Beaufort: Lake, history and panoramic views

Beaufort combines waterside activities with historic collections and sweeping views across bushland. You can tailor your stay to your interests: spend time at Beaufort Lake, explore cultural history or visit Camp Hill Lookout. The contrast between lake, exhibitions and panorama brings the different sides of the town to life.

Water and activities at Beaufort Lake

At Beaufort Lake, you can fish, water-ski, canoe and swim. The range caters to different interests on and around the water. For a break, there are picnic and barbecue facilities, so you can also plan a meal by the lake.

There are also ways to stay active on land: by the lake, you’ll find a 3 km or 1 km walking and running track, as well as fitness equipment. The two track lengths offer a shorter and a longer option for a walk or run, while the equipment adds the opportunity to work out outdoors. Beaufort Lake thus brings together several options for a visit that includes water activities, exercise and a break.

If you’re looking for accommodation in Beaufort, your travel priorities can help guide your search: would you like to spend most of your time at the lake, are you more interested in the museums, or would you like to take in the view from Camp Hill Lookout?

Art, history and collections

Art Trax Gallery is housed in Beaufort’s historic railway station in Victoria. The historic building that houses the gallery opened on 11 August 1874. Here, art and the history of a landmark railway station building come together.

The Cyril Callister Museum focuses on the man who invented Vegemite. Exhibits include historic posters, advertising memorabilia, historic packaging and rare artefacts relating to the development of Vegemite over the decades. The varied objects offer insights into the product’s history, rather than focusing on just one period.

The Beaufort Historic Society is housed in the heritage-listed Court House on Livingstone Street. It is open every Wednesday and on the fourth Sunday of each month, from 12 to 3 pm. As opening hours run by volunteers may change, check the date before you travel.

The Lake Goldsmith Goods Shed Museum displays rare historic equipment from rural rail and transport. This adds a technical theme to the cultural experiences: the focus here is on historic items from rail and transport in rural areas. The museums offer different perspectives, from a historic building and the story of a well-known product to transport equipment.

Panoramic views from Camp Hill Lookout

Camp Hill Lookout offers sweeping panoramic views over the town of Beaufort and the surrounding bushland. From the lookout, you can take in both the town and the landscape around it. You can reach it by car via Muntz Track or on foot via a walking trail. Depending on how you prefer to get there, you can plan to drive or walk.

When looking for a hotel in Beaufort, comparing these highlights can help: the lake combines activities with places to take a break, the museums explore different aspects of history, and the lookout offers panoramas of the town and bushland.

Discover more destinations

Rupanyup, Little River, Merbein, Chadstone, Kilmore, Ballarat East, Traralgon, Dixons Creek

For the overarching travel overview: Victoria.