BEECHWORTH

THIS HISTORIC GOLD RUSH TOWN HAS PLENTY TO OFFER VISITORS.

TAKE A PICTURESQUE VILLAGE built on gold rush architecture, add stunning natural beauty, a much-lauded food and wine scene, great shopping, and a little bushranger folklore, and there you have Beechworth. Three hours’ drive from Melbourne, Beechworth has 30 buildings listed by the National Trust of Australia, including the courthouse and gaol that famously hosted bushranger Ned Kelly, and the 1850s telegraph station in the Historic and Cultural Precinct. These days Beechworth, with a district population of about 4300, is at the heart of a small number of vineyards tended by independent growers. It’s also renowned for its eateries, including the two-hatted restaurant, Provenance. There are plenty of places to get out and enjoy nature, from a walk around the scenic gorge in Beechworth Historic Park to cycling part of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. For Ben Kraus, who grew up in Beechworth and founded Bridge Road Brewers here in 2005, it’s a great place to be. “For the family, the streets are quiet and safe... I don’t like crowded places and hate traffic, but the longest it takes getting the kids to sports activities or school is five or 10 minutes. I also enjoy the outdoors and the change of season.” Beechworth is close to regional centres and has enviable amenities. “It’s a good place to live, and there are more business and professional opportunities than ever,” says Ben. “For getting out and about, good food, coffee and wine, we punch way above our weight.” For more information, visit explorebeechworth.com.au