Beechworth, Victoria: Travel guide and things to do

Updated November 26 2014 - 5:13pm, first published 4:11pm
Beechworth.
Beechworth.
Beechworth.
Beechworth.
Beechworth.
Beechworth.
Beechworth.
Beechworth.

Beechworth is surely the state's, if not the country's, best-preserved 19th-century gold town. It has over 30 buildings listed with the National Trust and, for the most part, they are substantial and often elegant buildings in excellent condition. Perhaps more important is the feel of the streetscape. The historic buildings in so many Australian towns tend to be 'cheek to jowl' with functional modern structures, creating a motley, incoherent and untidy effect. By comparison, Beechworth's streetscape is remarkably coherent and well-preserved. The frequent usage of honey-coloured local granite as a building material lends further cohesiveness. Indeed, there is nothing to mar the overall feel which is redolent of the past.