Beechworth
One of Victoria's best-preserved gold rush towns, with honey-coloured granite buildings, a courthouse and old jail where Ned Kelly was held, and well-known bakeries.
Beechworth grew during the gold rush of the 1850s. More than 30 honey-coloured granite public buildings in the town centre have been preserved as a whole, earning it a reputation as one of Australia's best-preserved gold rush towns. In 1880, the courthouse in the historic district heard the case of the bushranger Ned Kelly, and visitors can tour the courtroom and the holding cell where he was kept. Guided tours of the old Beechworth Gaol are available, and the Burke Museum displays gold rush artefacts and historical materials on Chinese miners. The Beechworth Bakery, local honey workshops and sweet shops are popular, and the surrounding area has wineries and the Stone Bridge gorge walk. It is about 45 km from Bright, a 50-minute drive, and can be combined with the Milawa food region for a one-day loop.
Opening hours
Open all day (individual museums roughly 10:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Yackandandah
- Milawa Gourmet Region
- Mount Buffalo National Park
- Eurobin Falls
- Lake Catani
- The Horn (Mount Buffalo)
- King Valley Prosecco Road
- Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail