Welcome to Beechworth

Beechworth is part of the Legends, Wine & High Country Region with sensational views; historic villages, Ned Kelly country and "Man from Snowy River" fame.

It is an excellent stop-over between Sydney and Melbourne travelling via the Hume Highway and taking the scenic route between Wodonga and Wangaratta. The region is geographically varied, with towering winter-snowed mountains, tree-covered ranges, magical lakes and wild rivers, and tranquil rural farmlands.

World-famous wineries, several specialising in robust reds and fortified ports and muscats. Gourmet food region - cheeses, mustards, bakeries, trout farms. Art galleries, rose gardens, antique boutiques.

Cradled in the foothills of the Australian Alps, Beechworth is a fascinating and beautiful town of many contrasts. A town, rich in history that offers a wonderful glimpse into centuries past. A place to discover natural beauty… meandering streams and thundering waterfalls, deep rocky gorges, rolling green valleys and stark granite outcrops.

Historic Gold Mining Town

The restored Historic and Cultural Precinct offers a wonderful glimpse into the past, with a museum, parks and gardens and the courthouse where Australia's infamous bushranger 'Ned Kelly' and his mother were tried. You can visit the cell where he was held in his youth and see the gaol where he, his mother and sympathisers were imprisoned, and the court house where his final trial commenced.

More than 32 buildings are listed by the National Trust and Beechworth is regarded as Victoria's best preserved historic gold mining town, containing a rich legacy from the last century. Gold was first discovered in the Beechworth region in 1852. In fourteen years more than 4 million ounces or 115 tons of gold was found - with a value of $2 billion dollars (1997 gold prices).

The town's wide tree-lined streets and solid local sandstone buildings are hauntingly reminiscent of the bustling days when the streets rang with the clamour and excitement of the quest for gold.

The Beechworth region is rich with locally grown produce; fruit, vegetables, honey, nuts, apples, preserves, with excellent restaurants, cafes, bakeries and food and wine retailers to showcase it.

Meander through the eclectic mix of shops and galleries, including antiques and old wares and local handcrafts. It has a winemaking history dating back to the Gold Rush and a diversity in grape varieties grown from classic French (particularly Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz), to savoury Italian. From elegant whites to intense reds and velvety fortifieds. Wines are handmade by Beechworth's independent winemakers.

(text courtesy of www.beechworth.com).