BENDIGO has recorded strong visitor numbers with hot weather conditions during January the only deterring factor.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Visitors from interstate as well as overseas, including from Scotland, Germany and New Zealand, flocked to the city to enjoy its sights.
Bendigo Trust attractions recorded a 3.5 per cent rise in visitation over the December-January period.
The Central Deborah Gold Mine Underground Adventure Tour recorded its highest visitation for January ever and was up 21 per cent for the 2013-2014 financial year.
City of Greater Bendigo executive manager tourism Kathryn Mackenzie said visitor numbers were down on the days when the temperature exceeded 40 degrees.
"We're a destination where autumn and spring are our peak periods and because it was so hot in the middle and latter part of January people gravitated to water," she said.
"I would have to say Lake Eppalock has been a hit this year, with lots to do and lots of visitation."
Ms Mackenzie said the city's tourist attractions were pleased with visitor numbers this year, in particular the Central Deborah Goldmine and the Bendigo Art Gallery.
"The attractions are relatively happy with visitation this year but it has been patchy because of those hot days," she said.
"Even retail said people went underground because it was just too hot.
"Overall it has been a very good summer for us when you take into account the consecutive days of heat.
"The gallery had great visitation to Modern Love and was busy over January while the Central Deborah Goldmine recorded higher than normal numbers."
Ms Mackenzie said the city was gearing up for a busy two months ahead.
"We have two big Rotary conferences, we have got the CFA urban championships, we have got the Oceania Cup and we've been busy booking Groovin the Moo," she said.
"So we have got a lot of events coming into the city."
For more about events in Bendigo visit the City of Greater Bendigo website.