A Weekend Guide to Beechworth & Yackandandah

Victoria’s High Country has become one of Australia’s great regional escape destinations — known for heritage towns, incredible food and drink, cycling adventures and relaxed country hospitality.

While Beechworth is often the starting point for many visitors, more travellers are now exploring beyond the main streets and discovering nearby towns like Yackandandah, just 20 minutes drive away.

Together, the two towns offer the perfect High Country weekend — combining history, trails, local makers, great food and uniquely Australian spirits.

Day 1 — Explore Beechworth

Beechworth remains one of Victoria’s most loved regional destinations for good reason. The town’s beautifully preserved gold rush architecture, boutique shopping, breweries, bakeries and growing food scene make it an easy place to spend a full day wandering.

Start the morning with coffee and breakfast along Camp Street before exploring Beechworth’s historic streets, galleries and local stores. Visitors can also explore nearby walks, waterfalls and the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.

For those interested in food and drink experiences, Beechworth has become increasingly known for its breweries, wineries and regional produce, making it a natural base for a High Country getaway.

Day 2 — Discover Yackandandah

A short scenic drive from Beechworth, Yackandandah offers a slower pace and a different side of the High Country experience.

Known for its creative community, artisan makers and beautiful historic streetscape, Yackandandah has become increasingly popular with cyclists, weekend travellers and visitors looking to explore beyond the larger tourism hubs.

The completion of the Beechworth–Yackandandah Rail Trail and Indigo Epic mountain bike trails has helped connect the two towns more closely than ever, making Yackandandah an easy addition to any Beechworth itinerary.

Spend the day exploring local galleries and shops, with a lunch stop at the newly refreshed Yack Hotel, before stopping in at Backwoods Distilling Co.

A Distillery Experience in the Heart of the High Country

Backwoods Distilling Co. crafts award-winning Australian whisky and gin using 100% Australian-grown grains and native botanicals.

Located in Yackandandah’s historic main street, the distillery door offers whisky tastings, gin flights and cocktails in a relaxed High Country setting.

Backwoods has become known for its uniquely Australian approach to whisky making — maturing spirits in Shiraz, Muscat, Tawny and rare Red Gum barrels that reflect the climate and landscape of North East Victoria.

Whether you’re enjoying a post-ride whisky, settling in for an afternoon tasting or taking home a bottle from your High Country trip, Backwoods offers a distinctly local experience that feels deeply connected to the region.

Planning Your High Country Weekend

A Beechworth and Yackandandah weekend works particularly well for:

• couples getaways
• cycling weekends
• food and drink lovers
• whisky enthusiasts
• long weekend escapes
• winter getaways in Victoria’s High Country

Backwoods Distilling Co. is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am–4pm.

If you’re planning your next High Country escape, make sure Yackandandah is part of the itinerary.

Head to Victoria's High Country for more suggestions and information to plan your trip.