The Great Stupa
Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion. Rising from the Whipstick Forest, just outside Bendigo, at an impressive height of almost 50 metres, the Great Stupa is based on the Great Stupa of Gyantse in Tibet and is being built to last 1000 years. Book now for a range of spectacular events, cultural tours and seasonal experiences.
Great Stupa Bus
Between Tuesday 16 April 2024 and Wednesday 25 December 2024
Bus transportation to and from the Great Stupa Bendigo.
PICK UP LOCATION:
Pick Up Location: Bendigo Train Station Platform 2 - Across the walk bridge to the other side of the station.
Departure Time: 11:00am | Arrival Time: 11:30am
RETURN SERVICE:
Pick up location: Great Stupa Car park - Visitor Centre Entrance
Departure Time: 1:30pm | Arrival Time 2:00pm
Bus will drop passengers off at the Bendigo Train Station - Platform 2.
Allowing 2 hours of visitation to the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion.
Pick Up Location is Bendigo Railway Station (Bendigo), Platform 2 Station Ln, Bendigo VIC 3550
Any questions, please contact the Great Stupa
The Great Stupa
Light Offerings
Between Monday 9 January 2023 and Monday 18 December 2023
We invite you to make a light offering in front of the Jade Buddha.
This is a personalised light offering to the Jade Buddha of Universal Peace inside the Great Stupa.
Your message will be written and placed on the alter in front of the Jade Buddha and it will be there over night on the selected booking date.
Your message will be displayed exactly how it is written, printed on gold paper and placed in a frame on display.
These personal offerings are subject to availability.
An image of your offering will be sent to you via email on the day it is placed.
How to book your offering:
Simply select the date you would like to make the offering to the right, and follow the payment prompts as they appear. As you progress through, you will be able to write your message that will be displayed.
Personalised Light Offering: $488
The Great Stupa
Tenzin Choegyal Live at the Great Stupa
Saturday 9 September 2023
One of the world’s finest Tibetan musicians, Tenzin Choegyal’s cantering rhythms, soaring vocals and exquisite flute solos have enchanted audiences around the globe. A son of Tibetan nomads, he feels a particular connection to the music of the Himalayan plateau and remains dedicated to preserving Tibet’s musical traditions. At the same time, he effortlessly embraces diverse genres and musical styles, bringing Tibetan music firmly into a contemporary setting.
Tenzin Choegyal presents ‘Be the Ocean’, original compositions that are richly layered, interweaving Tibetan sounds with contemporary music styles, all the while preserving the integrity and authenticity of traditional music and ritual. An exclusive performance at the Great Stupa, Tenzin will take the audience on a musical journey which transcends cultural boundaries and reveals ancient wisdoms, even inviting them to join him in lively singalongs and meditative mantras.
Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
Enlighten - Hungry Ghost Festival
Saturday 26 August 2023
Introducing Enlighten, an immersive light experience that transforms our Peace Park into a unique lightscape. Light displays that shimmer on the Great Stupa, spectacular light sculptures throughout the garden, roaming performers and delicious food.
Join us to celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival through Enlighten. A traditional Buddhist festival in which people believe that the gates of the afterlife are thrown open and the deceased visit the living looking for food, entertainment and mischief. To appease them, people prepare food offerings and burn incense, to honor their ancestors.
The Great Stupa
Enlighten - His Holiness Dalai Lama Birthday
Saturday 8 July 2023
Introducing Enlighten, an immersive light experience that transforms our Peace Park into a unique lightscape. Join us in the beautifully lit Peace Park and inside the Great Stupa for music, blessings and delicious foods. On this night we celebrate Holiness Dalai Lama birthday to recognise the highest spiritual leader and a person who has dedicated his life and mind for the benefit to all beings.
It is an exclusive opportunity to view the Great Stupa inside and outside after dark, an event that sheds light on all beings.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche has said “The Great Stupa will enlighten the world."
The Great Stupa
Special Service - Guru Rinpoche Puja bus service
Wednesday 28 June 2023
Bus transportation to and from the Great Stupa Bendigo.
Pick Up from the Bendigo Train Station at 1:00pm on PLATFORM 2 - Over the walk bridge.
Return Service leaving from the Great Stupa at 3:45pm to drop off at Bendigo Train Station.
This service will be running specially for the Guru Rinpoche Puja.
Pick Up Location is Bendigo Railway Station (Bendigo), Platform 2 Station Ln, Bendigo VIC 3550
Times of service are subject to change, depending on puja finishing times.
Any questions, please contact the Great Stupa. 03 5446 7568
The Great Stupa
ILLUMIN8 Festival of Light and Peace
Saturday 6 May 2023
ILLUMIN8 celebrates peace and harmony inspired by Buddha’s life. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. It is a family friendly event with light installations, cultural performances, food stalls and family entertainment.
Wander the Peace Park and interact with different light sculptures, be amazed by the performers, take a selfie with the Stupa, enjoy delicious vegetarian and vegan food, join in on Buddhist ceremonies and purge your negative emotions in Burning the Bad.
The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
Enlighten - Easter
Thursday 6 April 2023
Introducing Enlighten, an immersive light experience that transforms our Peace Park into a unique lightscape. Join us in celebrating Easter!
Light displays will shimmer on the Great Stupa as we celebrate Easter with fun festivities in the Peace Park including:
- Roaming performers
- Tasty food stalls
- Live music
- Spectacular Light Displays
It is an exclusive opportunity to view the Great Stupa after dark, an event that sheds light on all beings.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche has said “The Great Stupa will enlighten the world."
The Great Stupa
Enlighten - Day of Miracles
Saturday 11 March 2023
Introducing Enlighten, an immersive light experience that transforms our Peace Park into a unique lightscape. Join us in the beautifully lit Peace Park and inside the Great Stupa for music, prayers, blessings and delicious foods. Day of Miracles is a joyous celebration of the Buddha’s power and for Tibetan Buddhists, is a time when karma is multiplied with virtuous practices and light offerings.
It is an exclusive opportunity to view the Great Stupa inside and outside after dark, an event that sheds light on all beings.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche has said “The Great Stupa will enlighten the world."
The Great Stupa
Great Stupa Bus
Between Tuesday 6 September 2022 and Thursday 23 February 2023
Bus transportation to and from the Great Stupa Bendigo.
Pick Up from the Bendigo Train Station at 11:00am on PLATFORM 2 - Over the walk bridge.
Return Service leaving from the Great Stupa at 2:00pm to drop off at Bendigo Train Station.
Allowing at least 2 hours of visitation to the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion.
Pick Up Location is Bendigo Railway Station (Bendigo), Platform 2 Station Ln, Bendigo VIC 3550
This service will run right through Spring until Decemeber, 3 days a week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Service subject to extension through Summer as well.
Any questions, please contact the Great Stupa.
The Great Stupa
Movie Night - Abominable
Wednesday 25 January 2023
Join us in the Great Stupa Peace Park for our first ever outdoor movie night!
On show will the movie, Abominable, a heart-warming animated adventure about Yi, an introverted Shanghai teen who discovers a yeti on the roof of her apartment building and embarks on a journey with two friends to return him home to Mount Everest.
Bendigo Ice Creamery will be on site scooping delicious flavours from their ice-cream cart.
BYO any other snacks, foods or drinks you wish to enjoy. For comfort bring a picnic rug/pillow, bean bag or camp chair to sit on!
The Park will open from 6pm and the movie will begin at 6:30pm.
Please be aware that the Great Stupa and Peace Park are an alcohol and meat free zone.
Bookings are essential as tickets are limited!
Did we mention it's free!
Total Run time is 137 minutes. The movie will be shown in English language with no subtitles.
The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
Enlighten - Christmas
Saturday 17 December 2022
Introducing Enlighten, an immersive light experience that transforms our Peace Park into a unique lightscape. Our next Enlighten event this December celebrating Christmas! Light displays will shimmer on the Great Stupa as we celebrate Christmas with fun festivities in the Peace Park including:
- Roaming performers
- Christmas Choirs
- Tasty food stalls
- Barista coffee at StupaView Cafe
- Live music and mascots
It is an exclusive opportunity to view the Great Stupa after dark, an event that sheds light on all beings. Lama Zopa Rinpoche has said “The Great Stupa will enlighten the world."
The Great Stupa
Mindful Movement in the Park
Between Sunday 4 September 2022 and Sunday 27 November 2022
Join us for mindful movement in the tranquil surrounds of the Peace Park at the Great Stupa. The session begins with a sitting meditation and moves into a standing position for gentle, and mindful movements. Relax with slow-flowing movement and rhythmic breathing.
Meet the instructor in our Visitor Centre and from there be guided into the Peace Park. Enjoy the warm Spring air in the presence of the Great Stupa. Leave feeling calm and rejuvenated.
All classes are beginner friendly, no experience needed.
The Great Stupa
Spring Peace Park Tour Finished.
Between Thursday 1 September 2022 and Thursday 24 November 2022
Thanks to everyone who was able to book our Spring Peace Park Tour. We have closed our tours this season and hope to see you all next year!
Our Peace Park is one of the most unique spaces in the world. It aims to promote harmony for all beings through many different interfaith installations, set amongst flourishing gardens in the Whipstick Forest of Bendigo.
One of our friendly and knowledgeable gardeners will guide you through the Peace Park, exploring the native and introduced plants and trees, including the sacred Bodhi trees. Spring is the perfect time to visit our lush and blooming gardens. Winding paths and dry-stone walls complement the beautiful landscape.
Take home a free plant at the end of your tour!
The Great Stupa
Enlighten - Diwali Festival of Lights
Saturday 29 October 2022
Introducing Enlighten, an immersive light experience that transforms our Peace Park into a unique lightscape. Our next Enlighten event this October commemorates Diwali – a festival of vibrant colour and twinkling lights. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. Light displays will shimmer on the Great Stupa as we celebrate Diwali with fun festivities in the Peace Park including:
- Traditional dancing
- Roaming performers
- Singing and prayers
- Tasty food stalls
- Barista coffee at StupaView Cafe
- Live music and mascots
It is an exclusive opportunity to view the Great Stupa after dark, an event that sheds light on all beings. Lama Zopa Rinpoche has said “The Great Stupa will enlighten the world."
The Great Stupa
Enlighten - Sold Out
Saturday 13 August 2022
Introducing Enlighten, an immersive light experience that transforms our Peace Park into a unique lightscape. Light displays that shimmer on the Great Stupa, spectacular light sculptures throughout the garden, roaming performers and delicious food. Enlighten will celebrate different occasions throughout the year. It is an exclusive opportunity to view the Great Stupa after dark, an event that sheds light on all beings. Lama Zopa Rinpoche has said “The Great Stupa will enlighten the world."
The Great Stupa
ILLUMIN8 Festival 2022
Saturday 4 June 2022
ILLUMIN8 celebrates peace and harmony inspired by Buddha’s life. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. It is a family friendly event with light installations, cultural performances, food stalls and family entertainment.
Wander the Peace Park and interact with different light sculptures, be amazed by the performers, take a selfie with the Stupa, enjoy delicious vegetarian and vegan food, join in on Buddhist ceremonies and purge your negative emotions in Burning the Bad.
The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
ILLUMIN8 Festival of Light and Peace
Saturday 4 June 2022
ILLUMIN8 celebrates peace and harmony inspired by Buddha’s life. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. It is a family friendly event with light installations, cultural performances, food stalls and family entertainment.
Wander the Peace Park and interact with different light sculptures, be amazed by the performers, take a selfie with the Stupa, enjoy delicious vegetarian and vegan food, join in on Buddhist ceremonies and purge your negative emotions in Burning the Bad.
The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
