Affordable Summer Holidays: Beechworth

Beechworth

Why do we rate it?

Beechworth offers brisk country air and plentiful culinary experiences, which are big on, but not limited to, the gourmet. You’ll also find plentiful
old-fashioned ice-creameries and lolly shops.

Where is it?
285km from Melbourne, Beechworth is a 3hr 15min drive north-east on the Hume Highway.

Where to stay
La Trobe at Beechworth was Victoria’s largest psychiatric institution, used until the 1970s. The renovated cottages and lodges now accommodate couples, families and groups of up to 17. With a gym, pool, tennis court, laundry, games room, bar, bistro and day spa on site, you’ll never need to leave – but don’t worry, they’ll let you. The Old Priory has rooms in old miners’ cottages and the guest house.

How much is it?
La Trobe’s gatehouse lodge sleeps 17. At $350 a night, that’s a crazy $20.60 per person. Family cottages sleep up to eight for $200 a night, $25 each, and doubles are just $115 per night including breakfast. The Old Priory charges $40 for dormitory beds and $85 for doubles, while cottages cost $120 and self-contained flats cost $130.

Availability
Opera in the Alps is held onsite on January 15, so all rooms are booked out for that, but availability is good for the rest of the month and over Christmas.

What to do
The town’s prime position on the upper tablelands makes it the perfect spot to sample local produce and meet the producers. Try Beechworth Bakery for hot scones or the Beechworth Sweet Company for boiled toffees. Splurge on dinner at Michael Ryan’s Provenance, a showcase of the best local produce. And, of course, learn about the gold rush history.

Contact
La Trobe at Beechworth //
Albert Rd.
(03) 5720 8050; latrobe.edu.au/beechworthhotel

Old Priory Guest House //
8 Priory Lane.
(03) 5728 1024; oldpriory.com.au