VICMining
Beaufort
A rich creek diggings became a Western District town.
1854Gold discovered · Fiery Creek township grows
WHAT STARTED IT
Gold discovered along Fiery Creek in 1854 drew a large rush and created demand for stores, hotels and government services near the workings.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Deep-lead mining and rail prolonged activity after the first rush. As mining declined, Beaufort settled into a wool and grain service role. Pyrenees Shire completed flood-mitigation works after the severe 2010–11 inundations.
TURNING POINTS
1854Gold is discovered at Fiery Creek.
1858Township is surveyed and named Beaufort.
1874Railway reaches the town.
2013Pyrenees Shire completed flood-mitigation works after the severe 2010–11 inundations.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A Pyrenees Highway service town for farming country, with gold-era heritage and nearby lakes and bushland attracting visitors.