Beechworth Treescape Town Walks
Beechworth offers magnificent old avenues and a surprisingly large number of parks and gardens with plantings which began in the 1860’s and continue to the present day. The Town Hall Gardens, Chinese Gardens, Queen Victoria Park, Wallace Park and the Ovens Goldfields Hospital Park contain many specimens of exotic trees protected by heritage regulations.
The three self-guided tree walks will lead you around the lanes and parks, past old churches and Victorian timber cottages, under avenues of elms and oaks, through a conifer arboretum, and along side a lake and creek now replanted with native and exotic vegetation but originally part of the Beechworth gold fields.
Many trees are to be listed on the Indigo Shire’s Significant Tree Register as having exceptional historical, botanical or cultural value. Their place within the built environment reflects the importance in the Victorian era of town planning for a community, wealthy in gold and civic pride.
Download the Beechworth Treescapes Town Walks brochure
Spring Creek Walk
Distance: 2.3 km circuit
Time: 60 minutes
Grade: 1
The Spring Creek Walk explores Beechworth's leafy streets and the area around Spring Creek, where gold was discovered in February 1852.
Within only a few years of the discovery, Beechworth had grown into a major gold-rush settlement with more than 20,000 people living in the district.
The route highlights some of the mature trees which have helped give Beechworth its distinctive leafy character. Part of the walk also follows the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, which is shared by walkers and cyclists.
Lake Walk
Distance: 2.3 km circuit
Time: 60 minutes
Grade: 1
The Lake Walk combines Beechworth's historic streets and gardens with the attractive surroundings of Lake Sambell.
The route features significant trees around the Old Beechworth Gaol, Queen Victoria Park and Lake Sambell. Along the way are examples of the exotic and native trees planted throughout Beechworth from the nineteenth century to the present day.
The walk provides an easy way to combine Beechworth's historic townscape with parks, gardens and lakeside scenery.
Churches Walk
Distance: 2.6 km circuit
Time: 60 minutes
Grade: 1
The Churches Walk passes historic places of worship, stone cottages, old streets and mature trees established throughout Beechworth over more than 150 years.
European settlers planted many familiar tree species around the developing town, creating avenues and garden landscapes alongside native vegetation. Today these mature trees form an important part of Beechworth's historic streetscape.
The walk also provides a glimpse of Beechworth's early church history. The first Methodist services in the town were held outdoors by miner and lay preacher Mr C. Williams before a tent was purchased for services. More substantial churches were later constructed and several historic places of worship remain features of the town.
Walking Guide
A map showing the three routes and significant trees is available in the Beechworth Treescapes information.
Location:
The three walks begin in central Beechworth and follow different circuits through the town.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs can accompany walkers but must be kept securely on a leash in public places except within designated off-leash areas.
Location
103 Ford Street, Beechworth 3747 View Map
Web Links
→ www.explorebeechworth.com.au/walks
→ www.explorebeechworth.com.au/beechworth-treescapes-2
→ Beechworth Treescape Town Walks Brochure (PDF)
