4.5Convent Gallery(531 reviews) - Too uncomfortable for the boys Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Wedding Chapels • History Museums
The Convent Gallery has been described as “the most beautiful gallery in Australia” ...however, it is much more than that! In fact, this inspirational multi-award winning world-class tourist destination is blessed with many ways to lead you into temptation. Under one magnificently restored roof you will discover a rich tapestry of experiences. Over four levels there are seven galleries incorporating art, culture, history, as well as great food and sensational shopping. All surrounded by fragrant and beautifully groomed gardens and panoramic views of the picturesque Central Highlands.See more..
4.5The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion(284 reviews) - Very interessting place Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Experience the largest Buddhist stupa in the Western world. The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion situated near Bendigo, Victoria, is the same size and design as The Great Stupa of Gyantse in Tibet. It rises to a total height of 48 metres above Bendigo’s distinctive bushland, and is 50 metres wide at its base. The Great Stupa is home to many holy objects. Foremost amongst these is the magnificent Jade Buddha for Universal Peace which is the largest Buddha carved from gem quality jade in the world. Wander the Peace Park and see beautiful relics and artworks inside The Great Stupa. Learn about Buddhism, Asian culture and art. Treat yourself with an artisan gift from the shop or have a barista-style coffee and a bite to eat at StupaView Café. It’s a pet friendly site as long as your furry friend is kept on a leash.See more..
Visited on Wednesday 19th February. Went for a walk along the breakwater, waves were crashing over the top, so take care. Has great view of Lady Bay and back towards Cannon Hill. See more..
4.0Griffiths Island Lighthouse(132 reviews) - The perfect walk Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings • Lighthouses
A beautiful walk not far from town . You would not be able to access the entire circuit around the island with a pram or wheelchair but part of it is accessible. The circuit takes about an hour following a clearly marked path and crossing three beaches. The views are beautiful and we were lucky enough to see a couple of wallabies. The island is a haven for shearwater birds so you must keep to the path. See more..
4.5Ballarat Railway Station(129 reviews) - Magnificent Victorian era building Architectural Buildings
As the state of Victoria opened up and the rail system arrived into the regional towns they built these magnificent stations to celebrate. Ballarat is no exception with this Victorian era station being a brilliant example. Modernised to suit today's needs as a transport hub it has not lost its character. Worth a visit even if not taking a train or bus.See more..
4.5Maryborough Railway Station(104 reviews) - Worth a visit Friday: 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM Architectural Buildings
Loved this grand old Railway station and heard good reports about it and definitely wanted to visit it. Being on a Monday the cafe and musuem were closed but the information centre was opened and the staff were extremely informative of it's history and other information concerning the area during the goldrush era. Maryborough should be very proud of this beautiful building and many others in the city centre. Was very impressed.See more..
The great news is that as of November 2020, heritage steam trains are set to again begin running on the Castlemaine - Maldon line after a disastrous period during which Victoria/Melbourne or both have been in lockdown (shocking state government). Visiting recently on a weekday, the railway station was in pristine condition even though it was wet. Diesel loco Y159 ran a mixed train transferring passenger cars and goods wagons to Maldon. This was unexpected and a bonus. This is a terrific volunteer run organisation so please support it when trains shortly return after their prolonged absence.See more..
A wonderful, beautiful and historic Cathedral, beautifully presented and maintained. Worth a visit. Good parking. See more..
4.5Yi Yuan Gardens(42 reviews) - A pleasant place to visit Architectural Buildings • Monuments & Statues • Gardens
My wife and I visited this place after our visit to the Golden Dragon Museum, as it is just next to each other. These Gardens are a good example of a chinese garden, albeit a bit small and lacking in flowers. We have visited several large chinese gardens in Shanghai (Yu Gardens), Suzhou (The Lingering Garden and The Humble Administrator's Garden) and the Gardens at the rear of The Forbidden City in Beijing, China; that were very impressive, a few years ago.See more..
It's always good to speak with a local and get the inside knowledge! The Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre can assist with brochures, accommodation booking and travel advice. Located in our magnificent Market Building, we offer a great range of locally made products, regular art exhibitions and you can hire bikes or ipod tours to add to your visit.See more..
4.0McLandress Square(18 reviews) - The great wealth of the gold rush era Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Monuments & Statues • Government Buildings
My father and I parked opposite to this small square and we were immediately drawn to the beauty of the architecture. The town’s civic centre features European-style heritage buildings including the imposing Italianate palazzo-style post office, which was built in 1877 and still serves as a post office today. The town hall was built in 1887 after the local council established there was a need for a large building to house public functions. Still retaining many of its original features, additions to the town hall in 1939 added a number of beautiful art deco features enhancing the rich detail of the building. In 1892, the Federation Free Classical style courthouse was designed and commissioned and this opened one year later. One of the largest courthouses outside of Melbourne, the building has served as a courthouse continuously since its inception. It's worth having a closer look at this square... parking is available nearby and it's easy to walk through the area.See more..
4.0Castlemaine Railway Station(18 reviews) - Strong sense of history Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
I visited Castlemaine station with my brother and father (Trip Advisor, please fix the ‘family’ option to include just ‘family’) as part of our trip on the Victorian Goldfields Railway. Platform #3 is used for train trips for the latter on Wednesdays and Sundays. What I like about Castlemaine station is that it’s not just a platform (+/- a toilet and vending machine[s]) to board and disembark from trains. Like the rest of the town, it has a strong sense of history about it which becomes obvious the moment you arrive in the carpark; at the entrance, there’s a World War 1 German machine gun captured by Allied forces. While the platforms have modern toilets and kiosk facilities, they’ve maintained the historical facade. Between that and the VGR trains, I couldn’t help but envisage the train scenes from Ingalls Wilder’s ‘By the Shores of Silver Lake’ or ‘Miss Potter’ complete with passengers in period costume.See more..
4.5Eaglehawk Town Hall(17 reviews) - HMVS Nelson cannons Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
The hall was built in 1901 on the site of an earlier town hall which had stood on the location since 1865. The architects were the Melbourne firm of Wilkinson and Permewan. The town hall is one of the most notable and dramatically sited of all Victorian provincial town halls, is an expressive example of the architecture of the Federation period. It's quite a statement piece for Eaglehawk.. you can't miss this prominent building... and nor should you. It's a stunning piece of architecture. This sumptuous building of brick and stone featuring a central clock tower, reflects prevailing architectural fashion and was a remarkable investment for a town consisting predominantly of poor mining families.See more..
We would have been happy just admiring this wonderful heritage site but, then, its long-time caretaker materialised and made a joking offer to sell the place to us for a quick million. Mr Millikan, long retired from life as a shearer and dozer driver, turned out to be the kindest and most amusing guide, opening up locked waiting rooms and cellars and telling us the history. He's been volunteering in this role for 12 years and has added to the value of the history experience with collections of railways remnants and all manner of antique country paraphernaila. The station is huge and very handsome, once in South Australia but suddenly in Victoria with a boundary adjustment. Its has a rich socxial travelling history and also a sad history in that war prisoners in tranasit were shackled in the cellar. Now, while it has no passengers or trains, it still has big kitchens and from time to time it comes alive for weddings.See more..
4.5Colbinabbin Hotel & Pub(12 reviews) - Lunch with a view Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
View of the silos, open fire nearby, warm welcome and varied menu plus specials board. Steak, scalloped potatoes and salad had a thumbs up and my chicken stroganoff, veggies and the scalloped potatoes excellent. Extra treat was the Japanese toilet; a warm toilet seat highly recommended! Street parking nearby, local wines by the glass, art work on display and best kids’ toys all add up to make this a special destination for all ages. Perfect for silo diners through to groups. Book early to have a seat with a view.See more..
Amazing architecture - not just the court house but all around town. Just beautiful. Loved reading the history.See more..
4.0Seymour Railway Station(4 reviews) - Worth a look to see the old train Rail Services • Architectural Buildings
Typical nice vline station you’ll find all around Victoria. Worth a visit to see the nearby old black train. Well maintained station as wellSee more..
4.5Inglewood Town Hall(4 reviews) - Attractive community hub Architectural Buildings
What a delightful old building in the lovely little town of Inglewood. Definitely worth a stop and a photoSee more..
5.0Maryborough Post Office(4 reviews) - Amazing heritage listed building Architectural Buildings
One of many attractive heritage buildings in Maryborough. Located in between the courthouse and town hall.. definitely worth a visit See more..
4.0Australia Post - Euroa Post Shop(4 reviews) - Old Style Building houses post office shop. Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings
This old building was the Euro post office when post offices sold post related items and services only. Today it is still in use as a post office and offers a wide range of services to the publicSee more..
3.5Euroa Historic Courthouse(4 reviews) - Hear ye, hear ye! Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
The Court House was included on the Victorian Heritage Register on 13 April 1995. Once you are standing in front of this very fine building you can see why they would wish to protect it. It's a stunning piece of architecture. J.T. Kelleher of Public Works Department designed the building... but not just this building, he also designed the local post office...which is also a stunning building. ( Both of these buildings are visible from each other) The Court was for sale in 2013 and sold for under $400, 000. It's amazing to think that was all that was paid for it. It's worth taking a walk through Euroa to see their beautiful buildings.See more..
4.5Albacutya Silo Art(3 reviews) - Modern Art Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Architectural Buildings
A lovely modern art depiction, that brightens the landscape. You need to move about to capture all aspects of the work.See more..
4.5Hughes Creek Bridge(3 reviews) - Great Aussie History Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings • Bridges
Avenel Boasts one of provincial Victoria's most impressive bridges in the six-arch, stone crossing of Hughes Creek which was built by Hugh Dalrymple in 1850 and originally had a tollgate and toll keepers Cottage nearby. A young Ned Kelly saved a boy from drowning just down stream of the Hughes Creek Bridge in Avenel, he was awarded a green silk sash by the boy's parents.See more..
There are a number of old buildings re-erected on this site and some large pieces of machinery. I really liked the slab hut and the straw boiler. Even when the buildings are closed there is enough in the open to entertain. The Lions Park is just over the highway with public toilets and shelter.See more..
3.5Warracknabeal Post Office(3 reviews) - English Domestic Revival style Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
Well this post office certainly catches your eye... I have seen some really stunning old postal buildings in Australia but this one I found particularly eye catching for its architecture. This postal office was constructed in1906-07 to the design of the Victorian Public Works Department architect Samuel Bindley. Constructed in the English Domestic Revival style, the two storeyed building features face brickwork to the ground floor level and half timbering to the upper storey. The elaborately ornamented exterior features heavily ribbed chimneys. The postmaster's quarters which, with four large bedrooms, an elegant drawing room, living room, dining room and kitchen, is one of the grandest postal residences in Victoria. The postal chamber is by comparison quite modest and has been extensively altered over the years although it has retained its pressed metal ceiling.See more..
4.0Mount Buffalo Chalet(3 reviews) - Historic & Majestic But No Longer Operating Architectural Buildings
This magnificent old building opened in 1910 as a chalet and ski resort and lays claim to be the largest timber building in Australia. In 1924 the property was acquired by Victoria Railways and in 1885 was passed to the Victoria Tourism Commission. It closed in 2007. It has commanding views and is still a magnificent place.See more..
One of many attractive heritage buildings in Maryborough. This one housed until the 1990s the Technical School (schools that used to teach trades which have now been replaced by tafe and VET courses in schools). Located on Nolan st at the central goldfields council In front of building is a great little garden that is popular with locals See more..
Lovely old building that is located at 47-51 Binney St. From real estate advertisement when sold in 2018 ‘Blairgowrie' is located in the heart of Euroa's main shopping precinct and was built in 1890 by Mr H London (pharmacist). Later occupiers of this grand building included chemists HW Potts, Jas. Blackie and GB Spiers. 'Blairgowrie' consists of 2 adjoining buildings the residence and the shop. Residence: 'Blairgowrie' showcases the grandeur of Victorian architecture. Old world features include high 3.6 metre ceilings, decorative roses, stateSee more..
4.5Christ Church Anglican - Castlemaine(3 reviews) - I am a Altar server at this church I attend mass there weekly Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
It’s a wonderful Church I very much enjoy serving at the 5pm vigil mass on a Saturday The church is made of sandstone. All welcome to attendSee more..
This street has a few amazing churches in it, but this one is directly opposite of the Art Museum... so you really can't miss it if you are visiting the town to see art. It's quite impressive as it sits high above the street. The Church was opened on 21 November 1858 by Rev Dr Cairns. Designed by architect and surveyor, Clement Wilks, the foundation stone was laid on 7th March 1855. As you walk around the building you will note the rear of it is not as adorned as the front of it , but there is an interesting hall at the back... at first I thought it was the Sunday school but the curator of the museum assures me it had another purpose. It is also testament that once not everything in Castlemaine was neatly positioned onto land... how they accessed it is anyone's guess.See more..
The historic court house sits on the hill (77 High Street) on the south side of Rushworth and is a building of historical significance. Erected in 1877 a few years after gold was discovered (1853) in Waranga nearby it apparently has seen its fair share of the good, bad and the ugly amny wjho may have found them selves in the tiny wooden jail next door. Worth a look.See more..
4.0former Talbot Town Hall(2 reviews) - Step back in time Spent < 1 hour Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings
This building was built privately as an Oldfellows Hall in 1862. With the transfer of municipal power from Amherst to Talbot ( at the time known as Back Creek) in 1861, meetings were held and John Medley, the publican, offered the Oldfellows Hall to the council in 1864. Eventually it was purchased for 600 pounds for use by the council. ( 1865) The council then added a second story to the facade in 1871 to accomodate a meeting room and library. The library's collection has since been moved to the first Court House in Camp Street. The building speaks of a time of affluence, because when you visit Talbot there is not a lot there commercially, but what it does offer is beautiful old fashioned streetscapes and historical buildings to view.See more..
Clearly this is the most impressive of all the beautiful buildings in Kerang... and clearly it has a story. It's hard to imagine why a building so ornate was built here, but here it is... and it's worth stopping to admire. The Chambers were opened, the Memorial tablets and Honour Roll were unveiled by the Governor of Victoria,Lord Somers, on the 25th March 1927. The Commemorative Stone was laid by the President of the Shire , Councillor Muir, who said the building was a tribute to the district’s soldiers. The buildings and furnishings had cost a little more than £10000.See more..
3.5Railway Station(2 reviews) - Lovely old building Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
A lovely old railway building, worth driving to. Nice to see, I hope it is maintained and not left to deteriorate. Would make a lovely cafe or wine hub?See more..
3.5St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church(2 reviews) - Unfinished, yet impressive Spent < 1 hour Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
St Michael is one of the older churches in the town and is built in impressive bluestone. It was never finished in its early plans, but is still worth a look for its organ.See more..
4.0Likatibro(2 reviews) - 1885 National Bank of Australasia Ltd Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Antique Shops
The third National Bank built in Euroa stands at the corner of Binney and Railway Streets (opposite the site of the second bank - the “Kelly” bank). Erected in 1885 it costs £5,000 to build, the contractors being O’Dea and Kennedy and the architects Tappin, Gilbert and Dennehy. Registered by the National Trust it was built in the Queen Anne style. It's very eye catching and it truly is an imposing building. You can't help but be drawn in... these days it's home to an antique store. It has fortunately survived Covid restrictions and remains open. I visited on a Saturday and it was quiet. The building is stunning, but there is a certain charm to visiting. Firstly the gentleman inside did not bother me, he allowed me to wander around. Secondly their prices here are very reasonable... which is a nice change from many stores like this. This is worth visiting if you are in the area, you might find yourself looking at a few items wondering how something you used to use became antique... but that's a lesson for us as we age. :)See more..
3.5Lee Brakewater(2 reviews) - Great Views Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Bridges
When we go to Portland a drive out the breakwater is always enjoyable, people fishing, plenty to see and good views across the harbour and back to town.See more..
5.0Former Primary School No 2828(2 reviews) - Great use of a beautiful building Architectural Buildings It’s fantastic to see someone make great use of such an impressive building. The whole development is amazing use of an old school site. The houses seem very reasonably priced and present very well. The gardens are a credit to whoever maintains them. Visitors are welcome See more..
The Bank of NSW transferred it's Echuca Branch to this building in 1877. It backed on to the Campaspe River and in the 1860s Georgy, a Chinaman, worked it as a market garden for owner Henry Hopwood, founder of Echuca. In December 1862 this bank had opened in rented premises ( Now known as the 'early bank of NSW'... Currently the Curry Club). When the branch transferred to this gorgeous Italianate building it operated continuously until 1965, before moving to Hare Street and becoming the Westpac. These days it's one of many beautiful buildings along the Main Street of Echuca.See more..
4.5Castlemaine Uniting Church(2 reviews) - Built by Mr Shillabeer Spent < 1 hour Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
This church was formerly a Presbyterian church. The Premier of Victoria, Sir James Patterson laid the foundation stone in June 1894. The Church was officially opened on 16th December, 1894. The church is architecturally significant as an example of a remarkably eclectic design by the Ballarat architect Charles Figgis. It illustrates the eclectic architectural philosophies of the mid to late 1890s. It draws on a range of influences: the tympanum over the central doorway with the decorative tilework is derived from French Romanesque sources, the tower is more French Gothic in influence, while the massing and roof form are more Italian Gothic in style. The day that it captured my attention, the Spring flowers were abundant across the front of the property. The Church sits quite high up so it captures your attention readily.See more..
4.0Castlemaine Town Hall(2 reviews) - Queen Anne building Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
Built by H D McBean at a cost of 2,000 pounds, after being designed by Wilkinson and Permewan. The building was constructed of face red brick and coloured cement dressings (now painted white) and a tiled roof. Whilst it has an interesting history... what is more significant is that it continues to be serving the town of Castlemaine in it's original role of town hall over 120 years later. That is rare and somehow special for the town. It's quite eye-catching as many of the buildings in town are... they are a testament to Castlemaine being home to one of the richest alluvial goldfields in the world. It's worth stopping to admire the beauty of the building.See more..
5.0Barwon Park Mansion(1 review) - A very interesting step back in time. Friday: Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings Beautiful blue stone mansion and stables. Well worth visiting and walking around the grounds. Just a hop skip and a jump from Winchelsea.See more..
On the hill is St Paul's Anglican Church, a Gothic Revival structure built in 1869-70. The Foundation stone was laid on 1 April 1869 by the first Bishop of Melbourne Charles Perry. By 1895 the church was free of debt and the consecration took place on 13 October. This was by his Lordship the Bishop of Melbourne Dr F. Goe. This church is another example of how brilliant the architects Vahland and Getzschmann from Bendigo were. It has been designed in an idiosyncratic Gothic style with a central entry on the west end with a bell-cote forming a central tower with a spire over as required by the 'Neugotik'. Whilst the church isn't really large, because of it's placement on the hill... it has a very austere presence. I believe this is definitely worth pulling off to the road to have a walk around. There is a new building nearby that may be the Sunday school... it's also been built in red brick.See more..
4.0Shire Hall(1 review) - The Walls Have Spoken Architectural Buildings
This hall is an outstanding example of mid 19th century architecture... it was opened in 1869. Once again Vahland and Getschman have put their indelible mark on local history as the architects for this church. You will, as you wander through the area, notice that their name comes up on some amazing pieces. An interesting fact about this hall is that originally when the founding stone was laid, they also laid bottles of wine under it for a future ceremony. The stone and wine were stolen during the night after the ceremony... this probably should come as no surprise... after all- who hides wine in plain sight? :) The building is clearly well loved and maintained by the locals and it's hard to miss in a prominent corner location in their Main Street.See more..
Come on guys, help us out a little? Who was Lester? ...Henry Lester Smith (1887-1978) was a member of the Kerang Shire Council from 1932 to 1965. He was also President of the Murray Valley League from 1956 to 1960 and chairman of Region 3 from 1950 to 1965. Well that's brilliant...so the guy had a little history with the area. So it looks like a water tower to me... what was it's original purpose? ...It was an old water storage tower built in 1883 and converted to a lookout in 1973. So can you enter it and look around? ...The Kerang Lapidary Club has a display of local and exotic gemstones in the building. It also offers panoramic views of the area. Yes, you can tour it but it has to be arranged with the local tourist information. Thank you... all good to know. From my perspective it's just impressive to look at... as buildings go... it's really attractive.See more..
The original weatherboard building built here in 1858 was named "Glasgow House" after the gentleman who constructed it's Scottish homeland. John Galloway Stewart not only owned this building though, he also donated the land where the St Andrews Presbyterian Church sits. The current building was designed by A.E.Castles and constructed by D.Crothers... and it replaced Glasgow House in 1911. It was built for John's son, James Stewart, a solicitor. It provided James with an office and three other shops. Each shop was divided by a brick fire wall and inside this building there are redwood ceilings and finishings. It's certainly worth taking a moment to look at if you are in town... it's rundown look hides a building that would have taken considerable money to construct, it would have been quite handsome in its day.See more..
4.0Scots Presbyterian Church(1 review) - Oh come all ye faithful Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
The present Yea Presbyterian Church was opened in July 1923. The Oregon pine seats (built by T. Watson) and part of the pulpit from the original church were moved to the present church. The first minister in the new church building was the Rev H A E O'Sullivan, who was appointed about 1921. The Anglican and Presbyterian Churches has established a school about 1859, and the church buildings had also been used at some stage for the school. Funds were largely raised through bonds, with the final payment made in 1939. Harvey Blanks writes that this was 'partly as a result of a £500 legacy from Mrs Officer'. Local families have donated various items of furniture, stained glass and there have been minor alterations over the years ... The total cost of the Church was £2,600. It's a beautiful looking building... unfortunately with Covid, it is not open to the public. I am not sure if it is without Covid. Built of red brick with a spire, it is a lovely church to look at.See more..
4.0St Mary's Roman Catholic Church(1 review) - With it's own grotto Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
The Very Reverend Dean Hayes of Sandhurst opened the first church on the site, a timber structure in 1866. This present red brick church was built in 1905. The architects were Messrs Keogh and Austin. The total cost of the church was 2779 pounds. This church is striking and is eye-catching for anyone who likes old architecture... like most Catholic buildings there are other buildings surrounding it all pertaining to the church. All of the buildings are beautiful and clearly built in the same era as this one. You really do need to walk around it because each entrance point has unique architectural designs. And at the back there is a grotto. (What is a grotto? The word “grotto” has become used almost exclusively to refer to Catholic shrines built into a rock formation. Often these rock formations are man-made, but they can also be found in natural caves throughout the world.)See more..
