When the weather isn’t playing nicely, or you’re craving a dose of cultural time-out, head to Victoria’s Goldfields region and immerse yourself in an eclectic art trail, from Ballarat and Bendigo to Daylesford, Castlemaine and Maryborough, spanning Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wadawurrung Country.
In addition to these major art galleries, there are a myriad of smaller galleries, community art spaces and artist studios to be found in the area. Go digging online or wander with eyes wide open around this culturally-rich region, where there are treasure troves of artistic gold to be discovered.
Bendigo Art Gallery
Bendigo
An unmissable attraction for any ardent art fan, the Bendigo Art Gallery is one of the oldest and largest galleries in regional Australia. The venue consists of several rooms, each housing a range of both permanent and rotating exhibitions.
The extensive collection showcases First Nations art, colonial Australian and contemporary art from the 1850s through to the present, art from the Bendigo Goldfields, 19th century European art, and a special Australian Fashion Collection featuring contemporary textiles and design. With a huge range of mediums on display including painting, sculpture, drawings, clothing, ceramics, glass, metalwork, jewellery and furniture, there’s definitely something for everyone.
Find out more about Bendigo Art Gallery here.

Living Arts Space
Bendigo
Attached to the Bendigo Visitor’s Centre, this contemporary art gallery is housed in the town’s historic post office building. Presenting a diverse range of artistic undertakings, the space showcases the creative work of artists from Bendigo and the Central Victorian area through exhibitions, demonstrations, performances, workshops, live events and artist talks.
The philosophy behind this niche venue is to celebrate the region’s talented professional and emerging artists in a ‘living’ arts space aimed at inspiring audiences. Past exhibitions have introduced visitors to metal sculptural works inspired by seed structures, and botanical illustrative works celebrating the real and imagined aspects of the natural world.
Find out more about Living Arts Space here.
Djaa Djuwima
Bendigo
Also positioned within the Bendigo Visitor’s Centre is this dedicated First Nations Gallery, touted as a safe place for creative and cultural expression, to explore identity, heritage and connection. Owned and managed by the local council, the name of the gallery means ‘To show and share Country’ in the Dja Dja Wurrung language.
Proudly presenting a wide range of art exhibitions by First Nations artists, the venue aims to showcase contemporary work and celebrate the enduring creativity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Find out more about Djaa Djuwima here.

Art Gallery of Ballarat
Ballarat
The Art Gallery of Ballarat officially claims the title as the oldest and largest regional art gallery in Australia. Established in 1884 with the driving manifesto ‘Not for self but for all,’ the gallery maintains this philosophy by existing primarily for its audience. Housed in a heritage-listed building, the purpose-built gallery sits as the cultural heart of Ballarat.
The venue presents a diverse array of work, with a focus on local and Australian art, and champions the output of regional artists. Visitors can enjoy anything from painting, sculpture and screen-based work, to kids’ programs, late-night art events and artist talks.
Find out more about the Art Gallery of Ballarat here.
Perridak Arts
Ballarat
While you’re getting your art fix in Ballarat, be sure to check out this Aboriginal-owned and operated gallery and art store in the heart of town. Showcasing the work of First Nations artists and creators from the local district, Perridak Arts is housed in an historic building, and is designed to immerse visitors in ‘the relaxing sounds and smells of being on Country’.
Inside you’ll find painting, weaving, textiles and wooden artefacts on display, as well as an array of art, merchandise, clothing and prints for sale.
Find out more about Perridak Arts here.
Castlemaine Art Museum
Castlemaine
Founded in 1913 as the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum, now known as CAM, this special space houses Australian art, First Nations cultural material and historical artefacts from the region. Its permanent collection is recognised as one of the most important in regional Victoria.
This is the place to take in contemporary and historical artworks of national significance, including traditional landscapes, tonal realism and works by women artists. Events and artist talks are also held regularly.
Find out more about the Castlemaine Art Museum here.

Central Goldfields Regional Art Gallery
Maryborough
In the heart of central Victoria is the historic town of Maryborough, and it’s here you’ll find the Central Goldfields Regional Art Gallery, housed in a former Fire Station. With a permanent collection, rotating curated exhibitions and touring exhibitions, the gallery offers a diverse range of artwork with broad appeal.
From painting and prints, to quilts and indigenous collections, there’s also the welcome addition of a garden space called garingilang gaijin wii, from the Djaara words for water and fire garden. Designed collaboratively with Dja Dja Wurrung elders and artists, the space welcomes the locals and visitors alike.
Find out more about Central Goldfields Regional Art Gallery here.

The Convent Art Gallery
Daylesford
Daylesford is known for its stunning lake, mineral springs and excellent eateries, but it’s also home to the beautiful Convent Art Gallery. Showing both contemporary and traditional art from local, national and international artists, it’s the place to see a wide variety of works in a stunning 19th century building.
The privately-owned space consists of seven different rooms, each displaying exhibitions from different artists with varying styles, and work is rotated every eight weeks. There’s an artist-in-residence program, so you can see artists in action on-site, as well as a cafe serving high tea.
Find out more about the Convent Art Gallery here.