Barry Falls is a hidden gem nestled in the forest near the historic gold mining town of Eldorado. This seasonal waterfall is best viewed after rainfall and is most spectacular during late winter and early spring when water runoff from the surrounding hills is at its peak. At most times of the year, the falls may be dry.
The walk to Barry Falls is approximately one kilometre return and begins from a small car park on Warbler Track off Neioffs Road. The track is clearly marked and climbs gently to the falls, making it a pleasant short walk for nature lovers.
Situated on a tributary of Reedy Creek, Barry Falls offers a peaceful nature experience for those exploring the Eldorado region.
The Eldorado Cemetery sits on the slopes amongst bushland surrounding Eldorado. With its many marked and unmarked graves of the town's early pioneers, it is a true step back in time to the area's mining days. When first established the cemetery was segregated into Catholic, Wesleyan and Anglican, however segregation no longer occurs.
The earliest known burial was that of an infant- Marion Cousins, daughter of Amos and Maria in 1854. In 1900 a fire destroyed all the cemetery records; however, a new database was established in 2013.
In July 1895 the McEvoy Mine disaster resulted in the deaths of John Kneebone, James Thompson, John Crane, Chas Dawkins, Frederick Bork and James Armstrong, five of these six miners are interred here together. This disaster contributed to the change of mining technique from deep shaft mining to open-cut sluicing.
The family graves of John Colin Angus, his wife Lillian, and their daughter Roslyn Schumacher are found here. Colin, a well-known painter, lived at Wandana, Eldorado. At the passing of Roslyn, he commissioned a sculptured portrait of her looking towards the family home, which appears like she is crying when it rains.
Reedy Creek in the Woolshed Valley just outside of Eldorado is a great area to get away from everything and discover a hidden gem in North East Victoria.
The creek is very popular with prospectors. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic sites located throughout the Chiltern Mt-Pilot National Park.
Basic bush camping is permitted next to the creek, however you will need to leave your pets at home as it is National Park.
Top Cut is a tranquil lake steeped in the history of a mining era gone by. The deep expanse of water makes it the perfect spot to while away the hours on or by the water.
Bring your own canoe, pack a picnic of local goodies and spread your blanket on the sandy foreshore under the large gums to take in the serene outlook.
Popular with families, a favourite with couples and often a place for friends to congregate – the friendly atmosphere and secluded spots along the lake are popular with all. A hearty meal or chilled ale can be had at the nearby McEvoy Tavern, the perfect way to end the day.
Wild Sacred Medicine is a holistic healing practice located on a peaceful five-acre property known as Ashby Grove, just outside the historic town of Beechworth in North East Victoria. Surrounded by trees, open land, and the gentle presence of animals, it offers a calm and restorative environment for visitors seeking relaxation, connection, and personal renewal.
Wild Sacred Medicine supports embodied alignment helping people reconnect with themselves, nature, and a more centred way of being through Healing Arts sessions and Sacred Gatherings.
Visitors can experience individual Healing Arts sessions including Reiki (Energy Healing), Shamanic Healing, Ancestral Medicine, and relational healing work. These sessions are designed to support deep relaxation, emotional release, clarity, and a sense of balance and wellbeing.
Sacred Gatherings, seasonal rituals, retreats, and labyrinth experiences provide opportunities for reflection, connection, and shared healing in a welcoming community environment.
Sessions are held in private indoor spaces, with nature-based experiences available by arrangement. The surrounding land, horses, friendly Kelpie, and chickens contribute to the peaceful atmosphere and sense of immersion in the natural environment.
Wild Sacred Medicine is a women-led, inclusive, and diversity-honouring space welcoming individuals, families, and visitors from all backgrounds who are seeking meaningful experiences during their time in the region.
This rugged outcrop of granite at the south-east corner of the Eldorado township is home to a monument honouring local farrier Edwin Baldwin who died while serving in the Boer War.
The monument, erected by the residents of Eldorado, stands as a reminder of the district's contribution to Australia's early military history. The original memorial plaque is on the northern face of the monument with a new brass plaque, supplied by the RSL in 2004, on the western face. The missing upper section of the monument is thought to have been brought down by lightning.
Walk from the museum in the centre of town to a laneway heading to the base of Monument Hill. A short but steep walk to the lookout offers a spectacular vantage point over the town and surrounding Chiltern Mt-Pilot National Park.
The walk is 18 minutes return, Grade 3, on an unformed track.
River Road Reserve is a small bush camping area along the Ovens River. Pleasant bush camping overlooking the Ovens River, well shaded by Manna Gum and wattle.
There are no facilities however the Ovens River offers great fishing, kayaking and swimming. Dependent on water levels there is often a lovely sandy beach.
Dogs are welcome.
There are no built fireplaces in this campground, however, it may be permissible to have a campfire under certain conditions. Please check local fire restrictions and rules before lighting fires.
Beginning in the centre of Eldorado, following the creek traverse the winding track through the rejuvenated native forest, seeped in mining history and tales of an era gone by you'll be immersed in nature with abundant wildlife.
Stop by one of the sculptured seats and take it all in – the perfect place to snap a photograph or simply take in the serenity.
The iconic swing bridges provide beautiful views over the creek and surrounding forest, and keen-eyed visitors may even spot gemstones along the way.
The El Dorado Museum collection is sited in the original schoolhouse number 246 which opened in 1870. The school rooms and out-sheds house a large variety of items such as social and domestic purpose items.
Gold and tin mining relics from the Cock's El Dorado Gold and Tin Dredge and Cock's Pioneer sluicing are on display as well as information on various mines in the area with some photographic history of the mining from 1850 until 1950. Agricultural implements can be viewed in and around the big shed.
A blacksmith's shop has a fireplace, bellows, anvil, hammers, and other tools. There are also woodworkers hand tools, saws, and mining implements. Genealogy is available from school records, cemetery records World War One records and some photos, lodge and church records, and mining records. The museum has war memorabilia ranging from helmets and medals to souvenirs brought back by soldiers.
Children's treasure hunt activities are available with some hands-on items to try out as well. They can have a go at gold panning and keep any gold that they discover.
Open some public holidays (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM) but not Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. Open Anzac Day by appointment.
Step back in time and discover the remarkable history of Eldorado on the Eldorado Historic Sites Walk. This self-guided heritage trail explores 31 significant mining and commercial sites, tracing the town's evolution from its gold rush beginnings in the 1850s through to the mid-20th century.
As you wander through the historic township, you'll uncover stories of pioneering miners, local businesses and the people who helped shape one of Victoria's most prosperous mining communities. The walk offers a fascinating insight into Eldorado's rich past and allows visitors to explore at their own pace.
Eldorado remains a popular destination for fossicking and gold panning, with Reedy Creek providing a hands-on connection to the area's gold rush heritage. A Miner's Right is required for fossicking and can be purchased online through the Victorian Government. Reedy Creek is also renowned among gemstone enthusiasts and is considered one of Australia's richest fossicking locations. Visitors may discover a variety of gemstones and minerals, including smoky quartz, agates, amethyst, topaz, citrine, garnet, sapphire, zircon, tourmaline and even traces of alluvial gold.
Pack a picnic and spend a relaxing day by the creek, combining history, nature and adventure. Whether you're interested in heritage, fossicking or simply exploring a charming historic town, the Eldorado Historic Sites Walk offers a rewarding experience for visitors of all ages.
From the centre of Eldorado cycle your way out and over the swing bridge in McEvoy Drive and into the Mt Pilot National Park.
Featuring scenic views over the valley, glimpsing of the creek beds below – you will be transported to another place as you ride through the natural untouched environment.
Richard's Track offers a challenge for the more advanced rider with winding tracks around rocky granite outcrops. Dodge those granite boulders and gather some speed as you descend from the fire tracks down the ridge to the river beds. With every turn revealing a new vista, this ride combines adventure, natural beauty and a true taste of Eldorado's High Country charm.
A touch of adrenaline is best matched with a crisp local cider at the tavern as you share stories of your ride with locals and friends alike.
The Eldorado - Beechworth gravel ride loop features sections of the famous Gravelista High Country and Beechworth Granite Classic events, a climbing challenge with stunning scenery.
This advanced loop is a truly iconic gravel ride. Pedal the rolled gold gravel surface between Eldorado and Beechworth's historic gold rush towns for spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, waterfalls, a river crossing and the locally renowned Three Farm Gates section (remember to close the gates behind you). As challenging as it is scenic, take on over 1000 metres of climbing and descents that will keep you on your cleats with off-camber corners. Cheers your adventure with a post-ride beverage and meal at Victoria's smallest pub in Eldorado.
This loop has an elevation gain of 1,032 metres.
Water and toilets can be found in the Eldorado township and Beechworth Railway Station.
The Rural City of Wangaratta and Ride High Country have made every effort to ensure the text, maps and details of each ride are as accurate as possible, but accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy or misdescription by either omission or inclusion. In addition, no responsibility is accepted for any inconvenience, mishap, loss or injury incurred as a result of riding these routes. Details, services and road conditions are subject to change without notice.
Test yourself on this long gravel ride loop past historic gold rush landmarks and through the Mount Barambogie State Forest and Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park.
Starting in Eldorado or Wangaratta, pedal smooth gravel roads through native bushland and historic sites. If you're starting in Wangaratta, you can start from the Murray to Mountains Trailhead.
This intermediate route offers a sense of tranquility while remaining close to civilization. The terrain is predominantly rolling, passing through grazing farmlands, and includes a moderate but notable climb within Mount Barambogie State Forest.
For those seeking a slightly less demanding ride, turn right at Eldorado-Byawatha Road to reduce the route by nearly 10 kilometre and cut the climbing in half. Don't miss the retired Eldorado Dredge, one of the largest historic dredges in the Southern Hemisphere.
This ride has an elevation gain of 702 metres. Water and toilets can be found in Apex Park, Wangaratta and the Eldorado township.
Every effort has been made to ensure the text, maps and details of each ride are as accurate as possible. No responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracy or misdescription by either omission or inclusion. No responsibility is accepted for any inconvenience, mishap, loss or injury as a result of riding these routes. Road conditions are subject to change without notice.
Reid's Walk is a shared path that winds through a fascinating landscape shaped by Eldorado's rich gold mining history. The former alluvial mining area is scattered with tailings, settling ponds and other remnants left behind by the township's historic gold and tin mining dredge, offering a glimpse into an industry that once transformed the valley.
The walk is 1.1 kilometres long and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete along a Grade 2 formed track, making it suitable for most visitors.
Beginning in the centre of Eldorado, access the walking track by taking MacKay Street and then parking alongside the signposted walk, start in McCoy Street.
The track leads down to Reedy Creek and follows it upstream to a suspension bridge over the creek.
Following the creek you'll be immersed in nature with abundant wildlife. Stop by one of the sculptured seats and take it all in. It is the perfect place to snap a photograph or simply take in the serenity. The swing bridge offers views over the creek and into the forests.
Return to town the way you came or via the road.
Cock's Eldorado Dredge, one of the largest dredges in the Southern Hemisphere, has remained in its final mooring place at Eldorado since 1954. It was tied up here after operating for 18 years and extracting 70,664 ounces of gold and 1,383 tons of tin concentrate from the rich alluvial plain of Reedy Creek. It remains a formidable sight and graphically illustrates the extent of the mining operation in and around the town.
The Dredge walk is an easy 15 minute stroll around the pond with numbered posts corresponding to information in Parks Victoria's Eldorado Dredge visitor guide brochure. Learn about the dredge, its operation and the environment.
The dredge walk is a smaller section of the shared path network in and around Eldorado which connects the historical landmarks, key township attractions and the dredge. It is a one hour round trip from the centre of town to the dredge and back along the shared path.
Or don you gumboots in winter or sandshoes in summer, for a walk along the scenic Reidy Creek beaches with your day pack for a picnic along the way. With beautiful outcrops of native forest and eucalypt trees, spread your picnic blanket or perch on the river rocks for your picnic and take in the sounds of the water flowing, the chirping birds and the rustling of the trees.
Although Eldorado's main gold extraction was through open-cut methods, the gold discovered in the river flats wasn’t as easily accessible as gold found further up Reedy Creek.
In 1936 production of Cock’s large bucket dredge began, mining alluvial gold and tin until 1954. It was one of the largest dredges in the Southern Hemisphere – a floating monster weighing 2,142 tons and pulling the third most power from the State Electricity Grid after Melbourne and Geelong. In its 18 years of operation, the dredge produced 70,664 ounces of gold and 1,383 tons of tin concentrate.
By the time the dredge was decommissioned it had dredged 30,000,000 cubic metres from the river flats of El Dorado Plain. It remains a formidable sight and graphically illustrates the extent of the mining operation in and around the town.
You can visit the dredge in its final resting place, located on the outskirts of the town on the El Dorado-Byawatha Road.
Restored by the National Trust in 1966, this building is a unique addition to the historic precinct of Beechworth.
Built in 1859 at a cost of £1500, the Powder Magazine stored black-powder used for blasting on the goldfields, and miners were required by law to leave bulk gunpowder in the building overnight. The unique design of the building ensured that any explosion would be minimised by the building's structure.
Today, visitors can see the engineering that created this sturdy and quite rare building, designed so that any explosion would travel upwards rather than outwards.
The Powder Magazine is located a short distance from the centre of town, accessible by car with parking available, or you can take a leisurely bike ride or walk through the historic streets of Beechworth.
The Gallery on Ford is a light filled contemporary gallery showcasing the work of Maureen Varnavsky and selected artists.
Visitors are invited to experience a curated selection of two and three dimensional works in an intimate, contemporary setting. The Gallery On Ford is on the main road and just 150 metres from the shops in Beechworth. The Gallery on Ford, from time to time, also hosts workshops and exhibition openings.
The iconic Beechworth Honey Shop warmly welcomes visitors to discover the wonderful world of Australian honey.
Taste the largest collection of single varietal honey in Australia. With over 40 single varietal honeys to taste. From delicate, fruity, warm and bold flavour profiles, you'll be sure to find something to excite your tastebuds. Your day just got a whole lot sweeter.
The Beechworth Honey Shop is home to its very own working bee hive. Discover and learn about one of the world's most fascinating creatures and see honey being made right before your eyes.
The Beechworth Honey Shop is more than just honey. Shop from the range of 100% Australian honey, honey gifts, confectionary, drinks and their honey and beeswax skincare products. This is just the beginning of your Beechworth Honey experience.
Specialising in carefully curated Natural Fibres and Natural products throughout, Dalcheri offers unique styling and timeless ranges with a focus on sustainable and ethical manufacturing.
Dalcheri are the Leaders in Possum and Merino garments made in New Zealand, and stock a wide range of men's and women's knitwear, fashion and accessories in other superior natural fibres such as Merino Wool, Hemp, Linen, Wood Fibre, Cashmere, Silk, and Recycled Fibres.
The Dalcheri philosophy is built around a passion and desire to educate their customers on the benefits of natural fibres and the ethical and sustainable aspects of manufacturing, to empower them in making better choices around their shopping habits.
Shopping at Dalcheri Natural Fibres is an unmissable experience in itself, with superior product knowledge and an individualised and welcoming customer experience.
Established in 2000, Beechworth Toys and Collectables specialises in quality wooden toys, educational games, colourful hot air balloons, wooden trains, everything to aid a child development and learning skills - it is a truly a magical old-school shop.
Rambling through one of Beechworth's oldest well preserved buildings. If you can lift your head up above the toys you will see their pressed metal ceiling that came by ship from England in 1889.
From Babies to Octogenarian's, there is something for everyone, from large old style rocking horses that are Australian made to wind up tin toys, Spitfires, Second World War planes, Meccano, dolls from Europe, Amazing Australian plush animals, Finska, puzzles and so on. They also stock a vast range of Art supply. For the collector, they have French pocket knives, German Steiff Bears and Model planes.
Most importantly, the staff can help handpick and advise with making a suitable purchase for a child of a certain age.
The Benev Spa's therapists work with listening hands and talking bodies: creating a connection that invites deep rest, renewal, and a quiet return to self. In stillness, they flourish.
Each treatment space is designed to support that journey - with deep soaking tubs, rain showers, and a heritage setting that holds you gently. Whether you choose to experience a treatment in solitude or share the journey with another, each moment is guided by care and informed by the knowing that The Benev gives back: to people, place, and purpose.
Their purpose-built space offers unhurried lounges indoors and out, inviting you to linger a little longer, breathe a little deeper, and reconnect to what matters.
Be where your feet are and let your mind travel.
Bee School by Beechworth Honey is an interactive educational experience for schools and groups. Learn about the importance of bees, honey, and biodiversity.
Leave Bee School with a better understanding of the natural environment that sustains us. They provide access to enriching learning materials that are engaging, accessible, and inclusive for all ages.
The qualified educators have created all sessions and are aligned with the Australian and Victorian Curriculum. From play-based sessions exploring the workings of a hive to investigative experiences surrounding food security and the vital role of pollinators. All sessions end on a sweet note – tasting honey from our extensive range of over 40 different varieties!
Originally built as the Beechworth Athenaeum in 1857, The Burke Museum was named in honour of Robert O'Hara Burke, the famous explorer and former Beechworth Superintendent of Police, after his death at Coopers Creek in 1861 during the Burke and Wills expedition.
The collection includes Burke's own bible, inscribed revolver and saddlebags used in the ill-fated expedition. The Museum boasts a fascinating and historically significant collection of more than 30,000 individual items, many dating back more than 150 years. The collection includes a large collection of 19th Century native animal and birdlife taxidermy, significant Gold Rush era artefacts, and the Street of Shops, a unique recreation of Gold Era Beechworth.
The exhibition, People of Beechworth, showcases the resilience and diversity of the Beechworth community. The exhibition explores themes such as food and culture, volunteering, sport, Chinese history and the fight for gender equality in both a historic and modern context, and demonstrates that history is not something confined to the past, instead, it is made every day.
