Cultural diversity is just one of the many attractions about living in Beechworth. As a community our residents have arrived from all over the world and from all walks of life. Of course there are many people that have lived her for generations and the core of what Beechworth has become. The newer residents have brought with them new ideas, skills and energy, together the old and the new are driving Beechworth’s future. Each year at events such as the Golden Horseshoes festival we celebrate our past, present and future. Come along and help us celebrate, you will find the locals friendly and welcoming, and who knows, you may decide to stay for a while.
Much of the success of Beechworth as a destination can be attributed to its stunningly preserved history and colonial culture. From the historic precinct and the old gaol to the old granite quarries and majestic buildings there is a taste of history to be discovered. One of the popular attractions is the regular outings of the Beechworth re-enactment group which adds to the atmosphere of colonial streets but modern day offerings. There are many other historic locations to discover including Woolshed Falls, Flat Rock, Ingram’s Lookout, the Cemetery and Mayday Hills, just to name a few. If your feel like a walk then maybe take the trail to Lake Kerferd past some of the old mine shafts. There s plenty to see and do in Beechworth.
There is plenty of fun to be had in Beechworth, especially during the many festivals that we celebrate each year. From the boutique wines and gourmet foods of the Harvest Celebration through to the hustle and bustle diversity of the annual Golden Horseshoes Festival there is something for everyone. From the smell of the petrol and grease of the Drive Back in time to the more delicate nature of model trains and antique fairs, the sounds or Celtic bagpipes to the rumblings of bushrangers and police on horseback during the Ned Kelly weekend. There are costumes and characters, rogues and rebels, all to be found in Beechworth.
If you are someone that loves the outdoors then the Beechworth region has plenty to offer. There are some wonderful walking tracks, bike trails and viewpoints from which to take in the surrounding landscapes. And if you are a family and have not yet discovered the fun of geocaching then Beechworth is a great place to start with plenty of little ‘treasures’ to unearth. We are also luck enough to have an abundance of native Australian wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, monitor lizards, wallabies, birds and even fish. In fact one of the often undiscovered secrets is the picturesque Lake Sambell which has a public beach, free BBQ’s, Children’s play equipment and a boat ramp.
If you are arriving in Beechworth and need a meal you will be glad to know there are plenty of options. From the fine dining experiences through to the convenience of quick local food there is something for you and your family. Of course there are several famous options but there are also a number of excellent local cafes, diners and boutique eateries. It is worth noting that not everything is in the centre of town with a number of out of town businesses also offering some delightful food options. Some of the local wineries also provide meals and a number of the accommodation providers can arrange picnic baskets and the like.
When you are looking for a place to cool down during the hot Summer months then take the short drive from Beechworth out to Woolshed Falls. You can hop amongst the falls – be careful they are slippery and there is a big drop off where the water plunges into the gorge below. There are rock pools to sit in and enjoy the cool waters, historic walks to discover and maybe bring along a picnic lunch. Woolshed Falls also has an observation deck from where you can get an excellent view of the cascading waters and also the creek that heads further down Reidy Creek. This is another of Beechworth’s wonderful natural attractions, be sure to take any rubbish home with you and only to leave your footprints
There are some wonderful spots to take in the local scenery. Most are easily accessible and others may require a short walk. View across the town or the historic goldfields are easily found and they are a great motivator to get out and enjoy some light exercise. This view is from the Precipice lookout which takes in the farming fields below that were once bustling with miners and aspiring business people. You can walk along this plateau from the Beechworth Gorge across to Woolshed Falls following the gently flowing Spring Creek. It is a well maintained track but do watch out for snacks and other critters during the Spring and Summer months when the grass is tall and dry.
Beechworth is well known as a town that loves to celebrate. Some people even say that it is a rare occurrence when there is now something happening in, or around, Beechworth. There is a wide variety of festivals including the very popular Celtic Festival, Golden Horseshoes Easter Festival, Drive Back in Time Vintage and Veteran Car weekend, Harvest Celebration, Ned Kelly weekend and a whole host of other events. The festivals create a real buzz of excitement around town and attract people from across Australia as well as the nearby towns. If you are planning on experiencing Beechworth during a festival weekend be sure to arrive early as parking can be scarce.
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James Ingram was a local newsagent and bookseller and who served the local community for over 70 years in various capacities. He was instumental in establishing the Ovens & District Hospital, Ovens & Murray Hospital for the Aged, Mayday Hills Mental Hospital and the Beechworth Primary School. Was known as Beechworth's Grand Old Man. He died in March 1928 just 6 weeks short of his 100 Birthday, and is buried in the Beechworth Cemetery
The Stone Lock-Up in Beechworth is located in the area known as the Police Paddocks, or Police Reserve. This area is behind the main Ford Street 
The Beechworth Courthouse is an impressive stone building that is prominent amidst the Beechworth Historic Precinct in 
George Kerferd (1831 - 1889) exemplified the opportunities that the new colony of Victoria offered to immigrants. He started as a boiler-maker and miner and eventually became a premier and supreme court judge.
1852: First discovery on present site of Beechworth, February 1852
In 1858 the Ovens Tannery was established by Irishmen Matthew Dodd, then aged 22, and Dennis Hallahan. It was built adjacent to Gimlet Creek, about 3 kilometers from town, down what we now know as Malakoff Road. I suspect family life prompted this partnership to be dissolved after 8 years. Dennis married a Mary Cullen in 1865 and their first of seven children was born in 1866. A new partnership was formed in 1866 between Matthew Dodd and his brother, Thomas. Another brother John had commenced working for the Tannery in 1865. Dennis Hallahan died in 1900 and is buried in Corowa.
