who want that VIP experience.
5. Make the Most of Your Time
You’ve come to Bendigo for a reason — maybe for Frida, maybe for a weekend escape. Either way, don’t waste time trying to figure everything out on your own. With Bendigo Guided Tours, you’ll:
- Maximise your time
- See the best of Bendigo
- Learn the stories that shaped this incredible city
- Travel in comfort
- Get local tips on where to eat, shop, and explore
Booking Is Easy (And We’ve Got a Frida Special!)
If you’re in town for the Frida Kahlo exhibition, this is the perfect time to add a tour to your itinerary. And right now, we’re running a limited-time offer: 20% off all tours until July 31st.
👉 Just use code frida25 when booking at bendigoguidedtours.com.au
You can even buy a tour as a gift voucher — a great idea if you’re bringing someone along to the Frida exhibition and want to make a day of it.
Final Thoughts
Frida Kahlo knew how to tell a story — through her clothing, her paintings, and her fearless honesty. Visiting her exhibition is a powerful reminder of how deeply art can move us.
But Bendigo has stories of its own, and they’re just waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re here for a day or a weekend, don’t just scratch the surface. Join a tour. Ask questions. Dig deeper. And see Bendigo in a way you never have before.
Let’s go find the real gold.
– Jamie, Bendigo Guided Tours
