| | | Sights to see and things to do - Bridge Road Brewers Beechworth (0. 1km)
Bridge Road Brewers is a unique micro brewery and one of Australia's leading craft breweries. This small batch brewery follows traditional brewing methods and uses premium quality ingredients to ensure the production of premium hand crafted ales of the highest standard. We use only select malting barley, premium hops, specialty yeast strains from some of the worlds most famous breweries and mountain water. Bridge Road Brewers aims to produce beers that are full bodied and true to style. All ales are naturally brewed and no chemicals or preservatives are added.
You can tour the old brewery - Bridge Road Brewers is open to the public and is highly interactive, offering tasting and sales from the heart of the production facility. The Tasting Bar which offers the full range of ales on tap is within arm's reach of the fermenting vats. Sit and enjoy an ale or three, while deciding which to take home.
Enjoy the famous giant Austrian pretzels, a cheese platter or lunch from the brewery kitchen. The Austrian influenced kitchen bakes the best pretzel this side of Munich and offers and extensive lunch menu. Try the Big Beef and Porter Pie, the Austrian Spatzle, Toasted Foccacias and gourmet salads.
The Brewery and tasting facility are located in the former Cobb and Co Coach House behind Tanswells Hotel. The laneway entrance off Ford Street takes you past the old Cobb and Co ticketing office, down the roofed lane to the brewery courtyard. - Beechworth Historic buildings.You can go to the Visitor Centre and get a self-guide map and follow historic markers around the town or hire a heritage guide to give you a personal tour.The historic buildings include The Beechworth Courthouse, The Powder Magazine, where the gunpowder used in goldmining was stored during the goldrush period (mid 1850s), the Beechworth Telegraph Station, The Gold Office and Sub-Treasury where gold was stored (later became the Police Station), The Lock-up and Police Stables, The Timber and Stone Lock-up, The Wardens Office, The Chinese Protectors Office, The Burke Museum, where you will see Ned Kelly’s death mask, The Town Hall and its gardens with magnificent historical trees, along with a number of churches and charming homes and miners’ cottages.
- African Heritage Boutique(0.01 km)
African Heritage specializes in stone sculptures, but offers an eclectic collection of articles from various African countries. As well as stone sculptures, we have bags and baskets, masks, original paintings, wood sculptures, ornaments and much more.
We source mainly from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya and various western African countries such Ghana and southeastern African countries such as Malawi, but our huge range of art works origninates from a wide range of African countries. Our beautiful artworks will surprise and amaze you. They are pieces that you will keep and treasure. - Beechworth Annual Celtic Festival (0.1 km)
"Failte romhaibh"("welcome all") to the Beechworth Celtic Festival.Live music dancing and pipe bands held in the second weekend in November. The festival showcases many bands from around Australia in a series of concerts and workshops, including Lochaber No More, Celts have more fun, Sibin, Red Cat, Rant, Damien Howard and the Ploughboys, McAlpine Fusiliers adding a frantic edge to the always well received Bantree and the traditional Scottish pipes. The Colonials, Cassidy's Ceili, Ricketty Bridge, Shirley Power and many more show the depth of the program available for the serious Celtic music lover over the weekend. - Adventure Guides Australia (Training Innovations) (0.5 km)
Abseil off some of the largest cliffs in Victoria at Mt Buffalo with advertised and by arrangement beginners abseil options on cliffs from ten metres through to 250 metres. Ever wondered what it would be like to abseil free fall? Why not try our exhilarating 45 metre abseil adventure off the "Dragon" site with its awesome exposure into the Mt Buffalo Gorge! For the ultimate adventure experience you should book a 300 metre full day North Wall of Mt Buffalo Gorge Abseil Expedition (so you thought that the Rialto was high?). The first pitch alone is 160 metres.
We can also conduct abseiling at a number of other locations in Victoria. Ever tried abseiling at night? Our Full Moon 250 metre multi-pitch adventure is a wonderful experience. Perhaps you would like to try rock-climbing or bushwalking with an experienced guide. In winter cross-country ski with us at Mt Hotham, Dinner Plain, Falls Creek or Mt Buffalo or perhaps you would prefer a snow-shoe adventure? We can also arrange snow camping programs.
Try wild caving at the underground river cave at Mt Buffalo. All cave trips except Mt Buffalo can be conducted during winter. For your next conference or strategic planning retreat you should consider booking a team building or corporate adventure program. Mt Buffalo, Beechworth and other north-east Victorian locations have wonderful adventure options, natural features and historic sites to add interest to educational excursions and outdoor education camps. We can provide a range of interesting activities or programs to support your school group activities! - Murray Breweries (0.5 km) Traditional Mixer Cordials are non-alcoholic old fashioned full strength country cordials. They are fine blends that have been faithfully produced according to traditional recipes using only the finest of ingredients. They are made with pure, natural, mountain spring water, which has filtered down from the Alpine areas surrounding historic Beechworth in north-eastern Victoria. These drinks are bottled in glass to retain their freshness and flavour. Each bottle holds 700m mls.
Murray Breweries cordials come in the following flavours: Chilli Punch, lemon Ginger, Lemon, Lime & Bitters, Spiced Apple, Brewed Ginger, Peppermint, Sarsaparilla, Mint Julep, Lime Juice, Raspberry Vinegar, Portello, St Clements and Cloves. All flavours can mix together to make a wide range of new flavours. From time to time, we produce other fine drinks. The production of these drinks is influenced largely by the seasonal availability of ingredients. For further details about each flavour, or for mixing ideas,go to their website. You can also order cordials using the order form on the website.The historic brewery was built in 1865, at the height of the Gold Rush in Beechworth, with the site chosen because a natural spring occurred here. The original building was called "Billsons Brewery" after the owner, George Billson, but over the next 50 years it underwent a number of name changes. In 1916 the current name of Murray Breweries was established. During the 1920's, due to the intervention of a temperance group, the production of beer ceased, although Stout continued to be made for another 30 years. It was at this time that a soft drink and cordial factory was started. As well as our range of fine traditional mixer cordials, Murray Breweries is also home to pure mountain spring waters and soft drinks. Light Horse Museum and Historic Carriages(at Murray Brewers)
The remarkable private collection of memorabilia that comprises the Light Horse Museum, Beechworth, is housed in the Murray Breweries historic brewery building dating back to 1865. This Museum provides a fantastic insight into the history and tradition of the Australian Light Horse, its Regiments and the Light Horsemen who served their country in both war and peace.
The Australian Light Horse fought in both World War I and the Boer War (South Africa). Famous WWI battles included the Battle of Beersheeba, 31st October 1917 "The last successful great cavalry charge "(The 3rd & 9th Light Horse Regiments) and the Battle of Maghdaba, December 1916 (10th Light Horse Regiment) - Turkey. Famous battles of the Boer War included the Seige of Elands River Post, 416th August 1900 and Onverwacht, 4th January 1902.
Also housed in the same historic building is a collection of twenty historic carriages held on behalf of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). This collection of horsedrawn vehicles provides an insight into the transport of the 19th and 20th century and many vehicles remain as a direct link with Beechworth's past. The carriages in their day served many different purposes, including a hearse.- Beechworth Historic Park (0.5 km)
Outside the town, a number of significant gold mining sites are incorporated in sections of the 1080 ha Beechworth Historic Park. The tranquil beauty of eucalyptus and native cypress pine forests, winding creeks, steep gullies and rugged granite outcrops can be enjoyed for their own sake or viewed as the setting for the labors of the diggers.
Things to do in the park
* Walking, browsing, gem-fossicking, fishing, swimming and horse riding
- In the town, visit the museum, powder magazine, the classical granite arches of the Goldfields Hospital facade, the Chinese burning towers, the jail, the former Regency Theatre and the Victorian churches, banks and public buildings. View the cell that twice held Ned Kelly, and visit the sites of bushranger gang hideouts.
* The Beechworth Forest Drive begins from the town and passes through the peppermint forest near Lake Kerferd
* The (5 kilometre) Gorge Scenic Drive, also a pleasant walk, provides views of waterfalls and rugged countryside west of the town. It also passes the restored powder magazine, built to safeguard mining explosives
* Other walking tracks connect Lake Sambell to Lake Kerferd, and a network of tracks link points of interest in the Gorge area including Fiddes Quarry, the precipice and cascades. - Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park (14 km)
Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park protects box-ironbark forests remnants that once covered much of north-east Victoria and contains several historic gold mining sites. Short or day-long walks can be made on vehicle tracks through open forest and a 25 kilometre historic drive is marked from Chiltern through the forest and goldfields.
Things to Do in the Park
* Drive through the forest to Donkey Hill Lookout then on to the original Indigo goldfields cemetery - about an hour and a half round trip
* Visit the open-cut Magenta Mine which produced up to 13,000 ounces of gold between 1860 and about 1910.
* Take a self-guided tour around Chiltern. This tour takes in Dow's Pharmacy, which ran its business on the site for more than 100 years, an old smithy, the Atheneum library-museum, the Star Theatre, the Grapevine Hotel (named to honour the largest grapevine listed in Australia) and Lakeview, one of the childhood homes of Henry Handel Richardson, the author of 'The Fortunes of Richard Mahony'
* Enjoy easy walking as you follow the numbered pamphlet describing natural and historical features of the park along the 8.5km White Box Walking Track
* Cycle on forest tracks at Donkey Hill in the west, Frogs Hollow and Magenta Mine and at Cyanide Dam
* Visit Woolshed Falls and take the self-guided Woolshed Falls Historic Walk
* Walk to the summit of Mt Pilot and enjoy the spectacular view
* Visit the Yeddonba Aboriginal art site
* Go bird watching and discover some of over 200 species found in the park.Find out about the conservation effort to save the endangered Barking Owl which is found in the park
* Stroll,drive or cycle through the park in spring to view the wildflower wonderland - Davidson Olive Grove 20 km Everton. Wangaratta Road. Range of natural soaps, shampoos, moisturizers and herbal salves are made from 100% Olive Oil produced in the local Highlands.Amulet winery and cidery directly opposite.
- Army Museum Bandiana (28.4 km)
One of the largest and most diversified Army Museums in Australia. This is a museum that will surprise you by the sheer size of the collection. The museum at Bandiana outside Wodonga has on display numerous uniforms including WW1, WW2 and present day, 150 weapons including machine guns and pistols and a historic vehicle display of 150 plus military vehicles including bikes, cars, trucks, heavy equipment and armoured vehicles. The Museum shop stocks a range of items to interest everyone. There are free electric barbecues next door in the Memorial Park Gardens for a great family barbecue. - Wangaratta Jazz (32 km)The festival began in 1990 as the dream of local Wangaratta business people to establish a significant festival for their town and region. Since inception the festival has maintained uncompromising artistic excellence.
Now in its 21st year, Australia's premier jazz and blues festival ignites regional Victoria with some of the best performers from Australia and around the globe. Headline acts have included:Kurt Elling (USA), Oliver Lake (USA), James Morrison, Diesel, Joe Chindamo, Mike Nock, Jef Neve Trio (Belgium), Sara Serpa (Portugal), Yuri Honeig Quartet (Netherlanda), The Backsliders and many more.
The atmosphere is relaxed and casual and you can stroll from one venue to another. Typically, several venues are playing at any one time including the magnificent Performing Arts Centre, St Patricks Hall, The Blues Marquee, Reid Street Community Stage, Hotels and even the Anglican Cathedral. In between sets, you can check out the offerings of local food, wine, crafts, products and fun. - Pedal to Produce (32 km) Call into any of the Visitor Information Centres throughout North East Victoria e.g Beechworth Visitor Information Centre to pick up your Pedal to Produce map and basket. The maps are loaded with tasty offers and discounts from the regions producers.
Home to some of Australia's finest gourmet producers, most acclaimed restaurateurs and internationally recognized winemakers, Victoria's premier food and wine region is a land of awesome scale and diversity.
Becoming intimate with the region is as easy as climbing aboard a bike, saddling up the basket and meandering wherever the path takes you.
Let the scents leave an impression, the views inspire, the characters endear, and the challenge render you fulfilled as you scope out the quirky, the hand crafted, the slow cooked, the beautifully presented and the unimagined while cycling along your unexpected journey.
- Arts Space Wodonga (32km)
Arts Space Wodonga is a vibrant and accessible contemporary arts venue situated in the central business district of Wodonga. It offers an eclectic program of unique exhibitions, intimate performances, workshops, educational tours, recitals and forums; featuring local, regional and imported cultural works.
A showcase of dynamic art works by North East Victorian artists' features regularly; and proposals are welcome from individual artists and organisations. - Wangaratta Show (32 km) Early October each Year. Lots of entertainment with a feature act on Friday night. Also a monster fireworks display at 8.30pm on the Friday night.
Circus have 5 free performances during the show. Other attractions are top showjumping, snake and reptile display, animal nursery, Beaut Ute competition, scarecrows, highland dancing and a steam engine display. - Rutherglen Agricultural Show October 16 2011 An Australian country town "Agricultural Show" is a "must see" for overseas visitors to get a feel for country life.
Rutherglen Agricultural Show is the last remaining event of its kind in the Indigo Shire and every effort is made to retain the traditions of the country show. An extensive horse program is available with show jumping, pony events, harness horse competitions and Clydesdale draught horses-the heavyweights who hauled our produce in bygone days.
A special feature of the show for many years has been the "Beef and Lamb Expo" which judges the animals both on the hoof and following slaughter and in 2009 this competition was extended to also include a feed lot section. Stud cattle and sheep are also included along with fleece and crop competitions and all variety of farm and garden produce. The pavilion exhibits feature of all those traditional country skills of cooking, home preserves, craft and handiwork as well as very popular photography and art sections. The Show has always catered for the young in the community with junior sections in many categories and all of the local schools support the Show by encouraging student involvement.
Regular features at the Rutherglen Show include showgirl and tiny tot competitions, band music, reptile display, petting zoo, Pet parade, vintage machinery display, ferret racing and horse and dog handling exhibitions. This is a great country show with something for everyone. - Murray River Canoe Hire(34km) located in Albury on the Murray River and provide canoe hire on the Murray from half day to 10 day trecks between Albury and Yarrawonga. They are located on the upper reaches of Australia's biggest river and can provide you with a relaxing getaway from the rigours of city life.
- The Rutherglen Wine Show (around Sept 16-24 each year) has been running for over 120 years and is recognized by wine producers and wine consumers as one of the major wine shows in Australia. With well over 2000 entries across red and white table wines, sparkling and fortified wine categories. This is a major event on the Australian wine calendar. The judging process is carried out over 6 days and every wine is assessed for gold,silver or bronze medals according to a strict set of judging criteria.
Following the judging, the public have an opportunity to taste the award winning wines at the public tasting on the Friday evening. Tickets for this event are much sought after so pre-purchase of tickets is essential.
Also open to the public is the "Presentation of Awards" dinner on the evening of Thursday 23rd September where a gourmet menu of regional cuisine is matched with a selection of award winning wines from previous wine shows. This dinner is attended by sponsors, award winners and many of the local winemakers and a limited number of tickets are available to the public. Advanced booking and pre-payment is essential. - The Green Living Fair Rutherglen (Sept 19 in 2010) will showcase ways of living sustainably - on the land, in your home and with our food - including demonstrations on how individuals can make a difference. This free community event will host over 20 exhibitors, including Landcare, local organic producers, alternative building methods, green energies, an information booth and free children's activities with a focus on the environment and recycling.
The Fair is hosted by Valhalla Wines, Wahgunyah - a straw-bale built winery using green power, worm-composting toilets and recycled waste water. he Green Living Fair will showcase ways of living sustainably - on the land, in your home and with our food - including demonstrations on how individuals can make a difference. This free community event will host over 20 exhibitors, including Landcare, local organic producers, alternative building methods, green energies, an information booth and free children's activities with a focus on the environment and recycling. - Mt Buffalo National Park An all-seasons park. Mount Buffalo has sheer cliffs, imposing granite tors, tumbling waterfalls, snow gums and stunning wildflowers. First reserved in 1898, the 31,000 hectare park contains vegetation and fauna adapted to extremes of weather, as a result of its sub-alpine location.
As you drive and walk throughout the park, you will see evidence of the 2003 and 2006 fires, but you will also see the vivid colours as species continue to regenerate. There is plenty of wildlife to see including lyrebirds, eastern rosellas, wombats and swamp wallabies. Many animals can be seen along the main tourist road so please drive carefully- especially at dawn and dusk.
Things to do
* Explore the network of walking tracks that lead to waterfalls, lookouts and granite formations.
* Take in the spectacular views of the Australian Alps.
* Picnic at Lake Catani and enjoy swimming or canoeing.(no ice skating since 1928 a consequence of climate change
- * In winter, Mt Buffalo is often called the family mountain because of its visitor-friendly atmosphere and safe and accessible cross-country skiing, tobogganing and snow play.
* The adventurous however can try hang gliding or rock climbing. Mt Buffalo is a top Australian venue for both. Parks Victoria has installed a Rockclimbing/Abseiling Intentions Book at the Information Shelter in the Gorge carpark
* Discover summer wildflowers, snow gums and a range of fauna, including wombats, wallabies, echidnas, lyrebirds and flame robins
For the latest information on track closures and park access, see the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire smart. Follow the Parks Victoria checklist before travelling. - Warby Ranges State Park(Glenrowan) Extending for 25 kilometres north of the town of Glenrowan in north-east Victoria, is a steep scarped range known locally as the Warbys. The combination of excellent viewing points along the ridge, pleasant picnic spots and outstanding variety of birdlife and wildflowers provides visitors with a memorable experience.
Things to see and do
* Management tracks and the open grassy understorey are ideal for easy walking. Make sure to bring water to the park in summer and carry it on walks
* Bushwalkers wishing to camp away from the roads and tracks are required to make arrangements with the ranger before their trip
* The views from Ryan's Lookout are exceptional, especially in winter. To get an overall appreciation of the varying Warby landscape, motorists can take a short round trip starting at Ryan's Lookout and going along Gerrett Road before linking up with Adam's Track and the Thoona Road
* The one kilometre Pine Gully Nature Walk, starting near the picnic area beside the Wangaratta-Thoona Road, 4.5 kilometres west of Ryan's Lookout, provides a good introduction to the plants and animals of the Warbys. The walk is reasonably strenuous and takes and hour to complete suitable footwear is essential
* At Wenhams camp the Friends of Warby Ranges have constructed a 4km walking track. There is an information brochure box at each end of the track. This track connects to another leading to the Kwat Kwat lookout which gives a magnificent view of Wangaratta and the snow capped mountains of Mount Buffalo, Falls Creek and Mount Bogong
* Other lookouts are the Pangarang lookout near Pine Gully Picnic Area and Mt Glenrowan Lookout, at the highest point of the Warby Rages at an elevation of 513 metres. Mt Glenrowan Lookout is accessed from Taminick Gap Road.
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