Discover more about the Chinese migrants who came to Bendigo in search of gold so long ago at the Bendigo Joss House Temple.

A visit to the Joss House will give you a unique window into the fascinating world of Chinese culture and beliefs.

The centre, which is run by The Bendigo Trust, is a heritage-listed site restored by the National Trust of Australia between 1959-1972 with additional work undertaken by the City of Greater Bendigo and The Bendigo Trust in 2007.

Dedicated volunteer guides look after the centre and offer great insights into Chinese culture and the story of the Chinese on the Bendigo goldfield. The Joss House is one of Bendigo's hidden gems which is thoroughly enjoyed by all visitors.

Situated at the northern terminus of the Vintage "Talking" Tram Tour, a Joss House Tour is a great addition to your tram experience.

We celebrated Chinese New Year with a traditional Chinese Lantern Festival at the Bendigo Joss House Temple - Sunday 24 February 2013

We celebrated Chinese New Year with a traditional Chinese Lantern Festival and begin the year of the Water Snake surrounded by beautiful feature lanterns, lion dancers, tea tastings and Joss House Temple tours. The Bendigo Chinese Association's Lion Teams and Plum Blossom Dancers put on a fantastic show.

The lanterns which were on display throughout the evening were specially decorated by children from the Bendigo Early Learning Centre and they looked spectacular against the backdrop of the red walls of the Bendigo Joss House Temple.

Traditionally a visit to a Joss House during Chinese New Year is a special event that involves presenting food and donations to the gods and there is also plenty of incense burnt.

Donation tops off Bendigo Joss House Celebrations

On 25 July the Bendigo Joss House Temple celebrated two significant milestones; commemorating 40 years since it was reopened to the public by the National Trust of Victoria and five years since the National Trust placed the temple in the care of The Bendigo Trust.

In honour of these milestones, five sacred vessels were unveiled. The vessels were donated to the Bendigo Joss House Temple by Paul Tze Kong Young and have travelled all the way from Happy Valley in Hong Kong. The vessels are a standard feature on Chinese altars and they represent the five jewels of the Buddhist paradise.

The vessels are now displayed on the main altar of the Bendigo Joss House Temple. Not only is the Bendigo Joss House Temple open to locals and tourists, but it still functions as a place of worship, with many worshippers travelling from far and wide to come and spend time at the temple.

Pictured with the vessels from LtoR: Dennis O’Hoy (Bendigo Joss House Temple Volunteer), David Wright (Bendigo Trust Board Member), Darren Wright (Bendigo Joss House Temple Supervisor), Gary Hill (National Trust of Victoria Representative) and Tom Seddon (The Bendigo Trust CEO).

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