Beechworth 6 – 7 November 2009

Had a short drive to Beechworth through the hills. We enjoyed the lovely green scenery of grape vines and saw grass cut and ready to be racked up into hay rolls. Arrived in warm sunshine in Beechworth and quickly realised that we have been here before on one of our previous Victorian trips on a cold day - this was very different! It is an old gold mining town, with many particularly fine colonial buildings. The building façades are very appealing and elegant. Beechworth’s chief claim to fame is the time Ned Kelly spent in the town. He went to school there and finished at the stone academy on the hill (goal)! He also appeared in the local court re horse stealing! Early days in a stellar career!
There was a lovely camp on site next to the Bright Caravan Park for motor homers for $10 a night (CMCA mates take note!). It overlooked Lake and was very close to the town centre. We had a gorgeous evening walk around the lake and eventually realised it was an artificial lake left over from the gold diggings. It gave off a European feel!
The Celtic Festival is on for the whole weekend with the main entertainment being on Saturday. They blocked off the main streets and had Scottish pipe bands and Irish dancers parading down the roads, as well as bush music in the pubs. We spent a little time in the Brewery and really enjoyed the music (and a few drinks)! There were markets and a boot sale at the school. Had a few interesting chats to the locals about why they live there! They love skiing!