The iconic National Trust listed Gold Mines Hotel occupies a unique place in the life of Bendigo for its beauty, grandeur, magnificent Vahland architecture and its importance to Bendigo goldfields history.

Commissioned in February 1872 and completed in October of the same year it represents the height of prosperity thanks to the discovery of gold in Bendigo. Held by the Sterry family for over 140 years the property stands as testament to one self-made man – David Chaplin Sterry and the hardworking women of the Sterry family who continued his legacy in the years after his death.

Positioned on an elevated 1.2 acre site on the original two titles in central Bendigo opposite the historic Victoria Hill Diggings - the source of Sterry’s wealth and prosperity from Quartz reef mining – the elegant Victorian Gold Mines Hotel is only minutes from the View Street Arts Precinct, Fortuna Villa, Sacred Heart Cathedral and Alexandra Fountain in Charing Cross - funded by Sterry during his office as Mayor of Bendigo in 1878-79.

The stunning double storey stucco brick hotel features a formal entrance with the original glass lantern featuring the hotel’s name, a grand cedar central staircase with magnificent double height stained glass window, opulent ostrich feather stencilled marble look walls in both the grand entrance and upstairs hallways, hand grained pine four panel doors, deep architraves, frames and skirts, arched sash windows, rich Victorian detailing including decorative plasterwork and archways with gold leaf embellishments, ornate ceiling roses and heritage light fittings, timber and brass picture rails, brass foot stands, extensive built in cedar cabinetry including the front bar and arched built in robes, 12 ft height ceilings, original thick Baltic pine floors, pressed metal dados as well as ten fireplaces many with beautiful marble and timber mantles, cast iron inserts and highly decorative mirrors adding warmth and ambience to each of the property’s graceful rooms.

The hotel’s signature façade with its highly ornate verandah with glass panelling was the focus of major restoration works in 2015 including repairs to the floor and structure of the balcony and the recasting and reinstatement of broken cast iron lace panels and damaged sections of the parapet using traditional materials.

Built and designed for purpose by the renowned Bendigo Boom architectural firm of Vahland & Getzchmann in 1872 the Victorian-style hotel is separated into public and commercial spaces on the first floor including the Gentleman’s Bar, Ladies Lounges, Victoria Room (Steery’s original board room now elegant dining room), Norfolk Room (once the sophisticated Music Room now private dining room) and guest accommodation on the second floor featuring a private formal living-room, two bathrooms, four bedroom suites, direct access to the stunning 3 metre wide balcony from all west facing rooms as well as rear access to the historic 1857 miners’ ballroom.

The jewel in the crown of this unique property is without doubt the sprawling 1.2 acres of historic gardens designed and laid out by Sterry and family as their private retreat and only recently available for the public to enjoy. They include a myriad of garden rooms separated by sandstone walls, tiered garden beds and stone paved paths with a distinctly Tuscan feel. Once the home of majestic peacocks that roamed the grounds - the garden features gazebos overlooking an ornamental dam and stream, open lawns now utilised for events and a series of outbuildings that were once used for stables and small scale farming to supply fresh produce for the hotel.

In more recent times an enclosed covered area has been created with outside bar to cater for functions with seating up to 50 and standing to 120. This area was created from the stone walled courtyard garden which adjoins the beautiful two storey stone building which was part of the original 1857 Iron Bark Hotel housing the miners’ ballroom on the second floor and now the commercial kitchen and beer garden bar below. Utilised for alfresco dining, functions, entertainment and live music events this area provides the perfect setting for sampling the best regional produce, fine wines and local craft beers on tap. It is no wonder the Gold Mines is recognised by the Tourism Industry as having Victoria’s premier outdoor dining and beer garden experience – having been recently listed by Qantas Travel Insider as one of Australia’s best beer gardens.

A permanent fixture on the live music, arts, events and festival calendar the property offers a multitude of function and performance spaces including the wonderful acoustics of the refurbished cellar bar - a favourite amongst talented local musicians. As the Bendigo arts, hospitality, tourism, entertainment and historical community holds its collective breath to see what the next chapter of the iconic Gold Mines Hotel will bring – discerning restaurateurs, artisans, entrepreneurs or families with a passion for gold rush history are encouraged to explore this once in a generation opportunity.