Alexandra Fountain

Bendigo Victoria

The Alexandra Fountain is arguably the most prominent monument in Bendigo. Located in the centre of Bendigo's Pall Mall the Alexandra Fountain was named after the Princess of Wales, designed by W. C. Vahland and erected in 1881 using over 20 tonnes of Harcourt granite. The fountain stands 28ft high from the level of the roadway and its outer basin is 50ft in diameter. The basin itself is 12ft wide from the inner side of the parapet to the plinth of the fountain and contains 2ft of water. The fountain is one of the best known fountains in Victoria.

The Alexandra Fountain is close to Rosalind Park, Bendigo's Queen Victoria Statue, The Old Post Office, Law Courts and the central Bendigo shopping Precinct.

The fountain was built from the proceeds of the Bendigo Juvenile Industrial Exhibition of 1979, a 500 pound gift from George Lansell the 'Quartz King' of Victoria, George built up an impressive personal fortune from gold mining and speculation during the gold rush era. His home from 1871 - 1935 "Fortuna" is still a showpeice, and 700 pounds from the Sandhurst City Council. The fountain was officially unveiled by His Royal Highness Prince Albert Edward Victor of Wales on 5th July 1881.

The fountain is constructed from 20 tonnes of highly polished Harcourt granite and includes dolphins, unicorns, nymphs and allegorical figures. The Alexandra Fountain and Fortuna are just two of the many historical items of interest in and around the city of Bendigo. There are many buildings of note and various historical displays.