Beechworth in Winter. What to do and how to have the perfect stay
I know not many people share my opinion, but I love winter. I love dressing in layers, putting on big coats and boots, snuggling by the fire, dark nights and rainy & stormy days. My husband thinks I’m a little bit crazy, but I find it so rejuvenating and relaxing at this time of the year. And I think Beechworth does winters so well. Some days it’s cold, dark and stormy, but then the next we're treated to crisp, clear blue sky days where the air is sharp and clean, the light is golden, and the town looks utterly beautiful.
Here's why I think you will love Beechworth in winter and should book a winter escape instead.
Settle in by the fire
One of the greatest pleasures of a Beechworth winter is the pub crawl, not for the drinking (well, not only for the drinking), but for the fireplaces.
Tanswell's Hotel on Ford Street has one of the best open fires in regional Victoria, burning in the front bar since the place opened in the 1870s. Order something from the local wine list, find a spot by the flames, and let the afternoon drift past. The Empire Hotel is another favourite, their front bar cocktails and bar snacks by the granite fireplace are worth the visit alone.
This is slow travel at its finest. No agenda, no rushing. Just warmth, good wine, and good company.
It's peak season for Beechworth's cool-climate wines
Winter is actually one of the best times to visit Beechworth's cellar doors.
The region's cool-climate wines, particularly the Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, are at their most satisfying when it's cold outside. There's something about tasting a rich, spiced Shiraz in the middle of winter that just makes sense. And with fewer visitors around, you're far more likely to spend time with the winemakers themselves rather than queuing behind a tour bus.
Pennyweight, Indigo Vineyard, and Amulet are all within 10km of Beechworth and are well worth the drive. Many of the Hidden Wineries group are also open by appointment on winter weekends, a genuinely intimate way to experience the region's wine culture. Call ahead and book a tasting.
Day trip to Mount Buffalo for snow, views, and no resort fees
Just an hour's drive south of Beechworth, Mount Buffalo National Park is one of Victoria's great winter destinations and one of its best-kept secrets.
At 1,723 metres, the views from the plateau are extraordinary in any season. In winter, the granite boulders are dusted with snow, the waterfalls are running hard, and the walking trails through the snow gums feel genuinely otherworldly. If the snow gods have been generous, Dingo Dell is perfect for family-friendly tobogganing and snow play, and unlike the ski resorts, there are no entry fees.
Heritage walks without the crowds
Beechworth's historic precinct, including the Old Gaol, the Courthouse, the Burke Museum, and the Telegraph Station, is always worth exploring. But in winter, you don’t have to worry about the crowds.
Stand in the dock where Ned Kelly faced his committal hearing in August 1880. Walk through the cell blocks where his mother Ellen, was held. The cold, dark cells in winter give you an understanding of what life was really like for inmates in the old sandstone building.
For something truly memorable, the ghost tour of Mayday Hills Asylum runs year-round. On a cold winter's night, it's spine-tinglingly good.
The floating sauna on Lake Sambell
A ten-minute walk from town and The Inn, Stillwater Saunas is North-East Victoria's first floating sauna. It’s a wood-fired Scandinavian-style sauna sitting right on the water at Lake Sambell. Heat up, then step off the deck for a cold plunge into the lake. It feels slightly crazy, but the way you feel afterwards is worth every second of it.
On a winter's morning with mist on the lake and the hills rising behind it, this is one of the most memorable experiences in regional Victoria. Book a private session for your group at stillwatersaunas.com.a
Where to stay
At The Inn Beechworth, we have three beautiful heritage stays, each one warm, private, and full of character.
Ned's Nook is our cosy studio, perfect for a couple seeking a quiet winter escape. Soft European linens, warm touches throughout, and everything you need for a few days of doing absolutely nothing at pace.
Pickett's Cottage is our gorgeous one-bedroom cottage. It’s the most romantic of our three stays, ideal for a winter getaway for two. The kind of place you check into on Friday afternoon and don't want to leave on Sunday.
Kelly House is our beautifully restored 1890s home with three bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. It’s perfect for families or a group of friends who want to share a long winter weekend together. The wood-lined whisky room with its open fire is the perfect place to relax in the evening.
All three are pet-friendly, so your dog is very welcome to join you.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beechworth worth visiting in winter? Absolutely. Winter is one of the best times to visit, the town is quieter, the cellar doors are welcoming, the fires are roaring, and you can day trip to Mount Buffalo for snow.
How cold does it get in Beechworth in winter? Daytime temperatures typically reach around 11–12°C, while nights can drop close to 0°C. It's cold enough to feel properly wintry, but not so cold that it stops you getting out and about. Pack layers and you'll be perfectly comfortable.
What is there to do in Beechworth in winter? Plenty. Shop at our wonderful independent boutiques, cellar door wine tasting, heritage walks, day trips to Mount Buffalo for snow, the Saturday Farmers' Market, ghost tours, and cosy days in your accommodation doing very little. It's a perfect slow travel destination.
How far is Beechworth from Melbourne? Beechworth is approximately 3 hours northeast of Melbourne via the Hume Freeway. It's an easy and scenic drive, making it ideal for a long weekend escape.
Is Beechworth pet-friendly in winter? Yes! All three of our stays at The Inn Beechworth welcome dogs. Beechworth itself has plenty of dog-friendly walks, parks, and outdoor spaces to enjoy year-round.
Can you see snow in Beechworth? Snow occasionally falls in Beechworth itself, but for a reliable snow experience, head to Mount Buffalo National Park, which is about an hour's drive south. It's a spectacular day trip in winter with no resort fees. You will need to rent chains for your car in Myrtleford on your way through.