Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
local chef Michael Ryan, the innovative menu features dishes such as Berkshire pork
belly, tea-smoked duck breast and some inspiring vegetarian choices. If you can't decide,
go for the degustation menu. Bookings essential.
Information
Beechworth Visitors Centre
( 1300 366 321;
www.beechworthonline.com.au
; 103 Ford St; 9am-5pm)
An
accommodation and activity booking service located in the Town Hall. Ask about the
Golden Ticket, which includes admission to the historic precinct and two guided walking
tours (valid for two days).
Getting There & Away
Beechworth is just off the Great Alpine Rd, 36km east of Wangaratta, and 280km north-
east of Melbourne.
V/Line
( 1800 800 007;
www.vline.com.au
)
runs a train/bus service between Melbourne and
Beechworth with a change at Seymour or Wangaratta ($31, 3½ hours, three daily). There
are direct buses from Wangaratta ($4.50, 35 minutes, six daily) and Bright ($4.60, 50
minutes, two daily).
MURRAY TO MOUNTAINS RAIL TRAIL
The
Murray to Mountains Rail Trail
(
www.murraytomountains.com.au
) is Victoria's second-longest bike path
and one of the High Country's best walking/cycling trails for families or casual riders. It's sealed and relatively
flat for much of the way, and passes through spectacular rural scenery of farms, forest and vineyards, with views
of the alpine ranges. The 94km trail runs from Wangaratta to Bright via Beechworth, Myrtleford and Porepunkah.
A newly completed section heads northwest from Wangaratta to Wahgunyah via Rutherglen, completing the true
Murray to Mountains experience.
Break up the journey and explore the area: stop off for a cold beer in a country pub such as the Ovens Hotel,
sample local produce in the gourmet region, jump off for tastings and lunch at a winery (such as Pennyweight,
Michelton or Boynton's), or spend a day or two in one of the many comfortable local B&Bs.
Aficionados say the 16km between Everton and Beechworth, which detours off the main trail, is the best part
of the ride (despite a challenging uphill section), as you're cycling through the bush. Bikes can be hired in
Wangaratta and Bright, as well as towns in between.
Bus-a-Bike
( 03-5752 2974) carries up to 11 people and
their bikes to wherever, from wherever, along the trail. Call to arrange your pick-up.
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