Flourishing during the 1850s gold rush, the town of Beechworth features beautifully preserved historic buildings and has associations with some of Australia’s most legendary figures. Aside from its vivid history, Beechworth has made a name for itself in the gourmet produce and gastronomic scene, with fine restaurants serving up locally-sourced fares.
Things to do in Beechworth
Lined with photogenic 19th-century buildings, wander along the main thoroughfare of Ford Street to see the original courthouse where Ned Kelly was charged. The nearby Kelly Vault contains the largest collection of this notorious bushranger’s memorabilia, including his death mask, a gun he called “Betty” and the suit of armour that Mick Jagger wore in the 1970s “Ned Kelly" film.
Among Beechworth’s most famous residents was Robert O’Hara Burke, who led the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition across Australia. The Burke Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into his life through displays of clothing, artefacts and local newspapers, together with exhibits detailing the town’s Chinese miners and gold discoveries.
Hidden behind the main town is the beautiful Beechworth Gorge, where you’ll find a range of scenic drives and hikes highlighting its dramatic granite landscape. You can explore the legacies of the gold-mining days at the Powder Magazine, Chevalier’s Mill and the Rocky Mountain Tunnel while soaking up the views across the Woolshed Valley.
If you’re looking for something to do after dark, why not brave a ghost tour at the Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum? This historic hospital has reported numerous paranormal occurrences, with visitors invited to learn more on guided tours or settle in for a horror movie screening.
Getting around Beechworth
Beechworth is located around 30 minutes’ drive south of Albury-Wodonga and three hour’s north of Melbourne. It’s connected to the surrounding hubs by regular bus services and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.