BEECHWORTH
Beechworth is one of Victoria's best-preserved gold rush towns. The prosperity generated by Beechworth gold has left an admirable legacy for today's visitors.
With over 30 buildings listed by the National Trust, Beechworth has a remarkable architectural heritage, from imposing hotels, churches and government offices to miners’ cottages and the gaol where bushranger Ned Kelly was imprisoned.
Home to the Duduroa people before European settlement in 1839, Beechworth was predominantly a grazing area until the discovery of gold in February 1852, when thousands of hopefuls rushed to the Ovens goldfield in search of their fortunes. From the canvas and timber settlement rapid social and economic change occurred. It is estimated that by November 1852 there were as many as 8000 miners camped on Beechworth's Spring and Reid's Creek goldfields.
Beechworth began to evolve as a major town of interest for Victorian tourism in the late 1980's and today has become a major tourism destination. There are many retailers including designer labels, memorabilia, gourmet food items, art & crafts, gifts, luxury clothing, home furnishings, sporting goods, children's clothes and toys, Whatever you are shopping for Beechworth has a shop to suit. For the foodie’s, Beechworth is home to the regions finest restaurants and dining experiences as well offering a good selection of casual dining options including cafes, pubs and take-a-ways.
A range of accommodation is available to suit every need and budget, check out the accommodation page for details on how to book accommodation for your Beechworth leg of TERRA AUSTRALIS.
The following is a list of suggested activities to keep your support crew, family and friends busy while you are out on the trail.
- Take a walking tour of the Beechworth Historic and Cultural Precinct and the buildings of historical significance in central Beechworth.
- Walk through the historic courthouse at Beechworth, where Ned Kelly stood trial in 1880 after the siege at Glenrowan
- Enjoy a meat pie, lamington or pastry at the famous Beechworth Bakery
- Browse the many shops, some of which are housed in historic gold rush buildings
- Visit the nearby towns of Yackandandah and Chiltern, which have changed little since the nineteenth century and have been the setting for a number of Australian period films
- Visit cellar doors to sample local wine, and taste the fare of gourmet local producers
- Cycle the scenic Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail
- Try your hand at fishing in Lake Sambell
- Delve into the hills and creeks surrounding Beechworth and fossick for gold and gems
- Book a “Ghost Tour” with a local guide who will lead you through the halls and secrets of the former Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum
- Let lazy Harry lead you around Beechworth and share some of his local knowledge
For more information go to www.beechworthonline.com.au
