Bendigo: The Great Stupa
After a few busy days in Bendigo, we pointed ourselves just out of town and slowed things right down. The Great Stupa of Compassion sits quietly on the edge of the city, far enough away that the traffic noise fades, yet close enough to feel like an intentional pause rather than a detour. We weren’t chasing a checklist; we just wanted a gentle morning.
The grounds open up gradually. Reflective gardens, walking paths, and wide skies give you room to wander without feeling directed. We took our time, moving between sections, stopping when something caught our attention, and letting the pace soften. It’s a place that encourages wandering rather than explanation.
The stupa itself is impossible to miss. Built as a modern Buddhist monument, it’s one of the largest stupas in the Western world. Construction began in the early 2000s, inspired by traditional Himalayan designs, and it continues to be built and refined today. That sense of something unfinished is part of its character. Rather than feeling incomplete, it feels alive. Evolving.
Inside, we explored quietly, stepping through the space filled with artwork, offerings, and the visible layers of work still underway. There’s a mix of reverence and practicality to it. Volunteers are going about their tasks. Signs explaining what’s being built and why. It feels grounded, not distant. You don’t need to understand Buddhism to appreciate the care and intention that’s gone into the place.
Afterwards, we stopped at the on-site café. Lunch was simple and genuinely good, the kind of food that suits the setting without trying to impress. We sat longer than planned, watching people come and go and noticing how everyone seemed to leave a little quieter than when they arrived.
By the time we headed back toward town, the day felt lighter. Not in a dramatic way. Just steadier. The Great Stupa gave us exactly what we didn’t know we were looking for. A slow morning, a calm walk, and a reminder that travel doesn’t always need to be about doing more.
If you enjoy these slower, reflective stops, our Travel Dispatches often explore more places like this.
The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
Lama Zopa Rinpoche founded the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion and is part of a broader effort to promote peace, kindness, and compassion through Buddhist teachings. While rooted in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the site is open to everyone, regardless of belief, and focuses on accessibility, education, and community.
How to Get There
The Great Stupa is located in Myers Flat, about 10 minutes north of Bendigo’s town centre. Access is via sealed roads suitable for all vehicles, with clear signage and on-site parking available.
What to See / Tours / Activities
What we did:
Wandered the reflective gardens and walking paths.
Explored inside the stupa and viewed the ongoing construction work.
Stopped for lunch at the on-site café.
Other highlights nearby:
Peace Park and surrounding bushland walks.
Short drives back into Bendigo’s historic precincts.
Nearby vineyards and small producers are dotted around the outskirts of town.
When to Visit
The stupa is welcoming year-round. Spring and autumn are particularly comfortable for walking the gardens, while summer mornings are best before the heat settles in.
Final Thoughts
The Great Stupa didn’t ask anything of us. It simply offered space. We left feeling lighter, calmer, and quietly grateful for a morning that asked us to slow down and pay attention.
What’s Nearby
Bendigo’s gold rush history sits just down the road, deep underground and built into stone above it. And the next stretch of road carries us somewhere very different again.
We share more of our slow travel in our Travel Dispatches.
Fast Facts
Location: Myers Flat, Victoria
Distance: 10 minutes north of Bendigo
Traditional Owners: Dja Dja Wurrung people
Access: Fully sealed roads
Facilities: Café, toilets, gardens, shop
Walking Track: Garden paths and short walking loops
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn
Dog Friendly: Yes, inside and out, all sentient beings are welcome
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