BEECHWORTH

#Beechworth

At a Glance

Beechworth’s incredibly well-preserved streetscapes include the National Trust listed Beechworth Historic Precinct, a collection of government buildings made of locally quarried granite and barely altered since they were built in the late 1850s.

They include the courthouse where Ned Kelly’s committal hearing was held after his capture at Glenrowan ahead of his transfer to Melbourne and his fateful Supreme Court trial in 1880. Charged with the murder of Constable Lonigan at Stringybark Creek, Kelly was sentenced to death by Justice Redmond Barry.

Kelly and his friends and family, including his mother Ellen and brother Dan, appeared in around 30 trials and hearings at the Beechworth Courthouse. Many were held at the nearby Old Beechworth Gaol, including the ‘sympathisers’, members of the community accused of supporting the Kelly Gang.

Next door to the courthouse is the original telegraph office which transmitted news of the manhunt, criminal exploits, the siege at Glenrowan and the Kelly committal hearing to the Australian public using Morse Code, the internet of its day.

Explore Beechworth & Surrounds

Built on the great wealth brought by gold, Beechworth is famous for its perfectly preserved 19th century streetscapes, especially its collection of heritage-listed government buildings that make up the Historic Precinct.

These days it’s one of the High Country’s favourite foodie destinations, home to a stellar lineup of award-winning chefs as well as microbreweries, boutique distilleries and wineries and plenty of great places for coffee, gourmet pies, pretty places to picnic and a fantastic range of accommodation.

Lake Sambell in the centre of town is perfect for a hot day swim or paddle or an early morning walk. Bring the bikes and explore the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, downhill to beautiful Yackandandah one way, and Everton the other or join the locals on the 7km circuit of the Gorge Walk looping through the Historic Park fringing the town.

Take an informative, enjoyable guided Ned Kelly walking tour departing daily at 1:15pm from the Visitor Information Centre in the historic Town Hall or one of the regular guided tours of the Old Beechworth Gaol.

Coming soon! The Beechworth Historic Courthouse’s Kelly Trials Experience is due to launch in June 2023. This immersive multimedia experience and exhibition will bring the Kelly trials to life using projections inside the courtroom.