Explore the rolling hills, rugged mountains & evocative history of Beechworth & surrounds
Upcoming Festivals & Events in Beechworth
Melbourne Cup Day, held on the first Tuesday of November, is Australia’s most famous horse race and a major social event. Known as “the race that stops the nation,” it draws a vibrant crowd to Flemington Racecourse, where over 100,000 fans gather to cheer in their finest attire. Even if you can’t make it to Flemington, join in the excitement across Australia as people pause to watch or listen to the big race. With festivities, fashion shows, and gatherings leading up to the event, it’s a day for all to enjoy!
Drag'd Out in Beechworth - Every November, the vibrant town of Beechworth comes alive with "Drag'd Out," a queer-positive, all-inclusive community event that draws people from all over the world. This amazing festival celebrates everyone within the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. Running from November 22-24, "Drag'd Out" brings together people from all walks of life. It’s a positive platform and safe space where diverse cultures can explore themselves, educate audiences, and spread love through fantastic entertainment.
Beechworth Bakery Street Festival - Come celebrate on Saturday, October 19th, for the Beechworth Bakery Street Festival, celebrating 40 years of Beechworth Bakery! Camp Street will become a vibrant community hub with a local produce market, street parade, and fun activities for everyone. Kids can enjoy the petting zoo, baking workshops, and games, while adults indulge in food, drinks, cooking demos, and afternoon entertainment. It’s a day of fun and festivities for the whole family!
Beechworth Festival and Things To Do – Discover the vibrant spirit of Beechworth and enjoy live music, artisanal food, local crafts, and family-friendly activities in the heart of this historic town. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage, explore scenic trails, and experience the best of Beechworth for a memorable celebration of culture and community.
Indigo Shire Council Festival and Events list - The Indigo Shire Council has organised a fantastic lineup of events to support our vibrant local community, including the Travel Photography Workshop, Chiaroscuro: Light and Dark exhibition, The Big Bike Film Night in Yackandandah, Rutherglen Market, the Chiltern Antiques Fair, and so much more. Perfect for a family vacation, these events offer something for everyone—whether you're into arts, outdoor adventures, or exploring local markets. these events are perfect for everyone. Plus, they’re all just a short drive from Beechworth, making it easy to explore and enjoy the rich culture and heritage of our region.
Music Festival in Beechworth – Tanswell hosts live music every weekend, ranging from world-class local talent to touring national acts (including Surprise Chef, Glass Beams & Darren Hanlon) and even international talent (Rachel Baiman, Lillie Mae, Jenny Don’t & The Spurs). Whether it’s an intimate gig in the front bar or a dynamic show on our stage in the band room, we prize freshness and variety in everything we book. Tanswell’s is also home to the annual Wonder Mountain festival, curated by the team at Strawberry Fields.
Beer Festival in Beechworth – Bridge Road Brewers run 3 main events in Beechworth each year: The High Country Hop, Beechworth Granite Classic and Oktoberfest.
Explore Yackandandah– One of Australia's prettiest villages with a centre classified by the national trust, Yackandandah is nestled in the foothills of Stanley State Forest and steeped in the legacy of gold.
Beechworth has so much to offer guests of all ages. Here are some of our favourite places to feast, explore & experience
PLACES TO FEAST & DRINK laces to feast and drink
Beechworth has plenty to offer when it comes for places to eat and drink. Here are a few of our favourites and all of them are within easy walking distance of The Inn Beechworth.
Bridge Road Brewery – Right across the road at 50 Ford St, Beechworth. Cut through the carpark to access the brewery. Open 7 days 11am – late. Lunch 7 days. Dinner Tues- Sat. Try their popular Pale Ale or for a great nonalcoholic beer try their Free Beer. Seriously it’s really good. They only serve pizzas, but they are very good.
Tanswell’s Hotel – Also straight across the road, just next door to the brewery and also at 50 Ford St, Beechworth. Open 7 days per week for dinner. Lunch Friday – Sunday. Their beer chicken is yum. They also have their own beer on tap, just ask them what they’re brewing at the moment. They often have local bands playing on weekends.
Hotel Nicholas – Just a few doors down from us. They do good pub food and have nice cold beers. The inside is full of old photos of Beechworth and surrounding area. It’s worth going inside just to see the history of the area, it’s fascinating. Open 7 days per week
Empire Hotel – On the opposite corner to Hotel Nicholas at 10 Camp St, Beechworth. They do a great A La Carte two or three course menu Wednesday – Saturday and Sunday night is curry and cocktail night.
The Ageing Frog Fish Bar – These guys do the best fish and chips. Really, we're not joking. I know we’re a long way from the sea, but they’re so fresh and yummy. Try their fish burger, it’s made with Milawa sour dough bread and it’s one of our favourites. 68 Ford St, Beechworth. Closed Tuesdays.
The Ox and Hound Bistro – 52 Ford St, Beechworth. Dinner Tuesday – Saturday. Beautiful fine food with many local options. If you’re after a nice dinner out then this is a great option, but you do need to book in advance.
Tiny’s of Beechworth – These guys do great jaffles and coffees, but as the name suggests they are tiny. For those that aren’t coffee drinkers, their chai tea is fantastic. Only open for brekkie & lunch. It’s our go to place for coffee and brekkies. 14A Camp Street, Beechworth.
The Provenance – For those wanting something extra special. Provenance is Beechworth’s award-winning restaurant that you need to book in advance, but it’s worth it. 86 Ford St, Beechworth. Dinner Friday – Monday.
Billson’s Brewery – Drop by to sample their huge range of cordials, beer & spirits. They have a café, bar, and tastings area. It’s a bit more of a walk, but still not too far at 29 Last St, Beechworth.
THINGS TO DO WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
Beechworth Honey – Open daily from 9am - 5pm at 31 Ford St, Beechworth. They have a huge range of honey to taste and lots of great honey products to buy. They also have a small museum to learn more about honey and bees. Great for all ages.
Billson’s Brewery – Open daily for 12pm at 29 Last St, Beechworth. Their tastings bar is lots of fun for young and old.You can sample a large range of cordials, spirits and beers all made right there in their 1860’s factory.
Asylum Ghost Tours – Located in the former asylum up on Mayday Hill, this is a tour filled with history and if you’re lucky (or unlucky) maybe some ghostly encounters. The tour is through the former asylum that was operational from 1867 – 1995.
Mayday Escape Rooms – Also located within the old asylum, Mayday Escape Room is a fun activity for all ages. Being within the eerie walls of the old lunatic asylum makes you want to escape that little bit quicker.
The Bike Hire Company – Hire a bike and cycle the rail trail. A really easy ride is to Pennyweights winery, just 1 km from town along the rail trail towards Wangaratta. For something more challenging try the new rail trail to Yackandandah.
Old Beechworth Gaol – Visit the old goal located within the beautiful sandstone walls in the heart of the historic district. It was a functioning jail until 2004, but now offers tour behind the imposing walls. It has significant history in the Ned Kelly story, having once housed Ned, Ellen Kelly (Neds Mum) & Dan Kelly (Ned’s Brother).
The Beechworth Historic & Cultural Precinct – Visit several well preserved and culturally significant buildings telling the story of early European settlement in Beechworth. They offer walking tours daily. Located at Ford Street.
Lake Sambell – A short stroll from The Inn, Lake Sambell is the original site of the Rocky Mountain Mining Company. It’s a lovely place to cool off on a hot summers day or just enjoy a walk around its foreshore. McConville Avenue, Beechworth.
PLACES TO VISIT IN THE SURROUNDING AREA BY CAR
Mt Pilot National Park – Located about 20mins drive between Beechworth and Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park is a lovely place to visit. The views from the top of Mt Pilot are spectacular and it’s a nice place to enjoy a sunset picnic. The Yeddonba Aboriginal art site is an interesting short walk.
Woolshed Falls – Located in the Mt Pilot National Park, Woolshed Falls are a popular destination for nature lovers and history buffs. The area was once the centre of one of the richest goldfields in Australia. The falls are only a 10mins drive from town. It’s a beautiful spot for a picnic, short hike or to cool off in the water, but please be careful the rocks are very slippery and extremely dangerous.
The Gorge – A easy 5km drive starting and ending on the edges of Beechworth. This is a lovely one-way drive entering from near the horseshoe monument on the Beechworth-Wodonga Road and ending near Newtown Bridge. Take your time and hop out of your car and enjoy the scenery along the way. It’s even lovely to walk or ride the circuit.
Stanley – A sweet little village located 9 km from Beechworth. During harvest season there are many farm gate stalls to buy fresh produce direct from the farmers. Stanley is well known for its delicious apples and berries. Stop at JimJam Foods hidden in the forest to enjoy their complete range of products.
Yackandandah – Another historic town located an easy 15 mins drive from Beechworth. With is beautiful historic buildings and tree lined streets, well worth the drive. We highly recommend visiting the lovely shop Seventh Pocket & sampling some whiskey at Backwoods Distillery.
Winery’s – There are plenty of winery’s including Glenbosch, Pennyweights (you can ride, walk or drive there), and others along the Beechworth – Wangaratta Road. Elderado Road has a bar and cellar door in Beechworth on 44 Ford St.
Get to know the charm of Beechworth from your screen with Great Australian Walks and Back Roads! These TV shows spotlight the beauty, history, and culture of Beechworth, giving viewers an inspiring look at everything this historic town has to offer.
Catch the latest season of Great Australian Walks on SBS On Demand, where hosts Julia, Susie Youssef, and Gigi Amazonia explore scenic paths and fascinating stories, including Beechworth's own.
You can also explore Beechworth’s unique character in the Back Roads series on ABC iview, hosted by the brilliant Annie Louey.
Pumpkin Seed Farm – For something unique visit Pepo Farms and their pumpkin seed farm and processing factory. They have a range of pumpkin seed products, local oils & other food products. 5061 Great Alpine Rd, Oven Victoria. Stop in Myrtleford on the way and browse through the shop or enjoy some food at one of the many cafes.