Avoca

Avoca Vic 3467 (Pop 1 100)
Pic: by Longhair

Avoca is an attractive Pyrenees Ranges historic goldmining town on the Avoca River 181 km n-w of Melbourne. Noted for its wide main street and well preserved buildings, gold was discovered here in 1850s. Today Avoca’s economy is based on its role as a service centre, tourism and wineries. Avoca markets 2^nd Sat each month. The Pink Lamb and Purple Shiraz Race Meeting (Mar), Petanque Tournaments (French Bowls) (March & Nov), Pyrenees Vignerons’ Gourmet Food & Wine Race Meeting (Apr), Taltarni Cup Meeting (Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Avoca (40 sites) includes Lalor’s Pharmacy (1854), Victoria Hotel (1850s), Avoca Meat Market (c.1856), ‘Rutherford’ (1860s), Chalmer’s Presbyterian Church (1864), Kelley’s Store (1865), Albion House (c.1866), Holland’s Drapery Shop (1866), Avoca Hotel (1870). Avoca & District Historical Society, High St housed in the old courthouse (1859) and contains an excellent photographic collection and local history memorabilia. Cemetery (town outskirts) contains many historic graves and a Chinese goldminers burial ground.

Nearby:
Pyrenees Ranges State Forest (access via Sunraysia or Pyrenees Hwys) spectacular views, rugged ranges, abundant wildlife, historic sites, the Waterfalls track (18 km) and Governor Rock Lookout. Percydale (Vinoca Rd) site of former goldmining town with a large Chinese population. Daly’s Cottage (1865) still remains. Lexton (23 km south) interesting former goldmining service town where the Courthouse (1874), St Andrew’s Church (1876) and St Mary’s Church (1874) still stand.  Wineries - many of the fine wineries in the area offer cellar door tastings and sales.

Accommodation:
Avoca has 2 motels, 3 hotels, 4 B&Bs, some holiday cottages and a caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: 122 High St. Tel (03) 5465 3767.