Bendigo is filled with amazing food, beer, cider and local produce – the city was named Australia’s first and only UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2019 after all.
If it’s your first time visiting Bendigo or you’re a seasoned local, make the most of Bendigo Craft Beer & Cider Festival with our BCBCF Food & Drink Weekend Itinerary.
FRIDAY
Nimbus – Sunset dinner
Whether you’re arriving from out of town for the weekend or heading for a knock off drink, Bendigo’s newest (and highest) bar is sure to kickstart your festival weekend the right way.
Offering stunning views of Bendigo and an an exciting new menu of bites to eat, the rooftop bar also has a great drinks list featuring some of our very own festival brewers, including BentSpoke Brewing.
Babylon – After dinner drinks
Wander down to Babylon Lounge & Garden Bar and explore the excentic venue, fitted out with quirky and vintage decor.
Babylon has an exciting and ever changing range of beers on tap and in the fridge which are absolutely worth checking out.
SATURDAY
The Bridge Hotel – Breakfast
Having breakfast at the historic Bridge Hotel has many perks. Not only do they offer a great brunch (until 11am, also known as festival kickoff time) and have a solid range of beers and ciders, but they’re also situated 100m away from Tom Flood where Bendigo Craft Beer & Cider Festival is held.
FESTIVAL TIME!
Meet the creators from over 25 breweries and cideries. Try over 100 beers and ciders from across Australia. Watch incredible local entertainment acts. Eat from a range of delicious food trucks. Need we say more?
Flight Bar – Post festival feed
After a great day at BCBCF we know what you’ll be needing. And that’s the perfect combo of fried chicken and great beer.
Craft beer champions Justin McPhail and Nick Horgan are the masterminds behind one of Bendigo’s favorite craft beer hot spots, Flight Bar.
Heaven for craft beer and fried chicken aficionados, we guarantee you’ll find something new to try from their extensive selection. The guys have nailed the perfect combination of beer and chicken with their fried chicken goodness developing a loyal cult following in Bendigo.
SUNDAY
Handle Bar / Get Naked Espresso – Hair of the dog
Wander inside Get Naked Espresso Bar on Mitchell Street and refule on caffeine, then follow the path outside and Handle Bar will await you. This eclectic courtyard space provides the ultimate chill spot for casual sessions every Thursday – Sunday. Craft beer lovers will be delighted by the variety of independent brewers and fridge loaded with a huge variety of craft beers. BYO food or get something delivered for the ultimate Handle Bar experience.
The Hop Supply Co – A must visit before you leave
Described by one Google reviewer as ‘the(hop) shop of my dreams’, The Hop Supply Co is not your normal bottle shop, it’s a beverage obsessive’s ultimate retail space.
Whilst dedicated to a serious craft beer offering, they do like to mix it up a little with some serious wines and spirits also available. Stock up the car or stop in for one of their regular free tasting sessions.
Visit on the way home
If you’re heading to or from Melbourne to Bendigo, stop and check out the Cornella and Tooborac breweries. Meet the brewers at each venue, take a tour and enjoy tastings with the person who actually made the stuff. Plus these guys are both open on Sundays!
- Cornella: Part microbrewery / part of a winery, cellar door and taproom. Chill out and try what’s currently on offer, they’ve brewed everything from a Chicken Twist(ie) Flight beer to a berliner Rosa Shiraz Sour beer.
- Tooborac: The Tooborac Hotel is a country hotel built circa 1857 with an onsite brewery. It is the oldest National Trust listed country pub in Victoria – renowned for being family friendly with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Plus their pies are a MUST.
STILL HAVEN’T GOT YOUR BENDIGO CRAFT BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL TICKET? BUY YOURS NOW!