This is the second time I am visiting a dear friend at Wodonga, Victoria. Last year we started our tour of the surrounding historical Gold Rush towns by visiting Yackandandah. This year it was time to investigate the town of Beechworth made famous as the birthplace of the Australian bush-wrangler Ned Kelly and by all the stories surrounding him and his gang.
As it was my second time around, I was already prepared for the idyllic atmosphere of the town. The trees were just getting their autumn colours and the streets were full of happy and curious people. I was told that the town lives for the weekends when the tourists flood the streets and the shops in order to unwind from their worldly troubles.
By dropping into the town visitor information centre the curious traveler is able to get all the needed help about accommodations, tickets to venues, souvenirs and the latest books on the Kelly family.
In fact, I was really impressed by the compassionate attitude of the information shop attendant. She was tackling the wealth of enquires showing such knowledge and problem solving skill, well worthy of high recommendation. I am sure that the inviting manner she displayed will play a crucial part on the impression the visitor gets of the town.
Our first goal was to experience the Beechworth Bakery and taste its famous pies. I had a vegetarian Coulicolli Pie and my friend ate a Curry Pie. For the dessert, we had an apple pie, all with a nice cup of tea while watching an endless flow of people. There was a huge cycling event going on in town and everyone was milling around getting drinks and snacks.
And of course, we bought some home with us as well. Especially as it will be the Anzac Day soon and this particular bakery is so very famous for baking the Anzac Biscuits just right. I just had to have some.
Our second stop was the charming and old fashioned Burke Museum where we were able to get a warmhearted insight to the 19th Century town life through walking through the displays of shops and streets representing the history of the town.
The very famous Ned Kelly was introduced through his original death mask and the amour.
The building was originally built for the Beechworth Men's Association, later to become the Athenaeum for educating the young men of the area.
I spent some time reading a few articles on Ned Kelly's final funeral that was conducted 132 years after his death, only in January, this year (2013). I had missed that. Also I longed to buy the new book on Ellen, Ned Kelly's mother that I found in the shop. It promised to be a great read giving lots of new insights to the life and times of the historical town life and its women's blights. Unfortunately, it weighted a lot and I am flying home soon.
The rest of the day was spent wandering the historic and cultural precinct of Beechworth on the 'Echoes of History' walking tour, taking pictures and inhaling the idyllic atmosphere.
According to the Official Visitor Guide book, there is lots to do in Beechworth for curious families, including nature and ghost tours. And did you know that the famous'General' Tom Thumb who was 77 cm tall and the celebrity in his own time around the world and who was presented to Queen Victoria and the Char of Russia, was also from Beechworth?
I am quite certain that a few days holiday at any of these historical towns but especially at Beechworth will be able to help to relax anybody wanting some relief from the hurries of the big city or otherwise stressful life.
Spending some time there will be able to educate the compassionate traveler on how to preserve the historical heritage of a town in a loving, heartwarming and respectful way.
A recommended choice for great time.
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