Sunset over Lake Sambell, Beechworth
Once among Victoria’s wealthiest towns, Beechworth’s gold rush era left behind grand, wide streets and luxurious buildings that remain visible today.
Take your time exploring this remarkable historic town — there’s so much to see and do.
Historic walking tours of Beechworth
The best way to explore Beechworth is on foot, and several guided walks held daily offer a great option for those wanting to learn more about the area. The Gold Rush Tour departs from the Beechworth Historic Courthouse at 10.15am daily, while the Ned Kelly Walking Tour leaves the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre at the same time. Tickets for both tours are available at the centre, along with information on other local events and attractions.
Another popular experience is the guided tour is of the Courthouse, where you’ll learn about the Kelly Trials and experience a 270-degree, wrap-around multimedia display that recounts all the trials of Kelly family members and friends. The heritage-listed building houses an original Ned Kelly death mask, replica Kelly protective armour and other historic memorabilia.
The Kelly Trials Exhibition tour at the Beechworth Courthouse is very informative
On the Town History Walk, you will hear all about Beechworth and how the discovery of gold built the town. The majestic buildings were constructed from local granite, as wood was scarce due to the extensive clearing from alluvial mining techniques. Thankfully, seeds donated by Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens were planted and helped restore greenery and beautify the town again.
Gold was first discovered in 1852 and then declined around 1920. During the height of the rush, the population reached about 40,000 people. The Historic and Cultural Precinct is a collection of important buildings that give an insight into how Beechworth prospered.
Another highly recommended tour is of the Old Beechworth Gaol. The Daily History Essentials Tours run multiple times, and tickets can be purchased on-site. Construction of Beechworth Gaol started in 1856 and was completed in 1862. This part of Victoria was long known for being lawless, with the Kelly family and the Greta Mob playing significant roles. The prisoners were charged with building the town’s footpaths from granite they mined and crushed at the onsite quarry. Hard labour was considered a reward for the prisoners as it helped ease their boredom by keeping them busy. The last prisoner left the gaol in 2004, and it was closed.
A tour of the Old Beechworth Gaol is worthwhile
Best spots to eat and drink
The food and beverage scene in Beechworth is full of gastronomic riches that will sate your appetite and quench your thirst. When it comes to caffeine, there are several coffee houses that will provide you with your buzz: Project Forty Nine, Old Beechworth Gaol and the Beechworth Provender just to name a few.
There are two breweries in town. The Bridge Road Brewers, founded by Ben and Maria Kraus, is a popular spot for both travellers and locals to enjoy great food along with a wide selection of locally brewed craft beers. The brewery is open seven days a week from 11am until late. The pizzeria and bar operates for lunch (11.30am–3pm) and dinner (5pm–8.30pm) every day. I recommend trying a wood-fired pizza or the American-style barbecue pork ribs matched with a Little Hazy pale ale. You can also join a Brewery Tour to see how the beer is made, held daily at 11.15am.
Bridge Road Brewers is right at home in the 150-year-old coach house and stables
Last Street Brewery was the second brewery conceived by George Billson in 1865, producing spring water, cordials, ales, porters, and stouts until the 1950s. The brewery operated until the 1980s when beer production stopped, but in 2017, it was revived by new owners Felicity Cottrill and Nathan Cowan. The old brewhouse has been restored and is now open seven days a week (12noon–5pm) for tastings of craft beers while meals are available in the restaurant and bar (Thursday to Monday, 12noon–5pm).
Don’t forget to check out the Last Street Brewery in Beechworth
For those with a sweet tooth, check out The Beechworth Sweet Co., where ‘tasting is believing’, and for something naturally sweet see how the bees do it at Beechworth Honey. You can also sample an amazing range of 100 per cent Australian and local honey, beauty products, non-alcoholic sparkling drinks and meads.
Other foodie experiences include lunch at Project Forty Nine, a local Providore and Wine Store on Ford Street — try the homemade soup with crusty bread. The famous Beechworth Bakery is open from 6am to 6pm daily. Here you’ll enjoy the aroma of freshly baked breads and pastries, along with a tempting display of pies, cakes and slices. For a delightful dinner by the fire, Tanswell’s Commercial Hotel is the place to be, and Tuesday night is steak night. I recommend the Victorian beef striploin with Café de Paris butter and chips.
You can’t visit Beechworth with checking out Beechworth Bakery — it’s an institution
Tanswell’s Commercial Hotel, Beechworth
Waterfalls and natural wonders
Beechworth is fortunate to have waterfalls that flow all year round. The Woolshed Falls are popular on hot days because you can swim in the upper pools accessed from the first car park. There’s a viewing platform, reached from the second carpark, which offers great views and photo opportunities. The Cascades can be accessed from Gorge Road, but care should be taken as the walk down the rocks is steep and slippery. The third set of falls — Newton Falls — are at the historic Newton Bridge over Beechworth Gorge. At the time of writing, the Spring Creek Bridge was closed, so the route was unsuitable for vehicles; however, there are two excellent return walks or cycle routes. Also, check out the Powder Magazine, built in 1860 to store the gunpowder used in gold mining. It was designed to minimise the risk of explosions as only copper fittings were used, an elaborate lightning rod was fitted, and people entering had to wear special shoes. Had an explosion occurred, the building’s design would direct the blast upwards, through the roof.
Woolshed Falls are a popular spot — and you can swim in the upper pools
The design of this Powder Magazine was ingenious
Meet Beechworth’s famed explorer Burke
Robert O’Hara Burke, policeman and explorer, had his share of doubts, but he was highly respected in Beechworth. Burke served as the Senior Police Inspector from 1854 to 1857, during which he courageously rode into the chaos of the Buckland riots, where American miners drove Chinese miners into the Buckland River, resulting in several deaths by drowning. After his tragic death, the town established the Burke Museum, which houses some Burke and Wills memorabilia, a wide collection of taxidermy birds and animals (including a Thylacine/Tasmanian tiger), an old streetscape, and other historical items related to the Beechworth area.
Caravan-friendly stays in Beechworth
Beechworth Lake Sambell Caravan Park is situated on the banks of Lake Sambell. This is one of the best caravan parks to watch a stunning sunset. No matter your setup, there’s a site or cabin to suit. The park is also an easy walk into town and just 500m from the start of the Beechworth to Yackandandah Rail Trail.
Beechworth Lake Sambell Caravan Park
With 70 unpowered sites, you have a couple of options: up on the hill, overlooking the lake with well-shaded spots popular among self-sufficient caravans, camper trailers and big rigs, while the sites more suitable for tents and swags are located along Spring Creek.
There are more than 50 powered sites, with the most popular being one of the four pondage sites that offer the best sunset views. The amenities are kept clean, with a well-equipped camp kitchen nearby. The kids will enjoy playing a game of mini golf, hanging around the play equipment, hiring a canoe to explore Lake Sambell, or hitting a shuttlecock on the badminton court.
Day trip to historic Chiltern
Only 25km from Beechworth, and situated on the old Highway 31, is the charming heritage town of Chiltern, offering a delightful blend of nature, culture and culinary experiences. This makes it perfect for a relaxed yet enriching stopover or a day trip from Beechworth.
Chiltern is a favourite destination for caravanners
For lovers of nature, the Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park is a sanctuary of biodiversity. Home to the highest number of mammal, bird and reptile species recorded at any box-ironbark site, the park provides chances for wildlife spotting and photography. Explore the open eucalyptus forests, find rare orchids and wattles, and enjoy the natural beauty of the region, as well as gold mining history at the Magenta Mine.
Enjoy local flavours and hospitality at Posh Plonk on Main. Housed in a beautifully converted 120-year-old Masonic lodge, Michael Moore and Jess Dale operate this cellar door and restaurant, highlighting the region’s finest produce with indulgent pizzas, platters and wines.
Posh Plonk on Main is housed in an old Masonic lodge
The pods at Posh Plonk on Main in Chiltern
For a nostalgic experience, visit Lulu and Didge, a 1950s-inspired diner offering old-fashioned spiders, milkshakes, baked spuds and a friendly atmosphere.
Art lovers will appreciate the Lisa Bishop Studio and Art Store, a quirky gallery featuring a diverse range of artworks inspired by local nature, including sculptures, pottery and upcycled furniture.
Lisa Bishop in her studio and art store
Don’t miss the Nat Ord Studio and Gallery, located in the historic Grapevine Hotel. Here, you can explore handcrafted artworks, fine art photography and unique gifts, all reflecting the artist’s passion for traditional crafts, with a special focus on wooden spoons. It is here you will also find Australia’s largest grapevine, planted in 1867.
Nat is an award-winning photographer and her workshops are renowned
Visit the largest grapevine in Australia at the historic Grapevine Hotel
Chiltern offers a perfect mix of relaxation and discovery, making it an ideal spot for caravanners seeking authentic experiences. If you want to spend more time exploring this charming town, Lake Anderson Caravan Park is on 1.6 hectares of well-kept grounds beside the peaceful Lake Anderson. Just a short walk from the town centre, the park has grassy sites, cabins, and easy access to local facilities, including a playground, swimming pool and tennis courts.
Lake Anderson Caravan Park, Chiltern
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