Historic Town of Beechworth

In Victoria’s Magnificent High Country

Brimming with Ned Kelly History

The charming, historic town of Beechworth is situated in Victoria’s beautiful northeast region, a three-hours drive from Melbourne. Beechworth is known for its 1850s gold rush history, well-preserved buildings, natural attractions, and the part it played in Ned Kelly’s story. The infamous Australian bushranger features strongly in Beechworth tours as it was at the local courthouse where his trial was held. 

Beechworth has evolved into a popular tourist destination and renowned wine-producing area, most noted for its Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir varieties. Beechworth is in Victoria’s stunning High Country with lovely nature reserves where you can explore waterfalls, tree-lined paths and stunning views. Oh, and it boasts a fabulous bakery and one of the most famous honey brands in Australia!

Take a Beechworth High Country Holiday with Fun Over 50

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A Legendary High Country Town

Beechworth is one of Victoria’s most well-preserved historic gold mining towns. A walking tour through Beechworth’s Historic and Cultural Precinct takes visitors past some of the 32 historic buildings listed with the National Trust on a journey from vast riches to bushrangers. 

Gold was discovered in Beechworth in 1852 and in the fourteen years that followed, more than 115 tons (four million ounces) of gold was unearthed. Explore the Robert O’Hara Burke Memorial Museum, Telegraph Station built in 1858, Sub-Treasury Building and Ned Kelly Vault where you can see a rifle owned by Ned Kelly and other Kelly artifacts. 

Visit the Beechworth Gaol which housed Ned, his mother Ellen, other members of the Kelly family along with sympathisers and tour the Beechworth Courthouse where Ned Kelly was tried in 1880. The Annual Beechworth Ned Kelly Weekend, is held annually on the first weekend of August to celebrate the town’s association with Australia’s most infamous bushranger.

In Victoria’s Magnificent High Country
In Victoria’s Magnificent High Country

Home of the Famous Beechworth Bakery

Beechworth Bakery claims to be ‘Australia’s greatest bakery!’ It’s certainly come a long way since Tom O’Toole bought the Ideal Café and Milk Bar in 1974. He sold it three years later then bought it back again in 1984, changed the name to Beechworth Bakery.

Built in 1857, the original building has been home a shoe shop, dining room and pastry shop. The current managing director, Marty Matasoni started working for Tom when he was just 13. He later became an apprentice baker/pastry cook, and eventually worked his way up to the top job. The business grew from strength to strength, and they’ve now opened their unique brand of country bakeries in Echuca, Albury, Bendigo, Ballarat, Healesville, Yackandandah and Bright.

All bakeries bake their own products and employ almost 300 locals. So, what makes Beechworth Bakery the greatest? You’ll just have to visit and find out!

Frequently asked questions

What’s the population of Beechworth?

Beechworth had a population of 3,290 according to the 2021 census.

What’s on a road trip from Melbourne to Beechworth?

It takes three hours to drive from Melbourne to Beechworth. Why not plan a Beechworth holiday and take your time discovering all the amazing sights along the way. 

Visit wineries in the beautiful Yarra Valley, the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk in Seymour and witness Ned Kelly’s final moments in a re-enactment at Glenrowan. 

Stop at the alpine village of Mount Beauty taking in stunning views of Victoria’s High Country, travel up through the Bogong High Plains and to the ski resort town of Falls Creek.

Where did Beechworth get its name?

Beechworth was named by surveyor Smyth in 1853, after his birthplace in Leicestershire, England.

Who are the Traditional Owners of Beechworth?

The Northeast region of Victoria was home to many Aboriginal clans with Beechworth occupied by the Min-jan-buttu people.

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