Tours of Former Bendigo Law Courts
The former Bendigo Law Courts opened in 1896 and is one of Australia’s finest nineteenth century public buildings. Normally locked away from public view, this building is no longer an active court and resides quietly waiting its future use. Take a tour through this hidden gem.
The former Bendigo Law Courts is an important piece of Bendigo’s history. Constructed between 1890 and 1896, the building is of Italian style corresponding in detail with the Public Offices (Post Office) which was completed some 9 years earlier in 1887.
The design of both of these two buildings, that sit adjacent each other on Bendigo’s Pall Mall, was overseen by architect George W Watson. It appears that if it wasn’t for his passion and attention to detail much of the ornate splendour we see today may not have achieved such heights.
The former Law Courts was built in 3 levels, a court at each level, the Supreme Court being the most decorative and imposing, taking its rightful position on the top level. Each level is connected by grand staircases and all areas finished with ornate furniture. The building was designed to impress and show authority.
Participants will be required to ascend and descend several flights of stairs from basement to the third level.