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Directions to Story Point 9: From the Bank of Victoria, turn left into the main street. In about 190 metres, turn right into Davy Street. Proceed with care across the median strip. Look for the iron silhouette of Bullocks and Dray on your right. Be careful of the oncoming traffic to your left. Cross over and take the second sand driveway to the left. Park safely. Pause, then play to learn more.
The former police precinct in 1853 was originally known as The Camp, with some 50 mounted troopers encamped to administer law and order. The site had barracks, treasurer, jail, courthouse, and in 1859 a new police station and residence was built. Pause and have a good look at the residence, then play. Wander over to the Bluestone Jail. Initially prisoners were held in a log jail.
Escapes occurred regularly. In 1867 a new, very secure Bluestone lock-up was built. Do you think you could escape? Pause, have a good look around and then play. In 1860, built to safely store explosives for gold mining, special safety precautions had to be observed on entry. Outer clothing and shoes had to be removed, special clothes had to be put on and pockets had to be emptied. To see this building, walk west along Davy Street into Napier Street. Pause and then play to resume.
On leaving the former police precinct and turning left into High Street at 138 High Street, built in the Revival style, the Avoca Courthouse is one of the earliest surviving courthouses in Victoria. Significant for its long period of operation spanning 120 years, the old courthouse is now home to the Avoca Historical Society.