Bendigo Gas Works 1860-1973
You will be on a tour that showcases the Former Bendigo Gas Works as the most intact 19th Century Gas Works in the world. It was established by the Bendigo Gas Company in 1860 and operated continuously until the introduction of natural gas in 1973.
With customers connected, coal in store, and the Works largely completed, the fires were lit. Finally the retorts were charged with coal and gas production began. On Saturday evening, 31st March 1860, the first gas produced by the Bendigo Gas Company was tested at View Point, High St and Hargreaves St. The light was said to be “of great brilliancy.” (Gas in Bendigo Ray Proudley)
Stand in the footsteps of the workers who produced this gas, see the engineering that lasted over 100 years and hear the story of the rising gas storage cylinders.