Walks

Powder Magazine to Woolshed Falls

Time: 60 mins • Distance: 5km

Start: Powder Magazine, Skidmore Road• Finish: Woolshed Falls Observation Deck at Woolshed Falls. This walk embodies what Beechworth is about, rich with gold mining history, stunning natural surrounds and a dash of the spectacular!

The Powder Magazine, built in 1859, was where miners were required to store bulk black powder overnight and was constructed so that any explosion would travel upwards, not outwards. OH&S 1800’s style. Check in with the Information Centre for a swipe card to access.

Marvel at the boulders, forest and rock pools on the Gorge Road. At Spring Creek Bridge don’t miss the sign to Woolshed Falls. The track heads into the Woolshed Valley, once home to thousands of miners during the height of the gold rush. One of the richest goldfields in Victoria, the area has many deep mine shafts so please keep to the track. Woolshed Falls provides the spectacular. There’s something satisfying about the sight and sound of water crashing over rocks. Imagine the miners of the time toiling away for their fortune and sharing hard luck stories in this beautiful landscape. Please take care on the rocks, wear suitable footwear and supervise kids.

Beechworth Gorge Walk

Time: 2 hrs • Distance: 7.3km

Start: Beechworth Visitor Information Centre

Once a hideout for members of the Kelly Gang, the Gorge provides views over Beechworth town. The landscape has large granite outcrops, native forest, magnificent rock pools and cascades and wildflowers in season. You will see the start of the Rocky Mountain Tunnel which was constructed under Beechworth so that the upper Spring Creek Goldfield swamp could be drained for mining. Then on to the Newtown

Bridge which was crafted by a Scottish stonemason in 1875. Beside the bridge is a mining race 2.4 metres deep and 410 metres long. Check out the information board with details about Chevalier’s Mill.

Beechworth Town Walk

Time: 60 mins • Distance: 2km

Start: Beechworth Visitor Information Centre

Jump off the main streets of Beechworth to explore the historic and scenic attractions that circle the town. The old Hospital Façade offers a glimpse into the town’s history but also makes for some wonderful photos. Stop in at the Carriage Museum at the revamped Billson’s Brewery. Head on to Queen Victoria Park, affectionately known as the rock park, before winding your way to Lake Sambell, once an integral part of the gold mining story, now a beautiful place to wander, picnic and have a dip in warmer months. The Chinese Gardens acknowledge approximately 6,000 Chinese miners who once lived nearby.

Time: 75 mins • Distance: 1km

Start: Beechworth Visitor Information Centre

Beechworth was once home to the richest alluvial goldfield in the southern hemisphere. Come on this walk to see the magnificent town built with the wealth of the goldfields. Hear colourful tales of the wild gold rush days. Prepare to be fascinated by tales of the Rocky Mountain Tunnel, the exploits of Robert O’Hara Burke (of Burke & Wills fame), the story behind the golden horseshoes and Beechworth’s own China Town. Learn Beechworth’s best kept secrets with your expert local guide.

Tours leave the Visitor Information Centre at 10:15am daily.

Purchase a Beechworth Heritage Pass for this tour (and more!)

Time: 75 mins • Distance: 1km

Start: Beechworth Visitor Information Centre

Ned Kelly and his gang were regular visitors to Beechworth. Come on this walk to see the place where Ned was crowned unofficial bare-knuckle champion of the North East after a 20 round fight. See the Courthouse where Ned, his accomplices and his mother Ellen all stood trial, and the lockup where Ned’s bushranging mentor, Harry Power, was imprisoned.

Relive the Kelly stories with our local historian guides. Tours leave the Visitor Information Centre at 1:15pm daily.

Purchase a Beechworth Heritage Pass for this tour (and more!)

The Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park was only created in October 2002 to “conserve and enhance what remains of Victoria’s Box-Ironbark forests and woodlands”.

Located between Beechworth and the low hills surrounding Chiltern, this park includes the striking Mt Pilot Range and Woolshed Falls and protects box-ironbark forest that once covered much of north-east Victoria

It’s an easy stroll up the well-made path, with a rocky platform providing views on the way up to the summit.