FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Beechworth Historic Precinct?
The Beechworth Historic Precinct is a collection of significant heritage buildings and historic sites that once formed the administrative heart of Victoria's north-east goldfields. Today, visitors can explore museums, exhibitions, guided tours and historic buildings that reveal the many stories that shaped Beechworth and the wider region.
Where is the Beechworth Historic Precinct?
The Beechworth Historic Precinct is located in Beechworth, Victoria, Australia, a historic Gold Rush town in Victoria's High Country, approximately three hours drive north-east of Melbourne. The precinct sits within the heart of Beechworth's town centre.
Rather than being contained within a single site, the precinct extends across several streets, including Ford Street, Loch Street, Williams Street, Camp Street and High Street. Historic buildings are all located within easy walking distance of one another.
Most visitors begin their exploration at the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre, 103 Ford Street.
How much does it cost to visit?
Entry fees vary depending on the experience, and some are free!
Burke Museum
- Adult: $8
- Concession: $6
- Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): $21
- Indigo Shire residents: Free
Kelly Trials Exhibition
- Adult: $15
- Concession: $12
- Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): $40
- Children under 5: Free
- Indigo Shire residents: Free
Guided Tours
- Adult: $10
- Concession: $8
- Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): $27
- Children under 5: Free
- Indigo Shire residents: Free
Telegraph Station
- Free entry
- Send a telegraph anywhere in Australia for $3, or anywhere in the world for $6
Where do I buy tickets?
Tickets for all Beechworth Historic Precinct experiences can be purchased from the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre, located at 103 Ford Street, Beechworth.
Tickets for the Kelly Trials Exhibition are also available to purchase online here.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Most visitors allow between two and four hours to explore the precinct. If you're planning to visit the Burke Museum, join a guided tour and explore several historic buildings, you may wish to allow a full day to make the most of your visit.
Is the Burke Museum open every day?
Yes. The Burke Museum is open daily from 10am to 4.30pm.
Is the Beechworth Courthouse / Kelly Trials Exhibition open every day?
Yes. Hosted sessions run daily on the hour from 10am, with the last session beginning at 3pm.
Is the Telegraph Station open every day?
Yes. The Beechworth Telegraph Station is open daily from 11am to 2pm.
Do the guided tours run every day?
Yes. The Gold Rush Walking Tour starts at 10am every day, departing from the Beechworth Courthouse. It runs for 45 minutes.
The Ned Kelly Walking Tour starts at 1pm every day, departing outside the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre. It runs for 45 minutes.
What is the difference between the Gold Rush Walking Tour and the Ned Kelly Walking Tour?
Both tours explore the historic streets of Beechworth, but each focuses on a different chapter of the town's story.
The Gold Rush Tour explores the events and people that transformed Beechworth into one of Victoria's most important goldfields towns during the 1850s. You'll discover stories of miners, migration, government, law and everyday life on the goldfields.
The Ned Kelly Tour focuses on Beechworth's connection to Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang. Following key locations associated with the Kelly era, the tour explores the people, events and differing perspectives behind one of Australia's most enduring historical stories.
Many visitors choose to experience both tours to gain a deeper understanding of Beechworth's rich and layered history.
Can I bring my dog on a walking tour?
Dogs are not able to join our guided Gold Rush or Ned Kelly walking tours.
Assistance dogs are welcome on all guided tours and in all Beechworth Historic Precinct buildings.
You might like to explore the precinct at your own pace using our free self-guided audio tour, which allows you to discover Beechworth's stories on a route and schedule that suits you.
We know many visitors enjoy exploring Beechworth with their dogs. There are plenty of dog-friendly areas throughout Beechworth to enjoy before or after your tour, making it easy to include your four-legged companion in your visit.
What is the Kelly Trials Exhibition?
The Kelly Trials Exhibition is an immersive 270-degree cinema presentation housed within the Beechworth Courthouse. Through powerful storytelling, imagery and sound, the experience explores the people, events and social issues that shaped the Kelly era, including themes of crime and punishment, law and order, governance and justice in colonial Victoria. The cinema presentation runs for around 20 minutes.
After the presentation, visitors are encouraged to explore the courthouse and the exhibits in each of its rooms.
Can I book school groups?
Yes. The Beechworth Historic Precinct offers a range of curriculum-aligned education programs for primary and secondary school groups. Visit the Education Programs page to explore available programs and submit a booking enquiry.
Where should I park?
Free, time-limited parking is available throughout central Beechworth, including on Ford Street near the Visitor Information Centre. Ample free parking is also available on Loch Street, behind the Town Hall Gardens.
We recommend that buses, caravans, motorhomes and RVs park on Williams Street, beside the Town Hall Gardens.
All Beechworth Historic Precinct buildings are within easy walking distance of one another.
Is the Beechworth Historic Precinct accessible?
Many areas of the Beechworth Historic Precinct are accessible, including the Kelly Trials Exhibition. However, accessibility may vary between buildings due to their historic nature.
The Beechworth Courthouse features wheelchair access via a ramp at the front of the building, while wheelchair access to the Burke Museum is available via the rear entrance.
If you have specific accessibility requirements, we recommend contacting the Visitor Information Centre before your visit so our team can help you plan your experience.
Can I visit without joining a tour?
Absolutely. Many visitors choose to explore the precinct at their own pace. You can visit the Burke Museum, explore historic buildings, take a self-guided audio tour and use the precinct map to discover the stories of Beechworth independently.
Can I learn about Ned Kelly in Beechworth?
Yes. Beechworth played a significant role in the Kelly story and offers several ways to explore this history, including the Kelly Trials Exhibition and the Ned Kelly Walking Tour. We also recommend visiting our neighbours at Old Beechworth Gaol for even more of the Ned Kelly story.
Where can I find a map of the Beechworth Historic Precinct?
A visitor map is available on the Map page of this website. You can view the map online or download a PDF version before your visit.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to help. Contact the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre on 1300 366 321 for visitor information, ticketing enquiries and accessibility advice.