About Beechworth

Beechworth is the historic heart of Victoria's High Country and the perfect base from which to explore, adventure, taste and indulge in the best of the High Country and the Australian Alps. 

With a population of approximately 3,200, Beechworth is centrally located in the heart of North East Victoria. Recognized as one of Victoria's best preserved gold mining towns, Beechworth has over 30 buildings which are National Trust classified, including the Historic and Cultural Precinct, Burke Museum and Beechworth Goal where Ned Kelly was imprisoned. Historic tours, winery tours and ghost tours through the historic grounds of the former Mayday Hills Mental Asylum are available for individuals or groups. Browse through some of Beechworth's unique galleries and shops, picnic in the park or by Lake Sambell. There is something for everyone!

Australia's colonial days come to life in Victoria's best preserved gold rush town, where four million ounces of gold were officially mined in the 1850’s. Wandering through the centre of town you'll find beautifully preserved buildings housing the thriving Historic Precinct and an eclectic blend of galleries and handcrafts, fine retail boutiques, pubs, brewers, provedores, cafés and restaurants, gold, antiques and treasures, not to mention the famous bakery and sweet shop. 

Visit the local cemetery, where a large section is dedicated to the graves of approximately 2,000 Chinese who came in search of gold, and see the twin ceremonial Chinese burning towers built in 1883 or visit the Chinese Cultural and Heritage Centre.  The museum is named after Robert O'Hara Burke – the Beechworth police superintendent who became the famous (and ill-fated) explorer. Here you can learn about local aboriginal heritage, gold fever and see Ned Kelly’s death mask.

Venture out and experience Beechworth's vineyards, boutique brewers, orchards and nut groves. For nature lovers, walkers and cyclists, National Parks, Beechworth Gorge, Woolshed Falls and the historic Rail Trail are close by.    History surrounds Beechworth and visiting the gold diggings and gold rush relics offer a fascinating glimpse into Australia's colonial past.

Beechworth hosts several annual festivals that celebrate agriculture, the rich history of its pioneers and heritage. These events include Opera in the Alps in January; Chinese Lantern Festival in February; the Beechworth Harvest Celebration in May; Ned Kelly Weekend in August; Drive Back in Time in May; Beechworth Celtic Festival in November and Easter’s Golden Horseshoes Festival, which commemorates Daniel Cameron's historic horse ride in 1855 on his horse shod with shoes of gold. Festivals and events occur throughout the year, so give us a call to find out what's on and celebrate with us.

We look forward to seeing you in Beechworth soon