Indigo Gold Trail launched
The areas in and around Beechworth, Chiltern, Yackandandah and Rutherglen in North East Victoria have celebrated the launch of a new initiative – Indigo Gold Trail – the first tourism trail for the region that leads people across fascinating historic sites linked by the common thread of the discovery of gold.
Spearheaded by the Indigo Shire Council, Indigo Gold Trail traces the indelible mark of the mid-19th century Gold Rush on these well-preserved towns – from old streetscapes and countless mine shafts to mullock heaps and astonishing water races carved through solid granite. Chiltern Athenaeum & Museum, Chinese Burning Towers & Carlyle Cemetery in Rutherglen, Yackandandah Gorge and the famous Beechworth Courthouse are among some 40 sites across the Shire currently found on the map tracing the Gold Trail.
Central to the launch of the Indigo Gold Trail has been the refurbishment of the Powder Magazine – part of Beechworth’s nationally significant suite of Gold Era buildings. Built in 1859 of solid, buttressed granite, Powder Magazine was used to store large amounts of gunpowder used in mining and quarrying. The establishment of the Gold Trail has enabled a new sound and light interpretation, and the installation of a high-tech visitor swipe card access and security system.
Towards the end of this year, Rutherglen Gold Battery will also form part of the Indigo Gold Trail upon completion of its refurbishment, as well as audio tours and dedicated Gold Trail Touchscreens and website. Maps outlining the Indigo Gold Trail are now available for download online or they can be picked up from Visitor Information Centres across the North East Victorian Indigo Shire.
For more information: www.beechworthonline.com.au
Media contact: Kylie King Ph: (03) 5728 8061 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)