Beechworth, High Country
Constructed in 1870, Beechworth Post Office incorporates a tower from 1865 and includes other materials from the original post office building built on the same site.
Historic Beechworth is famed for its days as a major hub during the gold rush era. Today, this country town three hours north-east of Melbourne is renowned for its wine, food and stunning countryside setting.
As a much-loved tourist destination, Beechworth can offer all manner of attractions to families, friends, couples and single travellers. Before we get into those, let’s get the main feature dealt with. JASON DONOVAN FILMED THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR ‘TOO MANY BROKEN HEARTS’ IN BEECHWORTH!
Beechworth is also famous for inventing wireless-flow electricity. Jason Donovan used to great effect when playing his electric guitar in the video for ‘Too Many Broken Hearts’. Unfortunately it has never been used again since filming this video in 1989. Perhaps too niche a joke?
In order to make the most of your time in Beechworth, BRITlist has broken down a number of activities and places to visit in Beechworth for you. This starts with the Beechworth Historic Precinct.
These are just three of the buildings (the Sub-Treasury Bulding, Courthouse and Telegraph Station), that make up the Beechworth Historic Precinct.
The Beechworth Historic Precinct includes the Courthouse, Burke Museum, Sub-Treasury Building, Telegraph Station and Powder Magazine. These buildings all have their own, unique history and include stories of the gold rush as well as Ned Kelly and The Kelly Gang, Walking tours of the Beechworth Historic Precinct run at 10:15am (for the ‘Gold Rush Walking Tour’) and 1:15pm (for the ‘Ned Kelly Walking Tour’). Tickets are priced at $7 for general admission, $5 concessions and $18 for a family (up to two adults and three kids).
After enjoying your walking tour, you may wish to sample some of the fine wines on offer at any of the Cellar Doors in and around Beechworth.
Pennyweight Winery offers one of the many Cellar Doors in Beechworth and is located within breathtaking surroundings.
As a hillside wine growing region, the vineyards of Beechworth tend to produce rich and deep-flavoured wines. Visit one or more of the wineries to sample these wines. These wineries include Pennyweight Winery (pictured above), Indigo Vineyard, Eldorado Road, Haldon Estate Wines, Beechworth Wine Estates, Serengale, Glenbosch Wine Estate, Weathercraft Wines, Fighting Gully Road, Baarmutha Wines, Castagna and Willem Kurt Wines.
If wine isn’t your thing or you’d prefer to experience the natural beauty of Beechworth in a more active manner, then we can recommend both Beechworth Historic Park and Lake Sambell.
The Gorge Walk through Beechworth Historic Park is a favourite of many visitors.
A 12km network of tracks runs through the dry forests of the Gorge area, allowing you to select your own route and distance to many points of interest. Alternatively, Lake Sambell is located at the opposite end of the town and like Beechworth Historic Park is just a short walk from the town centre.
Swimming, boating, fishing and many other activies are possible at Lake Sambell.
Originally the site of the Rocky Mountain Mining Company, this spot is now a family day trip favourite. Whether you want to dive into the deep, crystal-blue waters of Lake Sambell or simply enjoy the picnic and BBQ facilities available, the choice is yours.
With Beechworth having enough on offer to keep you there for more than a day, BRITlist would recommend making a weekend of your trip - or even longer. In terms of places to stay, our top tip for a large family or friends group would be ‘Malakoff House’ with its elegant and charming English-style country gardens.
Rated as a ‘guest favourite’ on Airbnb, Malakoff House is is located in the most beautiful of surroundings and offers all of the space you’ll need to relax and unwind during your trip to Beechworth. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Beechworth, VIC 3747.