Mr & Mrs Smith

Hire a bicycle from Beechworth Cycle and Saws (17 Camp Street, Beechworth; +61 (0) 3 5728 1402) and follow the Murray to Mountain Rail Trail, taking in one of the many wineries along the way. A few worth seeking out are Sorrenberg, Amulet, Tinkers Hill and Giaconda (by appointment only) where you can taste Australia’s most famous chardonnay. Pick up a detailed map from the Visitor Information Centre on Ford Street.

Rejuvenate your body and mind at the Spa at Beechworth housed in a former lunatic asylum (+61(0) 3 5728 3033; www.thespaatbeechworth.com.au).

Beechworth Honey Experience (Ford Street; www.beechworthhoney.com.au) sells dozens of flavours of locally produced honey and has an interesting exhibit focusing on bees and honey production. Don’t leave without trying the macadamia and honey ice cream.

Get a feel for 19-century Beechworth by exploring the historic and cultural precinct on Ford Street near the Visitor Centre. Send a message by Morse code from the sandstone telegraph station and visit the courthouse where Ned Kelly, Australia’s most legendary bushranger, stood trial.

How to pan for gold:
Step 1:  Buy a gold pan, a suction pipette and display vial.
Step 2:  Head for an established Gold Creek and position yourself at the edge by slow-moving water, where fine sand and pebbles have been caught in the rocks.
Step 3:  Place a few handfuls of sand in the pan. Keep the edge of the pan in the water and move in a circular motion so the lighter materials flow out.
Step 4:  Lift the pan out of the water and tip from side to side, slowly draining the water and sand. Repeat this process until most of the material has drained out, bar a few pebbles and flecks of gold. Since gold is heavier than sand, it will either stick to the side of the pan or to the bottom. Use the pipette to pick it up and place it in the vial.