The Australian Bucket List

Victoria

BeechworthIndulge in local produce, boutique beer and wine, and wander the historic streets of this celebrated gold-mining town.

Once one of Australia's richest goldfields, Beechworth is an immaculately preserved gold rush town now known for its renowned culinary scene. Filled with quaint cafes, progressive restaurants and located in the High Country gourmet food and wine regions, the town has become a haven for gourmands and wine lovers across Victoria. Four million ounces of gold were officially mined in Beechworth in 1852 when thousands of hopefuls rushed to the goldfields in search of their fortunes. Discover the legacy of this prosperity around the Beechworth Historic and Cultural Precinct, boasting over 30 buildings listed by the National Trust, including the 1850s Telegraph Station and the Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum. Take the time to explore the 19th-century streetscapes, stopping to discover the many fine antique stores, cafés and restaurants, craft shops and tea rooms, or roam the town after dark on a lantern-lit walking tour to learn about local history. Visit in autumn to see the town come alive with colour as the leaves turn to golden yellows, rich reds and vibrant oranges and stop by the Burke Museum to learn about local Aboriginal heritage, gold fever and to see Ned Kelly's death mask. Uncover wealth of a different kind, with Beechworth's abundance of city-quality eateries. Compete for a reservation at Provenance, enjoy pizza and beer at Bridge Road Brewers, or enjoy a family meal at the popular The Ox and Hound Bistro. Study restaurant wine lists for local cool-climate chardonnay and pinot noir. Call ahead to visit wineries for drinkable souvenirs. Relax after day exploring with a visit to the Beechworth Spa in the historic gardens at Mayday Hills Village. Popular local events include the High Country Harvest Festival, where the makers of some of Victoria's finest food, wine and craft beer showcase their wares, the Ned Kelly Weekend in August, as well as the Beechworth Celtic Festival in November. Beechworth is 267 kilometres or approximately three hours from Melbourne via the Hume Freeway, Great Alpine Road and Wangaratta-Beechworth Road.

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Things to do

Indulge at Beechworth Bakery

Nothing says welcome quite like the smell of fresh baked goods mingling with the aroma of great coffee. Throw in warm smiles that greet you from behind the counter, a relaxed atmosphere and the promise of an endless cup of tea, and you have country hospitality at its best. Just follow your nose and face the inevitable challenge of having to choose from such a mouth-watering display of cakes, slices, pastries, pies and more. Baked fresh using the finest ingredients and traditional recipes, Beechworth Bakery’s huge range of hand-made products proudly retain their old-world charm. Established in 1984 as a small bakery in a sleepy little country town, Beechworth Bakery today boasts flourishing bakeries in eight great locations: Beechworth, Echuca, Albury, Bendigo, Ballarat, Healesville, Yackandandah, and the newest bakery in Bright.

Take a walking tour

Beechworth stands as one of the best living examples of how our nation grew and prospered with over 30 buildings listed with the National Trust. The best way to explore and learn about the areas rich history is to join one of the Beechworth Guided Historic Walking Tours, where you can see many of these original buildings first hand and discover the stories behind the grand facades.

Take a historic goldfield tour

Step back in time as you embark on a journey to discover some of the natural wonders of the Gold Rush in Beechworth. With Beechworth Historic Goldfield Tours, you will meet Chris, your tour guide, and he will take you on your next memorable trip. Beechworth Historic Goldfield Tours offers a relaxed itinerary while delivering a truly knowledgeable and authentic travel experience. Get a sense of the tough living conditions and the hardship that the 1860's gold miners experienced back then. Offering three different exciting tours: 1) Woolshed Valley, Gold and Bushranger 2) General Gold Tour through the areas of three, six and nine-mile goldfields 3) Lower Nine Mile Tour. Covers hard rock mining. Travel in relaxing air-conditioned comfort with door to door service. Tours depart 9:00 am and 1:00 pm daily. Bookings are essential, maximum of six persons per tour. Call Chris to book. Tours do operate on weekends and public holidays departing either 9:00 am or 1:00 pm each day. Tours on other days may be offered by prior arrangement. This tour does not go underground or into mines.

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