Avoca - Victoria

AVOCA - VICTORIA - 3467
	Population: 1350, Elevation: 240, Latitude: 37.05.00 Longitude: 143.29.00 Location: 185km west of Melbourne Highway: Sunraysia Hwy or Pyrenees Hwys. Nearest Major Town: Melbourne Nearest Airport: Melbourne Touring Area: Goldfields		Historic main street of Avoca.

Only 70kms north-west of Ballarat along the Sunraysia Highway, Avoca began as a gold town in 1852. Today it is the centre of a highly regarded wine producing area with 9 vineyards open for cellar door sales and tastings every day.
On the fringe of the spectacular Pyrenees Ranges with numerous lookouts, picnic spots and scenic drives, it maintains its historic origins with some buildings dating back to the 1850's. Of these, the most interesting are Daly's Cottage at Percydale, the Avoca Hotel (1872), Lalor's Chemist (1854), the oldest in Victoria, and two old schools.
At 169 High Street the Avoca Rock Museum has a display of opals, local gemstones, fluorescent minerals and unique dioramas featuring eight areas of gem and mineral sources in Victoria and is open Sat - Sun from 2pm - 5pm or by appointment 03 5465 3113.
Local craft and pottery can be seen and purchased through the local craft shop and there are tours through the old gold mining area, visits to Daly's Cottage and the Avoca Rock Museum. (Ring Fay Peck, 03 5465 3113).

PLACES OF INTEREST:

Columbine Cottage
Daly's Cottage
History Centre
Moonambel Pub
Mount Lonarch Fine China: Mt. Lonarch
Oasis Crystal Gallery: Elmhurst
Possum Gully Road Studio Gallery
Pyrenees Ranges
Pyrenees Wineries
Rock Museum
The Church: Beaufort
The Singing Kettle (Tea rooms/crafts)