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.
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.
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.
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.
The Walk commences near the
1.
On election day in September 1855, a large procession was organised by the "monkeys" and led by their candidate, Daniel Cameron, marched from the Woolshed and Reids Creek goldfields to near the site of the monument. At this point Cameron's Horse was shod with solid gold horseshoes, each weighing just over 7 ounces. Cameron rode on to electoral victory and his ride has become legend. The Beechworth Golden Horseshoes Festival is now celebrated annually during Easter.
2. Ingrams Rock. Named after James Ingram, who was a local newsagent and bookseller, and who served Beechworth for 70 years in various capacities. He was instrumental in establishing the
3. Fiddes Quarry. Named after William Fiddes, one of the original stone masons of the area. Granite from this quarry was used in the construction of many of Beechworth's finest buildings including the Court House, Powder Magazine and
4. The Precipice. From the Precipice there are excellent views of Spring Creek, ( Reid's, Reedy, Reed Creek ), and the
5. Diversion Dam. This dam is evidence of the efforts the miners made to divert water for mining purposes.
6. Cascades. The walk to the Cascades is well worth the effort.
7.
8. Plant Pioneers. Lichen and moss grow abundantly on this exposed rocky slope. These plants survive the hot dry summers and catch wind blown soil, leaves and tree seeds. The seeds germinate after winter rains and those that find a foothold in the crevices before summer may grow to maturity. The roots enlarge the crevices and the rocks are gradually broken down, creating more soil in which plants may grow. Thousands of years from now this slope may be supporting a forest.
9. One Tree Hill. During the 1850's and 1860's, many trees around Beechworth were cleared to provide timber for mine shafts and for firewood. One Tree Hill takes its name from a Red Stringybark ( Eucalyptus macrorhyncha ) being the ONE and only tree that survived the miners constant need for timber.
10. Native Pines. The unusual cypress like trees found along most of the drive are Black Cypress Pines ( Callitris endlicheri ) which thrive among dry granite outcrops.
