Beechworth Tree Walks

Beechworth's historic streets, parks and gardens contain an impressive collection of mature native and exotic trees, with some plantings dating back to the 1860s.

The Beechworth Tree Walks are three easy self-guided walks exploring the town's distinctive treescape. The routes pass through parks and gardens, historic streets and lanes, past churches and Victorian cottages, beneath avenues of elms and oaks, and beside Spring Creek and Lake Sambell.

Many of Beechworth's significant trees have historical, botanical or cultural importance. The town's early tree planting reflects the civic pride of the prosperous gold-rush settlement, with some trees supplied by Victoria's first Government Botanist, Baron Sir Ferdinand von Mueller.

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.