Beechworth is a stunning township in North-Eastern Victoria, perhaps the best preserved historic gold-mining town in Australia. There are a plethora of things to do in Beechworth Victoria with kids (or without) making it the perfect weekend destination from Melbourne or the spot for a longer stay.
My first visit to Beechworth was on Grade 5 camp when my class bused in from Woodend for a few days of exploration. I have vivid memories of fossicking for crystals in the nearby rivers and learning all about Ned Kelly and the infamous Kelly Gang. It made its way onto our kid bucket list and was the perfect family short stop destination on the way from Sydney to Melbourne.
The exciting thing about Beechworth is that it offers something for everyone with quite an array of activities, attractions, places to eat and things to see including historic buildings, museums, cafes and restaurants, breweries and farm gates to enjoy.
We hope our Travel Guide of Things to do in Beechworth Victoria with Kids helps you plan your trip to this town.
Planning Your Trip to Beechworth Victoria with Kids (or without!)
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Beechworth has become quite a popular destination for those enjoying the Great Alpine Tourist trail. It has become the ideal escape destination for those needing to recharge, and it has become quite a foodie destination as well.
But what is there to do in Beechworth? What activities can the kids do in Beechworth? And, what is the best thing to do in Beechworth overall? We set out to find out and uncover the very best things to do in Beechworth. We hope our research helps you plan your trip!
Things to do in Beechworth
Ford Street
The very first place you should start when you arrive in Beechworth, Victoria is Ford Street which is the main road in the township. It is here that you will find many of Beechworth’s historic buildings, and some of the great spots to stop for a drink or meal.
Beechworth boasts over 30 buildings listed with the National Trust and many of these are on Ford Street. Stroll past the original courthouse where an infamous bushranger Ned Kelly was arraigned, or stop in at the Beechworth Visitors Centre to discover some of the sights and tours that are available in and around the town. You need to include an exploration of this street in your things to do in Beechworth.
Make sure to check out: Beechworth Historic Courthouse, Beechworth Telegraph Station, Beechworth Gold
Woolshed Waterfalls
Just a ten-minute drive north from Beechworth, Woolshed Waterfalls is the perfect spot for a picnic or a cool-off. Be mindful that the rocks can be slippery!
- Address: Woolshed Falls Road, Beechworth VIC
- Hours: Always open, but daylight hours the safest time!
Old Beechworth Gaol
Completed in 1864 on the site of Beechworth’s first stockade, Beechworth Gaol closed in 2004. In 2016 it was purchased by a consortium of 49 local individuals, families and philanthropic organisations as part of a local buy-back initiative with the vision of transforming it into a vibrant precinct for the social, cultural and economic benefit of the region.
Historically, the Old Beechworth Gaol is fascinating. Built using honey-coloured granite quarried on site, this gaol is probably most significant for its associations with the bushranger Ned Kelly and the Kelly story.
For a six-month period between 1870 to 1871, Ned Kelly served six months at Beechworth Gaol after being found guilty of assault. He returned in 1880 when he was held here during his committal trial for murder. Further to this, Ellen Kelly (Ned’s mother) served a sentence at Beechworth Gaol in the late 1870s for the attempted murder of Constable Alexander Fitzpatrick.
Most recently, in 1994 Carl Williams (the main character in Underbelly) was detained for six months for attempted drug trafficking at Beechworth Gaol.
Visitors to Beechworth can explore the gaol via the regular guided tours that operate each day. There’s also a great cafe on site.
- Address: Cnr Williams St and, Ford St, Beechworth VIC 3747
- Hours: Open each day 9.00 am to 2.00 pm
- Cost: from $19.25
Beechworth Asylum
The Beechworth Asylum was first opened in 1867 and ran for 128 years. The asylum had a capacity for 1200 patients, 600 men and 600 women.
It was here at Beechworth Asylum that John Cade made the connection between lithium carbonate and the management of the bipolar disorder, changing the trajectory of mental health support.
Officially closed to patients in 1995, Beechworth Asylum is only available to explore via Asylum tours which run on Saturdays and Sundays. The tours take advantage of the stories that follow the asylum experience,
- Address: 22 Kurrajong Wy, Beechworth VIC 3747
- Hours: Saturday and Sunday via tour
- Cost: Family tickets from $135.00
Burke Museum
Named in honour of Robert O’Hara Burke, yes THE same guy made famous by the tragic Burke and Wills expedition, the Robert O’Hara Burke Memorial Museum boasts more than 30,000 individual historic items from the last 150 years including R.E. Johns’s collection of Aboriginal weapons and tools, a large collection of 19th Century native animal and birdlife taxidermy, and significant Gold Rush era artefacts.
For those who are intrigued by the Ned Kelly story, you will be keen to explore the Ned Kelly Vault which is said to be the most comprehensive Kelly exhibition of its kind, with the original death mask of Ned Kelly and numerous original items relating to the bushranger and his Gang on view.
- Address: Loch St, Beechworth VIC 3747
- Hours: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily
- Cost: $5.00 general admission | $3.00 Concession | $10.00 family
Harry Powers Cell
Irish-born Harry Powers (born Harry Johnstone) was a famous Australian bushranger who was active from 1863 to 1879. Some bush lore infers that young Ned Kelly was apprenticed to Powers.
Often referred to as the “Gentleman Bushranger”, Powers was a frequent visitor to Beechworth and made seven appearances before the Beechworth Courthouse, and spent much time in the holding cells which you can now visit.
- Address: 101 Ford St, Beechworth VIC 3747
- Hours: always open
- Cost: FREE
Beechworth Chinese Gardens
Since the Gold Rush, Beechworth has had a rich Chinese heritage. The Beechworth Chinese Gardens were developed as a tribute to this history and utilises Feng Shui principles. The Chinese Gardens feature a series of ponds, extensive plantings and peaceful places for contemplation.
- Address: Cnr Albert Road & McConville Avenue, Beechworth
- Hours: Monday – Sunday
Powder Magazine
Constructed in 1859, the Beechworth Powder Magazine was constructed in response to the Victorian Government’s Act which regulated the importation, carriage and custody of black powder and meant that the miners and quarrymen were required to leave bulk black powder in this building overnight.
The Powder Magazine is designed so any explosion would be directed upwards rather than outwards. There are safety features built into the Powder Magazine such as; wooden nails, lightning rods and a solid outer wall.
The Beechworth Powder Magazine is not manned, but you can explore inside. Head to the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre, The Burke Museum or The Courthouse and ask for the swipe card which will provide access.
Don’t miss Beechworth Cascades
- Address: Skidmore Road, Beechworth
- Hours: Monday to Sunday | 10.00 am to 3.00 pm | Closed on Christmas Day
Billson’s Brewery
Established back in 1865, Billson’s Brewery is one of Australia’s oldest continuing beverage manufacturers and our favourite place to source our cordial!
This is a brewery where you can take the kids and know that they can also enjoy a tasting with a great range of traditional cordials, classic sodas and spirits available. It is absolutely one of our top things to do in Beechworth with kids!
On our last count, there were just under 30 different cordial flavours at Billson’s Brewery from the traditional to unique flavours such as Turkish Delight, Fairy Floss, and Banoffee!
Alongside their drinks, Billson’s Brewery also offers some great food options. Our kids LOVED eating here!
- Address: 29 Last St, Beechworth VIC 3747
- Hours: Daily from 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm | Billson’s Soda Bar is open 12.00 pm – 10.00 pm Thursday to Monday
Beechworth Bakery
While the Beechworth Bakery has popped up in towns all around Victoria, the original bakery can be found in Beechworth! The original Beechworth Bakery was established back in 1984. It’s a great stop for brekkie or lunch – we enjoyed their pies, sausage rolls and even a vanilla slice!
- Address: 27 Camp St, Beechworth VIC 3747
- Hours: 6.00 am to 6.00 pm 7 days per week
Beechworth Sweet Company
What’s an adventure without a stop at a lolly shop? The Beechworth Sweet Company features walls of lollies, boiled sweets, nougats, gob-stoppers, toffees, sherbets, truffles & chocolate. It’s a child’s heaven!
- Address: 7 Camp St, Beechworth VIC 3747
- Hours: Monday to Friday | 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
The Beechworth Honey Shop
For five generations Beechworth Honey has been collecting pure and natural Australian honey from the Beechworth area. Head to the Beechworth Honey Shop to learn more about the history and sample their different honey varieties.
- Address: 31 Ford St, Beechworth VIC 3747
- Hours: 9.00 am to 5.30 pm daily
- Cost: FREE
Beechworth Berries
Beechworth Berries specialises in … berries! Stop by to grab a punnet of their delicious strawberries.
- Address: 46 Reids Way, Wooragee VIC 3747
- Hours: Seasonal, open during berry season
Milawa Cheese Company
The Milawa Cheese Company is not in Beechworth but it is near enough for me to include it as it is sooooo good!
Around 20 minutes away, this delight offers daily tastings between 9.30 – 4.00 pm. It is on our top things to do in Beechworth list.
- Address: 17 Factory Road, Milawa VIC 3678
- Hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily
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