The Avoca Chinese Gardens opened in 2014, although small they are really beautiful. Also known as Avoca’s Garden of Fire and Water representing Australia’s bush scene of fire and floods. The Avoca river has been known to flood in 2010/11 & 2016. The gardens also represent the contribution the Chinese had on Avoca. The Chinese were an important part to Avoca and other parts of Victoria in the gold rush era back in 1850 -1870. It was the Chinese that found the Alluvial gold in Ararat where our weekend escape began. Hundreds of Chinese came to Victoria in search of gold.
If you are staying or driving through the gorgeous country Victorian town, Avoca in the heart of the Pyrenees we recommend you stop and take a stroll through this gorgeous gardens.
We visited in Spring when the trees were out in blossom which really set the scene. Through the blossoms we looked through to the Chinese Pavilion which represents “fire”. If you look at the roof top you will notice how it looks like flames. From the Pavilion you look down onto the pond which represents “water”.
After your time spent in the gardens you can cross the road and take a walk along the Avoca river. Another place of beauty and serenity. If you are looking for a place to free camp then look no further. Across the road is the Avoca RV Park, a free camping area for self contained campers.
Our Visit to the Avoca Chinese Gardens
We visited the gardens as part of our weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. We arrived in Avoca after a spontaneous decision to leave Ararat where we’d spent the previous night free camping at Green Hill Lake Reserve. We’d Spent the day exploring Ararat visiting the J Ward Asylum where we’d heard stories about the Chinese traveling to Australia in search of gold and how they traveled for miles by horse and cart.
After stopping at the Visitor Information centre in Ararat where they spoke highly of Avoca it was without hesitation we hit the road and found ourselves strolling through the Chinese gardens. The gardens are a lovely gesture to the Chinese. We were pleasantly surprised to see the gardens and enjoyed visiting them.
Avoca Chinese Gardens Location
- 1-13 Cambridge Street, Avoca VIC 3467
- Approximately 183km, 2hrs from Melbourne CBD
- Approximately 63km, 43mins from Ararat
Our 3 day escape
Avoca was part of a weekend road trip for us. Leaving the hustle and bustle of Melbourne behind we spent a night at Ararat, the day exploring Ararat before heading to Avoca then back to Melbourne via Maryborough. If you would like to read up more on our weekend trip and places we explored click on the below links.
- Historical town of Ararat
- Alexandra Gardens Park
- Green Hill Lake Reserve
- J Ward Asylum
- Valley Walk, Percydale
- Governors Rock Lookout Tower
- Maryborough
Nearby free campgrounds
You can also follow our 3 day itinerary Melbourne – Ararat – Avoca – Melbourne by clicking on the link.
Another great place and what we consider a must go to place to explore is Halls Gap, Grampians. Check out our following link to see how we have spent 3 nights at Halls Gap, Grampians which is approximately 113km, 1hr 22min from Avoca.
We also enjoyed our 3 day escape at Mt Franklin reserve which is a free campground situated on an extinct volcanic crater and is within an easy drive to the popular tourist destination, Daylesford. This would be a great place to stop on your way back to Melbourne if you have more than 3 days.
Feedback/Comments
We are looking for new places to explore, have you got any suggestions where we should go?
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