Avoca

Avoca nestles at the eastern base of the Pyrenees Ranges, and was once a rich gold producing area. It was one of the first goldfields in the north western area of Victoria which produced one of the richest finds anywhere in the world. Diggers with their families en-route from Adelaide to the Bendigo digging found a nugget the size of a walnut at Four Mile Flat, near Homebush. There was reported to be around 100 settling into winter quarters in early 1853 and by June of that year the population had grown to 14000. The reefs around Avoca were patchy and many left the goldfields disappointed. Some areas in the stoney hills were so hot, dry and unrewarding that one patch was named 'Linger and Die'.

As the diggers gave up and left, the French observed the suitability of the soil for grape vines. Today it is one of Australia's best wine growing areas. Grapes had been established as early as 1848.

The altitude and the latitude reflected the conditions in France's Bordeaux region. Long, cool ripening periods and a disease free environment prompted the planting of several vineyards, but the preference for other types of alcohol than wine meant profits were low. The vineyard ceased operation in 1940.

It was not until 1966 when the French company Chateau Remy produced its first vintage, Australia took wine seriously. A steady appreciation of wine quality developed and combined with the popularity and price advantage of cask wines though the 1970's, the overseas development of markets, and international awards for quality, the industry developed rapidly. There are now 15 wineries in the Pyrenees region producing some of Australia's finest vintages. The Avoca area is also a beautiful area to visit. Tall river red gums and the backdrop of the Pyrenees Ranges make a typical Australian panorama. Avoca has an impressive wide main street with central gardens surrounding the Soldiers Memorial.

In Avoca you will find the oldest operating Chemist shop in Victoria. Labors Chemist was established on the goldfields in 1854. The National Trust has classified the old Avoca Lockup, the Powder Magazine and the Police residence the Avoca Primary School has been educating students since 1878.

West of Avoca you will find Dalys Cottage, Governor's Hill and the old ghost town of Percydale.

Avoca is 183km. North West of Melbourne and is best reached through Ballarat and along the Sunraysia Highway. There are 2 Motels, 2 Hotels and various Bed and Breakfast and Self Contained Accommodation plus a caravan park.

For more information on Avoca visit our community website at www.avoca.vic.au

Various Attractions

Mt. Lonarch Fine China. Open 7 days. 9am - 5.30pm.
All pieces individually designed and hand crafted.

Olive and Lavender Store, 106 High Street, Avoca. PH: (03) 5465 3777
Olive and lavender products, gourmet light lunches, serving local wines, giftware, homeware, lavender and olive tree nursery, Crivelle coffee and a range of teas - all in the heart of the Pyrenees Wine Region.

Pyrenees Hills Wine Store and Cafe, 123 High Street, Avoca. 3467

The Pyrenees Wine Store is located in the main street of Avoca in the heart of the Pyrenees Region showcasing the wines of the Region and the opportunity to relax and enjoy a coffee, a glass of wine or settle in and dine with us.

Oasis Crystal Studio Gallery, Elmhurst. Open 7 days. 9am - 6.00pm. Glass blowing demonstrations. High quality lead crystal, local arts & crafts, morning and afternoon teas available.

Lonarch View Berries, Beaufort - Amphitheatre Road, Mt. Lonarch. Open all hours. Pick your own Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Youngberries, Strawberries & Gooseberries.

Horse & Cart Rides through the vineyards, Moonambel. Contact: Steve & Chrissie Swayne (03)5467 2344

Dunmore Protea Nursery, Avoca Open 7 days. Tours available. Contact: Mark & Maree Sertori (03)5465 3165 Mobile: 0419 580 788

Kevin Free's Studio and Workshop, Landsborough. Open most days. A unique range of handcarved wood art & craft, and paintings for innovative gifts. Contact: Kelvin FREE (03) 5356 9203