Beechworth Courthouse, Burke Museum, Powder Magazine & Historic Buildings

Beechworth, only 3 hours drive from Melbourne, is one of Victoria’s best example of a well preserved gold rush town and has at least 30 historical buldings which are registered with Victoria’s National Trust and are a must to explore.

These include The Beechworth Courthouse, The Powder Magazine, where the gunpowder used in goldmining was stored during the goldrush period (mid 1850s), the Beechworth Telegraph Station, The Gold Office and Sub-Treasury where gold was stored (later became the Police Station), The Lock-up and Police Stables, The Timber and Stone Lock-up, The Wardens Office, The Chinese Protectors Office, The Burke Museum, where you will see Ned Kelly’s death mask, The Town Hall and its gardens with magnificent historical trees, along with a number of churches and charming homes and miners’ cottages, many of which are available as accommodation in Beechworth.

The Beechworth Courthouse, built in 1858, is part of Beechworth’s historic and cultural precinct and is a magnificent example of a gold-rush courthouse. It is well known as the place where Ned Kelly had his first court appearance in 1880.

There are a number of walks that you can take around the town as well as on the outskirts, the sights inlcuding local waterfalls , lakes and goldfields - there is still the opportunity to fossick for gold or precious stones!. The Beechworth cemetery holds a fascinating insight into the town during the goldrush era and is worth a visit, as are the local towns of Yackandandah and Chiltern, which also display the same nineteenth century charm as Beechworth. The snowfields are a short drive away, as are a number of beautiful forests and waterways, a large number of vineyards with their cellar doors and local gourmet food producers. For the more energetic, try cycling along the scenic Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail, which follows the historic railway lines linking Wangaratta, Beechworth and Bright.

Pick up one of the many free brochures available at the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre. Don’t forget to stop and enjoy the wonderful cafes, restaurants , tea-rooms, antique, specialty & craft shops.

Price: free