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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
On the outskirts of Alpine National Park in Victoria, Australia, wine-loving tourists will find a regional gem. Beechworth wineries attract guests who enjoy cool climate varietals plus reds and white often associated with Europe or California. Though small by comparison with worldwide giants like France, Australian wine production is making a name for itself thanks to thoughtful vintners like the ones in Victoria.
There are more than fifteen wineries to explore here. While the number is not overwhelming, there are too many to see in one day. Take time to find out who offers cellar door tasting opportunities. When you get inside, there are a number of varietals on offer. Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo and Gamay are just a few possible grapes to expect. Others include names commonly associated with Australia such as Shiraz and Semillon. Whatever sort of white or red you hope to find, be sure of opening hours. Some establishments only open by appointment. Others open themselves-up to visitors just dropping-by during business hours.
Make the most of your visit by bringing a friend or three. Groups of two or more are encouraged in some instances and might enjoy the added bonus of some basic wine education. Larger groups need to call ahead and book a taste-testing session.
These are often very small establishments producing just a few hundred bottles of wine for each varietal every year. This makes them exclusive and expensive. Rather than looking in regular high street shops for a bottle, check websites for an opportunity to have your favourite flavours shipped to your door. Alternatively, visit during opening hours and buy what you want on the spot.
Though isolated from the larger wine-making world, these businesses stay connected using the internet. Here individuals thousands of miles away can plan a trip to Beechworth and ensure their plans do not clash with major events, winter closures or a series of private events being hosted on-site. Get electronic newsletters sent to your e-mail address for regular updates
The internet also provides a chance for some virtual tasting. Read flavour and aroma notes for each vintage. Reviews are sometimes posted on websites too so that viewers have a chance to see what makes a particular vintage of Chardonnay or Cabernet Franc worth buying. Explore the history of how a winery came to be built and learn more about what motivated its owners to enter the business.
While looking at the personal and ethnic roots of vintners, one might reflect upon the assorted roots of Australian towns. This particular part of Victoria enjoys associations with Scotland. Festivals and foods reflect this connection, with wine-makers taking part too. During a stay in the town, take time to wander through its historic streets admiring architectural remnants stretching back to the mid-nineteenth century.
Beechworth wineries sell more than Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. Many have expanded their services into the world of cuisine and will serve an elegant meal with wine paired appropriately. Book accommodation at one of the luxury houses they have on offer, or shop for the raw ingredients to cook a fine meal of your own at one of their produce stalls.
