| BEAUFORT - VICTORIA - 3373 | ||||
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Population: 1100, Elevation: 137, Latitude: 37.25.87 Longitude: 143.22.80 Location: 150km west of Melbourne Highway: Western Hwy (8) Nearest Major Town: Melbourne Nearest Airport: Melbourne Touring Area: Goldfields |
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 The rotunda in Beaufort. | |
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Beaufort was first explored in the 1830's by Major Sir Thomas Mitchell, and settled by both the
Kirkland Brothers and Mr. Hamilton, the latter taking up the old Trawalla Station in 1838.
Trawalla was taken over by Mr Adolphus Goldsmith (after whom the Lake Goldsmith State Game
Reserve was named) in 1841, and he developed a rich grazing enterprise. Gold was discovered in Beaufort in 1852. Fiery Creek was the centre of a gold rush several years later. The population at one stage reached an estimated 10,000 - then steadily decreased as miners moved to more promising centres. By 1860 Beaufort had estabilised as a small but strong agricultural, pastoral and timber area. INDUSTRY Primary production is the largest industry in the area, and it some of the best wool growing country in Australia. Merino sheep predominate, but diversity of farm enterprises are numerous. Other primary industries are forestry, quarrying and mining. Secondary Industry includes a Timber Treatment Plant, Sawmill, Engineering Factory, Concrete Mixing Plant, Hard and Soft Timber Industries, Retail, Trade and Professional Services, various Government Utilities and a modern Hospital. ACTIVITIES Sporting facilities include an 18 hole golf course at Beaufort and 9 hole golf course at Snake Valley, Bowling Greens, Tennis Courts, Squash, Cricket, Basketball, Croquet, Football, Netball and Little Athletics. International, National & State Para-gliding and Hang-gliding pilots compete annually for the Mt. Cole Challenge cup. Beaufort Lake and Lake Burrumbeet offer camping, caravanning, fishing, boating and rowing. In an attractive setting in Beaufort there is an olympic size swimming pool with toddlers pool and BBQ facilities. and has an up to date Library service. CULTURAL Beaufort boasts one of the country's finest Brass Bands, a Classical Ensemble, Arts & Theatre Society and Country & Western Talent Club. It is central to 8 of the Regional National Galleries of Victoria. and has an up to date Library service. WINERIES Mount Langi Ghiran Winery, situated at Buangor (approx. 20km west of Beaufort), is part of the The Grampians Wine makers Group. There are 20 vineyards in the Grampians area, all within an easy drive of Beaufort. The Pyrenees Wineries are situated to the North, (see story opposite) and include Mount Avoca. Taltarni and Warrenmang. All produce quality Australian wines. PLACES OF INTEREST District- Lake Goldsmith State Game Reserve, Ercildoune Homestead, Snake Valley Church, Mooramong Homestead, Mullock Heaps and relics of Gold Mining Days. Beaufort- Band Rotunda, Camp Hill, Mechanics Institute, Railway Station, Post Office, Beaufort Lake (man made). Goldfields Recreation Reserve, Ripon War Memorial and Park, Historic Primary School, Churches and many buildings with historical significance, Antique Shop, Arts and Handcraft Shop. HOW TO GET THERE Beaufort is the largest town in the Shire of Ripon, located 156kms north west of Melbourne on the Western Highway, 574kms east of Adelaide. Bus Services: A daily commuter service is provided to Ballarat and Ararat, Interstate coaches to Perth, Adelaide and Sydney will pick up and set down passengers at Beaufort. ANNUAL EVENTS JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH MARCH/APRIL APRIL MAY OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER PLACES OF INTEREST:
INFORMATION CENTRE: Located in the Community Centre in the main street of Beaufort across from the band rotunda. HOW TO GET THERE: Rail, Light Plane, By car or coach along the Western Hwy from Melbourne or Adelaide. There is an aerodrome at Ballarat. | ||||||||
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© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins | |