As you approach stop number 3, keep your eyes peeled to the left side of the roundabout. You'll spot an impressive historic building with a grand clock tower! The Bendigo Post Office stands tall with its ornate details and stately columns. The clock tower reaches 43 meters high, definitely a major giveaway. Its stone facade is rich with elaborate decorations, and it really stands out from the buildings around it.
Now, let’s dive into some fun facts about this remarkable place!
The Bendigo Post Office, situated on Pall Mall in Bendigo, dates back to the late 19th century, built between 1883 and 1887 by the contractors McCulloch and McAlpine. The genius behind the design was Public Works architect George W. Watson, who utilized the Second Empire architectural style, meaning it’s as fancy as it sounds!
Its stately neighbor is the Bendigo Law Courts, built around the same time and by the same team. One of the eye-catching features of this building is its 43-meter-high clock tower, which houses a five-bell carillon. The facade is a spectacle in itself, adorned on all four sides with intricate details.
The building got a face-lift between 1978 and 1987 and functioned as a post office until 1997. Nowadays, it proudly serves as the Bendigo Tourism’s Visitor Information Centre. This isn’t just any visitor center; it’s hailed as "Australia's Grandest Visitor Centre," having won several tourism awards, including those from Victorian Tourism in 2009 and 2010, and the prestigious Qantas award for Visitor Information and Services in 2010. It got its place in the Victorian Tourism's Hall of Fame in 2011.
Inside, you’ll find a spacious information area, an adjoining First Nations Gallery called Djaa Djuwima, and a Living Arts Space showcasing the region's best artists. The building itself is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register for its architectural, historical, and aesthetic significance to Victoria. So, as you stand outside, take a moment to appreciate the grandeur and history of this phenomenal building!
