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In February 1852 gold was discovered at Spring Creek. The wealth from the gold rush helped to create what is now known as the Beechworth Historic and Cultural Precinct. The precinct is a series of authentic gold rush administration buildings identified as the most historically significant of its kind in Victoria. The Full Precinct Ticket includes Burke Museum, Telegraph Station, Court House, Chinese Cultural Centre and Powder Magazine.
Burke Museum
Erected in 1857, the building changed its name in 1863 to honour the explorer Robert OHara Burke. Burke was the Police Superintendent in Beechworth from 1854-1858. It is one of the best provincial museums in Victoria. Tickets for the precinct can be obtained at the museum and it is a preferred entry point for bus groups. Within the museum is the "Strand of Time", a re-creation of Beechworth shops from the 19th century. A soundscape complements the buildings, bringing life to a fascinating replica of Beechworths early commercial centre.
Points of Interest: Gold rush, “Street of Shops”, Bushrangers, Life on the Goldfields.
Telegraph Station
Opened in January 1858, this building was a key point of communication throughout the district. In 1871, the telegraph station was remodeled to become the District Survey Office of the Lands Department. In late 1999 the Department relocated within Beechworth. The office now contains exhibits of telegraph and surveying equipment. It also has a collection of recordings from Beechworth identities who give personal views on the development of their town. The Time Table provides an audio visual glimpse of the growth of Beechworth from a rocky outcrop to a bustling town.
Points of Interest: Morse Code, Time Table, Surveying Displays and Oral History Room.
Court House
One of the finest remaining gold-rush courthouses in Australia. Built in 1858, the courthouse served many judicial purposes until its closure in 1989. The courtroom was the scene of countless trials involving Ned Kelly, his mother Ellen, bushranger Harry Power and Elizabeth Scott. Sir Isaac Isaacs, Supreme Court Judge and Australias first native born Governor-General, began his legal career in the courthouse. The courtroom has a sound system that re-creates parts of the trials of yesteryear and the holding cells tell tales of despair, hope and humour
Beechworth Chinese Cultural Centre
The Chinese population grew quickly during the gold-rush. In order to ensure harmonious relations on the goldfields, a Chinese Protectors Office was established in 1859. The Chinese protector was responsible for the collection of miners rights and business licences, and for enforcing the rules of the protectorate. it became the Mining Registration Office in 1864.
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