Beechworth’s Heritage gardens are famous for their plantings, colour and history. Many are in walking distance of Beechworth town centre. Seasonal tours are sometimes available.

For more information visit Gardens of Interest.

Beechworth Short Walks

Explore one or many of Beechworth's short walks. Whether you have 30 minutes or 3 hours, there is a walk to suit everybody. Discover Lake Sambell to Lake Kerford in a scenic 10km bush walk or go at your own pace with a short 60 minute Beechworth Town Walk.

Local Walking Tours

There are a variety of Trails in Beechworth and the surrounding area. Extensive tracks have been created in and around Beechworth to cater for those seeking a short stroll or an all day adventure. View old goldfields, wild orchids and unusual geological formations.

Several Guided Walking Tours are offered by the Visitor Information Centre.

• Echoes of History Guided Walking Tour
• Ned Kelly Walking Tour

A variety of short and long walks in and around the Gorge and Lake Kerferd allow visitors to explore the natural and historical features of this historic park.

You can drive, cycle or walk along the sealed Gorge Scenic Drive for spectacular views of the granite landscape, local gold mining history and the surrounding countryside. Some of the walks can be steep so walkers should ensure they have suitable footwear, water, sunscreen and a snack.

Gorge Walking Tracks

Here you will find scenic views of the northern section of Beechworth and you may see a rare orchid or wallaby at the same time.

The walks connect fascinating sites that tell our adventure story about the search for gold: the Powder Magazine, the Spring Creek Cascades, The Precipice, One Tree Hill, Reids Creek Goldfields, Woolshed Falls, Ingrams Rock, and Fiddes Granite Quarry.

The rugged landscapes of the park provide opportunities to explore natural and historical features close to the historic township of Beechworth.

Walk to Lake Kerferd

From Beechworth it is a great 5km bush walk to Lake Kerferd, which provides Beechworth's water. This 5km walk starts from the bridge over Spring Creek on Peach Drive, near Lake Sambell.

It follows Spring Creek and Hurdle Creek to Lake Kerferd. Be sure to stay on the walking track as many of the mine shafts are deep and potentially dangerous. This walk meanders past old mining sites, set within a prolific array of tall gums; blue, white-barked brittle and peppermint; and continues past Patterson Dam, built to establish a water supply for mining. It is also a popular fishing and picnic area.

Beechworth Historic Park

The tranquil beauty of eucalyptus and native cypress forests, winding creeks, steep gullies and rugged granite outcrops provide an exciting opportunity to explore natural and historical attractions close to the town.

Beechworth is surrounded by acres of spectacular National and State forest land:

• Beechworth Historic Park
• Stanley State Forest
• Woolshed Falls Historic Walk
• White Box Walk
• Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park.

Beechworth Historic Park - Visitor Guide
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Located between Beechworth and the low hills surrounding Chiltern is 21,565ha of National Park including the striking Mt Pilot Range and Woolshed Falls. It protects a Box-Ironbark forest that contains a diverse range of natural and historic landscapes.

Mt Pilot Park contains the highest number of mammal, bird and reptile species recorded at any Box-Ironbark site. Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the park including threatened woodland species such as the Regent Honeyeater, Swift Parrot, Turquoise Parrot and Square Tailed Kite. Eastern Grey Kangaroos can be seen grazing during late afternoon and Black Swamp Wallabies are often observed darting out from rocky outcrops.

Well formed vehicle tracks throughout the park provide access to a variety of short or day-long walks and are suitable for cycling, horse riding and low key car and four - wheel drive touring. The park also provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and environmental studies.

Download the visitor guide for more information and maps.

Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park - Visitor Guide
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Beechworth and surrounds has some of the best food and wine available in the state. To get just a sample of what we have to offer take a drive from Beechworth to Milawa and enjoy many treats along the way. You can do the trip in 3 hours or take all day.

From Beechworth head out along the Beechworth Wangaratta Road, 10mins down the road you will arrive at the Indigo Vineyard Cellar Door, enjoy our beautiful wines and grab a coffee for the road and directions.

Head left out our drive and follow the signs to Milawa Gourmet Region. On arrival in Milawa you will have plenty to choose from including Mustards, Cheese Factory & Cellar Doors. 

Whatever type of cycling you are looking for Beechworth is the place to find it. Australia's Premier Rail Trail, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail arrives right in the middle of town. The Trail stretches over 100 kilometers through North East Victoria and reaching popular tourist destinations including Beechworth, Wangratta, Rutherglen, Bright and Myrtleford.

If Mountain Biking is your go then the Beechworth Mountain Bike Park, which on its own is considered one of the best places to mountain bike ride in Australia is easily accessible. The Beechworth Mountain Bike Park is only 2km from the centre of town.

More information see our bike riding section.

Beechworth's pretty 'man-made' lake and popular recreational family spot offers two electric barbeques, picnic tables, seating, adventure playground facilities, a man-made Sandy Beach enhancing the swimming, fishing and a Bocchi court.

Lake Sambell

Lake Sambell is located within walking distance of the Beechworth Post Office.

Lake Sambell was once the site of the Rocky Mountain Mining Company open cut sluice operation during the mid 1800s and the early 1900s. In the 1920s the area was created into a recreational lake and reserve for the citzens of Beechworth. This impressive re-development is on a major gold mine site where hydraulic sluicing severely impacted on the environment and landscape. This area has been attractively rejuvenated into a beautiful lake in the heart of Beechworth.

Chinese Gardens

The Chinese Gardens, guarded by a pair of Chinese Lions at the entrance to Rocky Mountain Tunnel (not open to the Public) and located next to Lake Sambell.

The Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail has been extended so that it passes through the reserve. Extensive work has been undertaken to provide walking trails throughout the reserve.

Fletchers Dam

Fletchers Dam in Stanley is another popular picnic, fishing and swimming hole, a great day out for the whole family to enjoy.

Newtown Falls Lookout

Spanning Spring Creek, Scottish masons constructed the bridge in 1875. Immediately upstream from the bridge is the site of the first gold discovery in Beechworth.

Mt. Stanley

At Mt Stanley you will find great views of the surrounding area. The approach is via a dry weather road only.

Murmungee Lookout

The Murmungee Lookout also provides excellent views and a picnic area. It is difficult in wet weather to approach.

The Beechworth Forest Drive takes you past the hamlet of Stanley, once a bustling goldmining town during the 1850's. The town had a number of hotels, a bakery, general store, boot maker, carpenter, butcher, saw mill, brewery and inn.

Today, Stanley has a delicious array of local produce: apples, nuts and berries for purchase. Close to Stanley township is Mt. Stanley, with spectacular views from the summit of the Victorian Alps and surrounding forest.

This area offers many picnic spots, public toilets and swimming holes, however care is needed around the thundering falls.

Today at Woolshed Falls there is little to suggest that it was once the centre of one of the richest goldfields in Victoria. A five minute drive north of Beechworth you will have the opportunity to view the falls, have a picnic or take a self-guided walk around the alluvial gold workings. The falls are spectacular after heavy rainfalls.