Music, wine and waterfalls: a local’s guide to Beechworth

With its vibrant festival scene, gorgeous swimming spots and rugged mountain biking trails, the Victorian town has a lot to offer, says local writer Doug WallenRead more local’s guides to AustraliaBeechworth is on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri, Wavereoo, Dhudhuroa, Min-jan-buttu and Ya-itma-thang people, who collectively make up the Pallanganmiddang nation. It’s about three hours from Melbourne. People used to visit en route to the Victorian alpine region ski fields but it’s become its own destination now, known for its well-preserved gold rush-era sandstone buildings.Before they closed in 1995 and 2004, respectively, most residents worked at Beechworth Asylum (also known as Mayday Hills) and Beechworth Gaol. Later, Beechworth Bakery (which opened in 1984) got popular for its pies and cakes, more things opened and now tourism is the main industry. Continue reading...

May 24, 2025 - 15:40

Music, wine and waterfalls: a local’s guide to Beechworth

With its vibrant festival scene, gorgeous swimming spots and rugged mountain biking trails, the Victorian town has a lot to offer, says local writer Doug Wallen

Read more local’s guides to Australia

Beechworth is on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri, Wavereoo, Dhudhuroa, Min-jan-buttu and Ya-itma-thang people, who collectively make up the Pallanganmiddang nation. It’s about three hours from Melbourne. People used to visit en route to the Victorian alpine region ski fields but it’s become its own destination now, known for its well-preserved gold rush-era sandstone buildings.

Before they closed in 1995 and 2004, respectively, most residents worked at Beechworth Asylum (also known as Mayday Hills) and Beechworth Gaol. Later, Beechworth Bakery (which opened in 1984) got popular for its pies and cakes, more things opened and now tourism is the main industry. Continue reading...