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Newtown Bridge - Beechworth Historic Area

Other Name Newtown Falls Bridge Location Bridge Road,, BEECHWORTH VIC 3747 - Property No B2206 File Number B2206 Level State

[1/1] B2206 Newtown Bridge

Statement of Significance

Splendid siting and proportions, excellence of detail, and severity of expression, with special reference to fine stone masonry.
Classified: 12/11/1970
Historic Area. Statement of Significance:
Beechworth is a picturesque nineteenth Century provincial town. It is a well preserved example of Government and private building, which resulted from the town's important historical role as the administrative and commercial centre of Victoria's north-eastern goldfields. Beechworth was once significant for its position on an early overland route from Melbourne to Sydney.
The town is located sympathetically to the topography, in an area of considerable landscape interest. Set amidst forested undulating country, there remain many relics of the mining era in and about Beechworh. It is a rich field for industrial archaelogy.
There are within the town a large number of historical and architecturally significant buildings. These display a quality of form and richness of material and detail, which make Beechworth one of the most significant of Austraila's goldfield towns. Of particular interest is the common usage of local granite in construction. Its honey colour imparts a quality distinctive to Beechworth.
The highlights of Beechworth are the grid of wide streets flanked with granite kerbing; the streetscapes of considerable integrity with groups of homogeneous buildings set off by mature elms and other exotic trees; and the remnants of historic Victorian gardens. About the town there are many examples of nineteenth century street furniture, signs and fences. Beechworth's historical wealth is of national significance.
Historic Area Classified: April, 1983