UPDATED – Pompously Bendigo! Explore the Former Bendigo Post Office on Pall Mall.
Pompously Benndigonian! The Former Bendigo Post Office opened in 1887 and was the largest building of its type outside of Melbourne. Immerse yourself in the rich stories of a golden past, explore stunning heritage architecture fashioned in a time when Bendigo was the richest city in the world.
Self guided tours have now been cancelled. An additional 4 guided tours have been added bookings are required though there is no cost.
Guided tours will detail the stunning building before taking you downstairs to inspect the stone walls and intrigue of the basement. You will view artworks in the First Nations Djaa Djuwima Gallery and works by local artisans in The Living Art Space on the ground floor while looking at what’s on offer at the Visitor Information Centre.
The two-storey stone and brick structure with basement has unpainted rendered facades and is dominated by a 43m high clock tower complete with 6 bell carillon created by Thomas Gaunt. The facades are elaborately decorated with Corinthian pilasters, balustrading, lion’s heads and the state mansard roof with cast iron ridging and finials. The grandeur of scale and wealth of intricate detail of the Former Bendigo Post Office demonstrates the prominent position enjoyed by Bendigo at the peak of its development as a gold town.
The Bendigo Art Gallery is a short walk and has a major exhibition on, ‘Paris- Impressions of Life 1880-1925’. Bookings essential.
Celebrating 50 years of the Victorian Heritage Register