BENDIGO POTTERY

Audio Guide

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Welcome to Bendigo Pottery
Get hands on with history at Bendigo Pottery. Bendigo is known as the ‘Ceramics Centre of Australia,’ and is home to Australia’s oldest working pottery, dating back to 1858. This major tourist destination offers visitors an immersive experience of the pottery production process, including hands-on activities, a historical museum, artisan village, antiques and collectibles centre, café and of course an extensive range of hand-crafted ceramics available for purchase in their retail gallery. This authentic and unique attraction presents a truly multi-sensory experience, immersing visitors in the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of pottery production, set within the grounds of this historic site.
Bendigo Pottery is open seven days a week from 9 to 5pm. Tactile Clay Play hands-on activities are available during opening hours, and additional programs and interactive workshops are offered at other times throughout the year. Bendigo Pottery is located at Epsom at the northern entry to the city, and is accessible on request via Huntly bus route #5 from central Bendigo.
The Pottery Precinct
As you enter the sprawling grounds, you’ll pass by some smaller buildings occupied by a creative industry community including sculptors, glass, paper and textile artists, a providore and cellar door. Meander along a pathway through a lush and eclectic garden to the main building. Here you’ll discover the grand scale of the Bendigo Pottery attraction, as you explore an exquisite collection of hand-crafted pottery available for purchase in their retail gallery, set amidst historic kilns. From classic ceramic cookware to contemporary hand-painted platters and dinnerware and some bargain factory seconds, this extensive clay collection is one of the finest in Australia, and well worth a browse.
Step back in time and explore the rich history of Australia’s oldest working pottery at the onsite Interpretive museum, which is set amidst one of the most historic collections of wood fired kilns in the world.. A self-guided tour of the museum includes interactive elements such as soundscapes and a multi-media theatre set inside one of the wood fired kilns. In the museum you can also learn about the pottery production process, from sourcing and preparing the clay to shaping, glazing, and firing in the kiln. From past to present – a viewing window provides views of the current production area, allowing visitors to experience the sounds and earthen scent of the ceramic creation process in real time.
For those with a fascination for the past, the Antiques and Collectibles Centre features a range of valuable and sentimental collector pieces including pottery, paintings, jewellery, vintage clothing, furniture and much more. If you’re feeling peckish, be enticed by the aroma of the freshly baked scones, pastries and barista made coffee wafting from the Pottery’s café.
Hands-on Activities
Bendigo Pottery offers a range of fun, safe and unique hands-on activities to help immerse your senses in the joy of clay and ceramic production. ‘Clay Play’ is an engaging tactile experience available any time, and suitable for the whole family to enjoy. Purchase an individual clay kit from the counter, don an apron and prepare for some sensory fun! Feel the earthy texture and hear the satisfying squelch of the clay beneath your hands, as you unleash your inner potter and sculpt your very own masterpiece.
On weekdays during the Victorian school holidays, other hands-on pottery and decorating workshops are also offered. These include plate decorating workshops and wheel throwing lessons, where participants can try their hand at creating ceramic pieces using a pottery wheel, with the expert guidance of an experienced potter. Bookings are essential and additional fees apply.
Brief History of the Pottery
Bendigo Pottery has a proud heritage spanning over 150 years. In 1858, Scottish migrant George Duncan Guthrie stumbled upon local clay deposits, built a kiln in a shack by the creek, and established a successful pottery business. Little did he know that from these humble beginnings he would create a rich legacy that would be honoured and progressed by six future generations of proud Bendigonians. Through the highs and lows of business operations, from seasons of waning demand through to resurgence in popularity and international acclaim, Bendigo Pottery has endured to stand the test of time. Today it has evolved into an iconic Bendigo institution and tourism attraction.
Immerse your senses in living history at Bendigo Pottery.

Accessibility Information

The car park at Bendigo Pottery is located along the front of the complex. At this stage, there are no designated disabled parking spaces. The site is flat throughout.

Entry is down a wide smooth brick pathway and a wide entry door.

The shop area is brick paved with ample room. All shelves have the stock within easy reach with the top shelves used for display purposes only.

Adjacent to the main shop is the demonstration and potters wheel area. Classes cater for people of all abilities including high dependence disabilities.

Within the complex is an antique bazaar. The market area is well laid out with wide aisles given good access to all stalls.

The café is located just inside the main entry doors. It is spacious and uncluttered, with moveable chairs at each table. The café caters for all dietary requirements.

The factory tour is accessible throughout including the old kilns. During the factory tour, there are two gates either side of the service road within the factory. Both gates are fitted with childproof locks a that cannot be operated independently by wheelchair users. All displays on the tour are clearly visible. Signage is easy to read and contains both words and diagrammatic information.

Outside that factory area, there are a series of artists workshops and studios. The pathways are all smooth brick paving and most of the doorways are wide and easily accessed. An accessible toilet is located in this area.

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