Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
door into an awesome chamber filled with dragons, including the imperial dragons Old
Loong (the oldest in the world) and Sun Loong (the longest in the world at over 100m).
Old Loong arrived in 1892 to feature in the Easter procession. Sun Loong took over in
1970 when Old Loong retired, and it comes out each year to lead the Easter parade. The
museum also displays amazing Chinese heritage items and costumes. Outside, the Yin
Yuan (Garden of Joy) classical Chinese gardens are a tranquil little haven with bridges,
water features and ornamental shrubs. The tearoom serves simple, Chinese-style dishes.
The area outside the museum has been redeveloped as the Dai Gum San Chinese precinct,
complete with a large lotus flower.
Joss House Temple
( 03-5443 8255;
www.bendigojosshouse.com
; Finn St; adult/child/family $5.50/3.50/11; 11am-4pm)
Painted
red, the traditional colour for strength, this is the only remaining practising joss house in
central Victoria. It's 2km northwest of the centre.
TEMPLE
Bendigo Art Gallery
GALLERY
( 03-5434 6088;
www.bendigoartgallery.com.au
;
42 View St; admission by donation; 10am-5pm, tours 2pm)
One of Victoria's finest regional galleries, the permanent collection here includes out-
standing colonial and contemporary Australian art, such as work by Charles Blackman,
Fred Williams, Rupert Bunny and Lloyd Rees; the annual temporary exhibitions are cut-
ting edge. The Gallery Café overlooks Rosalind Park and is a good spot for coffee or a
light lunch.
Sacred Heart Cathedral
(cnr Wattle & High Sts)
You can't miss the soaring steeple of this magnificent cathedral. Con-
struction began in the 19th century and was only completed in 2001 with the installation
of bells from Italy in the belfry. Inside, beneath the high vaulted ceiling, there's a magnifi-
cently carved bishop's chair, some beautiful stained-glass windows, and wooden angels
jutting out of the ceiling arches.
CHURCH
Lake Weeroona
(cnr Nolan & Napier Sts)
Bendigo's little lake is a favourite spot for boating, kayaking or just
walking around the path that encircles it. There are barbecue and picnic areas, toilets, a
LAKE
