Backyard Tourist: Journey to Jindi
 Backyard Tourism: Baw Baw   By // 22:10, Friday 17 October 2014

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It’s a family affair for Greg Pretty as he takes a look at what the small town of Jindivick has to offer.

Above: Jindivick's old post office is now in use as a gallery. Photo by Greg Pretty.


IN A little farming town, not far from anywhere in the Baw Baw Shire, you’ll find fine collections of antique furniture and an eclectic selection of art pieces.


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Jindivick’s only two stores for decades were run by the Pretty family. My grandparents, Bert and Mabel Pretty, operated the general store until they handed it over to son Jack after opening the post office and milk bar in 1952. After the senior Prettys passed on, the post office was operated by their daughter Lorna Parke.

In more recent times, the post office closed and both stores passed into other hands. But the former post office building is now back in the Pretty/Parke family with its purchase by Lorna’s daughter, and my cousin, Faye Parke.

This article was first published in the 10 October 2014 edition of the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen. Get your copy now for even more news and entertainment.

Faye opened the gallery B’zarte of Jindivick in 2010. There are eight rooms, each with its own unique appeal and array of treasures to discover.


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B’zarte offers a charming selection of artworks, including many by local artists. There is also furniture of different styles and eras, along with jewellery, glassware, Stuart Crystal, Carlton Ware, Royal Albert, Doulton & Staffordshire pieces.

Faye also hosts the annual Jindivick Antique and Collectables Fair in the town’s public hall. Among the many stalls each June is a variety of antiques, glassware, crystal, pottery, china, books and furniture.

The gallery is a welcome addition to the other attractions of this small farming town.

The restaurant Jack’s at Jindivick is directly opposite B’zarte of Jindivick and, in fact, used to be the house of Faye’s uncle, Jack Pretty.

The restaurant is named for him and features dining areas including the ‘Pretty Room’ and the ‘Music Room.’ Jack Pretty is an accomplished player of the double bass.

Sadly the restaurant is not currently operating, but with luck it will soon be back.

The barn behind Jack’s home is now a restaurant and providore called Jindivick Harvest Kitchen. Alongside that is the Jindivick Country Gardener, which offers rare and unusual plants, antiques and garden and interior design services.

Jindivick also has a café and take-away food shop located in what used to be the residence of the general store.


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The little town is easy to get to, just a short 15km drive north of Drouin. Well worth a weekend visit.

For more by Greg Pretty visit greatergippsland.com.

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2 responses to “Backyard Tourist: Journey to Jindi”

  1. Clare Taylor says:

    i was born in Warragul & lived in Jindivick with my family for many years. I was also in the same class at school with Faye Parke. Reading all the history of the town brought back fond memories of my childhood, such as a visit to the milk bar to get sixpence worth of lollies & riding to school on the back of the milk truck & so much more. Thank you for reminding me of such wonderful times spent in a quaint & beautiful little town.

  2. wombat lyons says:

    B’zarte does make a good place to visit- i went to the Jindivick for the first ever time this year and loved it