A Travellers Guide to Beechworth Victoria
A former gold mining town, Beechworth is a must-visit for anyone interested in Victoria’s High Country. It’s a place where heritage architecture meets boutique shopping and boutique wine bars.
Indulge yourself in the region’s finest food and hand-crafted wine and beer. Stroll its streets in autumn and marvel at the fiery reds and oranges of the trees.
1. Take a walk around the historic precinct
Located in the high country of Victoria, Australia, Beechworth is a historic gold-mining town and a popular tourist destination. With a range of accommodation to suit most budgets and tastes, Beechworth is also home to a number of great restaurants, boutique shopping and country pubs.
Beechworth’s historic precinct contains a collection of buildings dating back to the Gold Rush Era and many of them are still in use today. These include the Burke Museum, Telegraph Station (built 1958), Courthouse and Sub-Treasury Building and Ned Kelly Vault which houses a rifle owned by Kelly as well as his pistol and the original table from the verandah of Anne Jones Inn, Glenrowan.
A stroll around Beechworth’s historic precinct is a must when visiting the town and it’s worth taking a few hours to explore the area. You can take a walk along the gorge and visit various historic points of interest, including a look inside the Powder Magazine which was built to safely store gun powder during the gold rush.
Another place to check out is Lake Sambell, a picturesque spot for a walk and a picnic. The lake was created after the gold sluiced at Spring Creek was dammed and is a great way to get some fresh air while enjoying a peaceful stroll.
For more information on the history of Beechworth and its surrounds, you can visit the Burke Museum which holds primary materials on the district’s past and includes many local histories, theses, material on bushrangers, police, Chinese and riots as well as novels set in the region.
Other attractions in Beechworth are the historic Woolshed Falls and the Beechworth Chinese Gardens which were designed to celebrate and honour the town’s rich Chinese heritage. These are both just a short drive away and will be a great way to spend a day or two in Beechworth.
2. Visit the Ned Kelly Museum
The infamous bushranger Ned Kelly is one of the most famous names in Australian history, and his story has been woven into the fabric of the nation. While many consider him a freedom-fighting Robin Hood equivalent, others view him as a criminal who murdered people and blatantly violated the law.
While you can’t visit the actual prison that Ned Kelly was held in, the Ned Kelly Museum offers a great insight into the life of this notorious outlaw. The museum has a replica of Kelly’s homestead and an excellent collection of historical information.
You can also take a walking tour of the historic precinct, departing daily at 1:15pm from the Visitor Information Centre in the old Town Hall. The walking tours are led by local historians who can give you all the relevant facts and details about Ned Kelly’s life.
Beechworth is a fascinating place with lots of interesting buildings, churches and hotels that date back to the 19th century. A trip to the town is a must for anyone visiting Victoria, and is especially exciting for families who are keen to learn more about Australia’s heritage.
Located in Glenrowan, the city is part of the Ned Kelly Trail and is home to several museums that tell the story of this famous outlaw. The city itself is a relaxing place to visit, and it has plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you entertained.
The city is also home to several attractions that celebrate Ned Kelly’s life, including the Glenrowan Animatronic Museum. This museum provides an insight into the life of this infamous outlaw and features an array of animatronics that bring his story to life.
3. Enjoy a meal at one of Beechworth’s many restaurants
If you’re looking for a great place to eat in Beechworth, there are many options available. You can enjoy a meal at one of the town’s award-winning restaurants or try some delicious local produce from a deli and bakery.
Located in the heart of the historic precinct, Provender is a cafe and deli that offers a range of fine foods from local produce. They also stock a wide variety of wines, cheeses and chutneys.
The restaurant in the 1856 Bank of Australasia building is renowned for its high-quality food and wine pairings. Its menu is a fusion of Japanese and European cooking techniques and ingredients, and it’s worth going for their degustation menu for a taste of what they have to offer.
For a more casual and affordable meal, you can head to the Ox and Hound Bistro in the town’s central street. They offer a great set lunch and dinner menu with a wide range of dishes including gnocchi, linguine and fettuccine with local wild rabbit, all accompanied by wines from the nearby Rutherglen and King Valley regions.
Another option for a good wine tasting is the Eldorado Road Cellar Door Cantina. This cellar door is an extension of Eldorado Vineyard in the Woolshed Valley and offers a wide selection of their beautiful handmade wines, with a small but carefully curated menu to complement them.
If you want to take a break from the delicious local cuisine, there are some great pubs and bars in Beechworth. The Old Empire Hotel on Camp and High Streets is a great place to stop for a drink, with a range of housemade beers available.
Another favourite in Beechworth is Bridge Road Brewers, where Ben Kraus combines local produce with his brewing skills to create some of the most creative flavoured ales on the market. It’s also worth trying a tasting paddle so you can sample their beers, which come in a range of different styles from the popular Beechworth Pale Ale to watermelon sour and even ice-cream beer for Christmas!
4. Stay in one of Beechworth’s many hotels
When it comes to traveling, where you stay can make or break your vacation. Fortunately, there are plenty of hotels in Beechworth victoria to choose from, all of which offer great service and affordable prices.
The best way to save on your Beechworth hotel is by booking early. If you’re planning a long trip, book your stay in the middle of the week to enjoy cheaper rates.
If you’re on a budget, there are many great options available for under $120 per night. These hotels are usually very close to the main attractions in Beechworth, making them easy to reach on foot.
For a more luxurious getaway, look for Beechworth hotels that offer high-end amenities and services. These places will have a nice spa, swimming pool, and more to keep you comfortable while you’re on your vacation.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a family holiday, there are plenty of hotels to choose from in Beechworth. These places will provide you with a great place to rest your head after spending the day exploring the town’s many attractions.
The best part is that you can find them all here on Hotwire, a travel site that offers last-minute hotel deals in Beechworth. Simply plug in your preferences and let Hotwire select the perfect accommodation for you.
A short walk from the center of Beechworth, Armour Motor Inn is a modern motel offering well-appointed suites with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. Some rooms offer scenic views of Beechworth Gorge. All units have queen or king beds, electric blankets and split air conditioning. Guests can also take advantage of the free parking and outdoor pool. The hotel’s staff are friendly and helpful.
5. Take a day trip
A trip to Beechworth is an opportunity to experience a historic gold mining town surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Located in north east Victoria, this region is home to national parks, small family owned vineyards and the acclaimed Beechworth Gorge Walk (a must-do for anyone who loves the outdoors).
The area is also renowned for its produce paradise that offers cool climate apples, berries, cherries, stone fruit and nuts. There are a number of farms in the Beechworth region that open their gates to tourists for pick-your-own adventures, as well as a few that specialise in selling their fruits and vegetables.
There are also many walks in the area. The Beechworth Gorge Walk, a 25 kilometre loop around the gorge that’s incredibly popular, is a stunning experience for all ages. The gorge has some of the most dramatic vistas in Victoria, encompassing gum-lined cliffs, colossal granite boulders and languid creeks.
Alternatively, you could enjoy the Beechworth Gorge Drive, which is a more leisurely, relaxing walk through the gorge. It takes about an hour to complete and is the perfect way to relax while you take in the gorgeous scenery.
Another great way to spend a day in Beechworth is on one of the numerous bike tours available. There are many bike-friendly cafes, restaurants and wineries in the area, as well as a number of cycle routes that run through national parks and along the Rail Trail.
There are also many walking tours in Beechworth that focus on the area’s history and heritage. These range from general city strolls that take you past the quaint shops and hotels to the more detailed Ned Kelly tour, where local guides are skilled at bringing the history of Beechworth to life for all ages. You can even create your own personalised tour that is tailored to you, your school, group or event.