Chinese Joss House

The Chinese Joss House of Bendigo is still used as a house of prayer today and is the only one of its kind still surviving in regional Victoria. The Chinese people have a proud history since gold was first discovered in 1851.

Built of timber and local hand made bricks, it is painted red - the traditional Chinese colour denoting strength and vitality. The main temple is dedicated to Guan-Di, the god of war and prosperity. The Chinese saw Guan-Di as a wise judge, guide, protector and provider of wealth and prosperity; factors needed for Chinese worshipers in this strange land.

It is now a National Trust property and is open to the public Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 11.00am to 4.00pm. Bendigo is 149 km norht of Melbourne. The Joss House is a short drive north west of Lake Weeroona.

The Old Courthouse Healesville

The Yarra Valley Visitor Information Centre is housed in Healesville`s "Old Courthouse". Opened in 1890, the Courthouse is one of only five similar timber courthouses built in the 1880's. Now recognised by the National Trust, it is home to the Yarra Valley Tourist Information Centre and is in Harker Street, Healesville.

A Portal To The Past

Australia's Paddlesteamer CapitalLocated just over 2.5 hours north of Melbourne, the Port of Echuca is located on the banks of the Murray River, in the historic Port Precinct.

Echuca was once Victoria's most substantial inland river port with paddlesteamers transporting goods far and wide as they chugged along the mighty Murray on which this town is built.

Just over the Victorian/NSW border lies Moama, and many people stay at "Echuca-Moama" to this day, with free shuttle buses ferrying holiday makers and locals alike across the border to a night out at one of the numerous "Clubs" for a spot of gaming.

P.S. Adelaide 1866
Built at Echuca, the PS Adelaide is the oldest wooden hulled paddlesteamer still operating in the World!

Used as a logging boat for 90 odd years, she left the town briefly during the 1950's but later was brought back to Echuca as a community effort in 1960. 1964 saw her lifted from the water and put to rest in Echuca's Hopwood Gardens, where she lay for 20 years. However, in 1980 restoration commenced and she was refloated in 1984 and ahs the capacity to carry 12 passengers.