The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion

Bendigo is a vast cultural town with a diversity common with gold mining. In it's hay day, it was the richest gold mine in the world. Whilst the mining still continues, it no longer tops the list.

A 25 minute drive out of town took us to a 50 metre high structure known to Buddhist's as a "Stupa" with my interpretation being a place of worship. The structure is expected to be near completion in approximately 2 years at a cost exceeding $20,000,000.00 which excludes the cost of the ornate statues yet to be purchased. This Stupa has been sanctioned by the Dalai Lama in June 2007 and most of the surrounding religious groups have donated funds or statues, in turn having a place of their own within the vast grounds. The trees surrounding the gold Buddah are from cuttings from the original tree that Buddah was said to have been sitting under when he got his first vision and aspiration.

Finally we visited One Tree Hill Lookout about 4 kilometres up hill from Latrobe University. Whilst we climbed the tower for a better vantage point, it was difficult to get clear views to show the town.