VIC: Of Beechworth and Gorge Walk

Beechworth has a well-preserved historical town, also in the north-east direction of Victoria. It was just an hour away from Bright by car/bus. As of 2016, Beechworth had a population of about 3,800. 

Beechworth Historic & Cultural Precinct

Beechworth Historic Courthouse

Old Beechworth Gaol

Likely many other towns, Beechworth was a gold producing region in the past, circa 1852-1857. Walking around Beechworth, one would see many references to Ned Kelly - an Australian bushranger, outlaw, gang leader and convicted police-murderer. He was known for wearing a suit of bulletproof armour in his final shootout with the police. Kelly was trialed at the Beechworth Historic Courthouse and held in the Beechworth Gaol. 

I rocked up to the Tourist Information Center and they prompted offered me a map. The 2 staffs in the center were very friendly and offered options of things to do. It was a hot day so their recommendations on the particular day of my visit was - ice-cream, cooling down at the Lake Sambell Reserve, visit the Bilson's for free cordials, indoor options of museum or courthouse. 

Whilst I didn't enter any of the historical sites, I saw this Telegraph Station just next to the courthouse. One could send a message by telegram from this Historic Telegraphy Station by morse code to anywhere in Australia at the cost of $2. I think that's pretty cool. 

Beechworth Gorge Walk

Probably not thinking right due to the heat, I did none of those (except the ice-cream). I decided to do the Beechworth Gorge Walk. It wasn't too long, just 6km and should take about 2.5 hours. It felt much longer though, possibly due to the heat. 

Saw another echidna at the beginning of my walk and got pretty excited. Me, not the echidna. 

I was the only crazy who walk the Gorge Walk, I did not meet anyone on foot. There were cars, less than 10 but all stopped at The Cascades. When I was at this 'lookout' place, a car slowed down but didn't stop. 

Can you see the 'The Three Sisters' sign? I had a good laugh, you might if you heard of the other Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.  

This was where the others headed to, The Cascades. When I walked passed, there were 3 cars parked at this area.  

I continued my walk back to the historic center. By this time I was motivated by promise of ice-cream at the end of the walk. 

Ford Street / Camp Street

Most of the shops were closed by evening. I decided to go for a walk after dinner, it was definitely more quiet, less people and not hot at this time. 

Lake Sambell

 

I made it to Lake Sambell but the sun has set. When I got back to Camp Street, just managed to catch the last light before it got dark. 

Beechworth Honey Discovery

Beechworth Honey Discovery is located in the historic Bank of NSW and provides information on honey and bees. I just happened to walk pass as it was just next to my accommodation in Beechworth. There is a separate honey shop at the end of Ford Street. 

Food

I feel that food options in Beechworth is less than Bright. Appears that the most popular ones are Provenance and The Ox and Hound Bistro. I attended neither but went in to Provenance to pick up a bottle of Orchard amaro. 

Amandhi's

Turmeric potatoes in spinach curry sauce, mustard pickled cauliflower and steamed rice, AUD 26

A sustainable Sri Lankan food in Beechworth. I had the specials for lunch the day I arrived, and while it was tasty, I thought it could be priced more economically.  

Beechworth Ice-creamery

Honeycomb & boysenberry, AUD 6.60

Treat promised after Gorge Walk under the hot sun. Outlet looked very similar to the one in Bright, as well as the pricing. This is small cup with options of 2 flavours. 

Hibernian Hotel

Chicken schnitzel, AUD 24

Regular pub food of schnitzel plus lemon lime bitters (AUD 5.30) for dinner. One can choose the sauce and 2 sides. I asked for pepper sauce with sides of chips and vegetables. Service was very fast. 

Beechworth Honey

Ironbark honey & macadamia ice-cream, AUD 4

I picked up the limited edition mini trio (45g x 3) to try. Saw some honey ice-cream in the freezer and thought, why not? Crossed the road and enjoyed my ice-cream in the shade. 

The Beechworth Sweet Company

Absolute choc fudge, AUD 5.40 (~100g)

I forgot a picture before I cut into it. Minimum purchase for fudge is 100g, which is about 1 piece. This is too sweet for my liking, so not a fan. The rest of the options look even sweeter, so I don't know. 

Beechworth Bakery

The original Beechworth Bakery in Beechworth of course. I went into one in Echuca but didn't quite enjoyed my selection then but these two that I picked up were delicious!

I almost wanted to keep and eat the focaccia in the train but thankfully I didn't because it was packed plus another passenger helped me put the bag up at the overhead storage area which was way too high for me. In fact I also left my earphones in my backpack and had to endure the whole train ride without any music to keep myself entertained. 

So this was eaten by sitting by the roadside, behind a bus stop while waiting for my bus to Wangaratta before changing to a train. 

Bushranger (Tender roast beef, onion, sundried tomato, roast pumpkin, baby spinach, cheese & fruit chutney), AUD 9.80

Apple square, AUD 4.20

Breakfast was included in the room fee so I had those which were toasts, cereal, coffee, orange juice and biscuits. 

Side note: Photos not taken in the order of the post...

VIC: Food ideas in Bright

I had 3 nights in Bright, arrived and left around noon time and that gave me 9 meals. 

In order of when I had the meals. 

1. Blackbird Cafe

Iced latte, AUD 5

Baked trout, AUD 21

I was starving by the time I reached Bright and this was my first meal of the day. This was named as 'Whole baked Harrietville trout with house made dill sauce with a mixed cress salad' on their menu. The wait staff asked if I want the head and skin on, I thought I mentioned head off but skin on but all good. It was tasty though I find it a tad oily for my liking. 

2. Tomahawks

Banh mi prawn toast, AUD 19

This was after doing the Cherry Walk and I wanted to do a takeaway but was told takeaway not availble but I could dine in. So dine in it was. There were a few items on the menu that I wanted to try but went with this one as I thought it could be interesting. This was their Banh Mi Prawn Toast, this was tasty - the toast was crispy and has banh mi flavours. 

3. Coral Lee

Long mac, AUD 4

Banana buttermilk hotcakes, strawberry & cream, AUD 19

The cafe was cosy, it felt like I was stepping into someone's home and the banana hotcakes were unassumingly very filling. 

4. Gum Tree Pies

Steak & pepper, AUD 7

It has passed lunch time by the time I cycled back to Bright from Wandiligong. As lunch didn't happen due to my non reservation, I got myself a steak and pepper pie for lunch. There are 4 other shops in different towns.

Cost plus 20 cents for ketchup. Sauces are chargeable in Australia. Good pie with proper meat and pronounced pepper flavour. 

Pardon the presentation, it was a takeaway meal and I didn't do any plating for photos haha. 

5. Katsu

Pork katsu curry, AUD 20

When I started to google about Bright and food, I have decided that this would be one of the meals to have. They only do takeaway on my visit, I'm not sure if it has always been takeaway only or otherwise or would have dine-in in future. Tasty Japanese curry and I would return but didn't simply because I want to try food from other shops. Yep, I intentionally made it that only one meal per shop.

6. Cherry Walk Cafe

Long mac, AUD 3

BLAT, AUD 14.50

Probably a non updated menu mentioned of BLET - bacon, lettuce, fried egg and tomato sandwich. However when I ordered at the counter, I saw it was actually BLAT - bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato sandwich which were good too. 

They had buttermilk waffles served with caramelised Wandi apple, caramel sauce, hazelnut crumble or (or banana and maple) and vanilla bean ice-cream on their menu. I was tempted but bacon won. 

7. Bright Ice-Creamery

Pistachio & rum raisin, AUD 6.60

There is no option for 1 scoop, in case the price tag gave you a little fright. This was after the Apex Lookout Walk but before lunch where ice-creams were needed to cool down. 

8. Ginger Baker Cafe

Prawn spaghetti with garlic chili, white wine, tomato medley, spinach & parmesan cheese, AUD 24

There was a group of workmates (my assumption based on observation) were having their Christmas lunch there. This photo was taken after they have left, while I was waiting for food. 

9. Burgerville

Easy Cheesy, AUD 11 + chips, AUD 5

Based on my first two days' dinner, my friend remarked that it didn't feel like I was in regional Victoria. Haha, no more fusion or Asian food and a burger made an appearance. Decent burger. 

10. Mr. Pom Juice & Sanga Bar

Green smoothie, AUD 10

Most of the cafes were not open as it was fairly close to Christmas and I was influenced by the hot weather to have cold juice. This was their green smoothie - apple, celery, cucumber, pear, banana, spinach and kale. The panettone was brought from home, meant to be my breakfast/snack on commuting to Bright but did not end up eating. 

Side note: Do you always choose the same ice-cream flavour? 

VIC: Around Bright

War Memorial... thought I have a daytime shot but... shrug

As mentioned in my previous post, Bright is a town located in the northestern of Victoria. Bright had a reported population of about 2,400 recorded in 2016. It was named after John Bright, a British statesman. 

The town isn't big but there are a lot of options for food, shopping, newsagent, a Woolworths supermarket and many bars to choose from. 

Dr Mauve Bar & Lounge

Chinese restaurant that reminded me of some abandoned house -__-

Mr. Pom is actually a juice & sanga bar

A lolly shop that strategically next to a dentist

Christmas tree because it was just days before Christmas

There's a cinema too that I didn't enter

The Alpine Hotel which also has a bar/bistro, important to know as the Vline bus stop is just here

Also entered this one but also didn't buy anything... shop above, taken at different day and time

A book shop... I entered but didn't buy anything

On the way to the Dumu Balcony Cafe but left because food were not served then

... so I went to to Cherry Walk Cafe instead

Side note: Kōshien (甲子園) ^^