Avoca

Avoca is a former gold mining town situated between the larger centres of Ararat and Maryborough on the banks of the Avoca River.

The Sunraysia Highway transforms itself into the wide boulevard of High Street through the town's commercial centre, with gardens and monuments in the central strip. Avoca's thriving gold mining days of the 1850s and 1860s have left a legacy of historical buildings throughout the town centre including the court house (built in 1859), several hotels and churches.

The Avoca River is located to the west of High Street and its shady banks are lined by parkland and walking tracks. Lions Park fronts the Avoca River at the Pyrenees Highway and features a shelter, picnic facilities and a playground. Further south is the town's tennis courts, bowls club and golf course.

The Avoca region is home to an established agricultural and winery industry thanks to its Mediterranean climate, good soil and running streams. Follow Vinoca Road west from the town centre and past several vineyards with the Pyrenees Ranges providing a scenic backdrop. Around 20 kilometres north-west of Avoca is the small community of Moonambel which includes a general store and hotel. Moonambel is home to a large collection of wineries set within scenic countryside.

The Pyrenees Ranges are located to the west of Avoca and offer scenic drives, bushwalking and abundant wildlife. The Pyrenees State Forest can be accessed by following Vinoca Road westwards. Turn onto No.2 Creek Track and travel around 3 kilometres along this scenic windy road to the picnic area at Governor Rock Lookout. A 200 metres walk from the picnic area leads to a lookout tower which offers great views over the surrounding bushland and countryside.