The Top Family Activities and Playgrounds in the Indigo Shire Region

The Indigo Shire region includes the main town of Beechworth and smaller towns of Rutherglen, Chiltern and Yackandandah.

The region is well known for excellent wineries in the Rutherglen area and the historical and nature attractions around Beechworth such as Beechworth Gaol, Beechworth Historic Park, Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park with striking Mt Pilot range and Woolshed Falls. Those brave enough can take a ghost tour at the former Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum.

A map of the region is:

Map boundaries Indigo Shire

The best playgrounds in this region are:

Lake Sambell Playground, Beechworth

The playground is completely under shade sails and located on the banks of man-made Lake Sambell. The main structure has a spiral slide, climbing wall, platform with binoculars and fireman's pole, walkway, crazy angled climber, hanging disks, rope climbing frame, monkey bars, balance beam, little wave slide, steps, clock, panels and a lovely row of shop fronts including Blacksmith, Bank, Sweets Shop and Bakery. Also springer, stand-on spinner, see-saw, flying fox and four swings including one with a harness.

BBQs under a shelter, shaded and unshaded tables and seats. Toilets further along the lake. The area around Lake Sambel includes a playground, bird sanctuary, two Chinese Lions at the entrance, Chinese Gardens, rail trail passes through this area, a 2 km walking path around the lake and artworks by local artists.

Apex Park Playground, Rutherglen

Very nice playground under shade sails set next to a fun area with concrete paths and road signs where kids can learn about road safety.

There is a high structure with wave slide, climbing wall, climber, rigid frame ladder, fireman's pole and fixed hanging disks. There is also a spiders web climbing frame, stand-on carousel, little toddler structure with a slide and swings.

Shelter with BBQs and shaded tables. Big grassy area. Near a Skate Park.

Isaacs Avenue Playground, Yackandandah

The playground is shaded with trees and shade sails. The main structure has a wave slide, small straight slide, block steps, walkway, chain bridge, stepping stones, monkey bars, fireman's pole, abacus, steering wheel, shop fronts, horizontal circles to climb through, climbing wall, disks on a vertical pole, square vertical rope climbing frame and vertical rope climbing wall. Stand-on spinner, flying fox, suspended surfboard, horse springer, four person rocker, tree of pipes, large sandpit, large pyramid rope climbing frame and four swings (one with harness).

Sloping grassy area, BBQ, shaded tables and water tap.

The best skate parks in this region are:

Chiltern Skatepark (Combination of flat bank roll ins and quarters of varying heights on both sides of a concrete mini ramp. Shaded seat and water tap)

Rutherglen Skatepark (A small concrete park which has a long flat with rails and a long ledge which has a channel in it. There is a quarter at one end and a down bank with rail, hubba and euro gap in the middle of the park)

There are also skate parks at Beechworth Skatepark and Yackandandah Skatepark.

Reviews of all playgrounds, skate parks and BMX Tracks in the Indigo Shire council region are here:

Family activities in the Indigo Shire region include:

Beechworth

Beechworth Ghost Tours (Tour through the halls and secrets of the former Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum)

Mayday Escape Rooms (Set in the heart of the decommissioned Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum at Beechworth, this escape rooms offers a unique glimpse into the past of this historic gem)

Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park near Beechworth (Striking Mt Pilot Range and Woolshed Falls. Well formed vehicle tracks throughout the park provide access to a variety of short or day-long walks and are suitable for cycling, horse riding and car and four-wheel drive touring. Prospecting is permitted in designated areas)

Woolshed Falls (An observation deck offers great views of the falls and the valley below and you can also walk down to the top of the waterfall area)

Burke Museum (Honours Robert O'Hara Burke the explorer who served as superintendent of Police at Beechworth from 1854 to 1858. Topics covered include the Beechworth goldfield, Chinese Community and an unusual natural history collection of the 1860's)

Muse Gallery (A contemporary fine art gallery)

Powder Magazine (A Sound and Light show takes you through the history, ingenuity and connections to the gold rush era which stems throughout the town and area)

Beechworth Mountain Bike Park (An area with 10km of trails and has cross country single track, a jumps course, a short course downhill and an easy cross country circuit for novices of all ages)

The Beechworth Sweet Company (Old fashioned service from knowledgeable and friendly staff who can help you discover an amazing range of products from all over Australia and around the world)

Beechworth District Survey Office and Telegraph Station (Information about Beechworth's early development)

Beechworth Honey Experience (Experience a free interpretative honey tour)

Beechworth Gaol (Explore Beechworth's less well known history, one that's rich with tales of great escapes, betrayal and even romance - all within the walls of the gaol)

Beechworth Golf Course (An 18-hole sandscrape course)

Beechworth Historic Court House (Built in 1858 and in continuous service for 131 years, the Beechworth Courthouse retains its original furniture and fittings)

Beechworth Historic Park (The area has a rich goldmining past easily explored by foot)

Beechworth Outdoor Swimming Pool (Outdoor pool with seasonal opening hours)

Beechworth Visitor Information Centre Local advice and help on accommodation, tours and event tickets)

Beechworth Walking Tours (Guided walks covering the history of the town)

Chiltern

The Federal Standard Printing Works (Features machines used in the production of the local newspaper)

Athenaeum Museum (Displays focussing on the history of the area)

Chiltern Swimming Pool (A 30m main pool, small intermediate pool and toddler pool)

Rutherglen

Rutherglen Outdoor Swimming Pool (An outdoor pool with seasonal opening times)

Rutherglen Wine Experience & Visitor Information Centre (Talk to the staff who know the region and its wines very well, get local tourist advice and discover the array of local produce, wines and souvenirs in the extensive gift shop)

Yackandandah

Yackandandah Walks (A number of walks ranging from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours return)

Yackandandah Museum (Houses a collection of local objects and information in two historic buildings)

Sticks and Stones Adventures (Small groups tours of the area)

Yackandandah Visitor Information Centre (Local advice on regional activities)

Yackandandah War Memorial Swimming Pool (A 25m outdoor pool and a small shallow pool for toddlers)

SLUGA Gallery in Yackandandah (Working studio and gallery of internationally recognised watercolour artist Charles Sluga)

Other Locations

Renaissance Chocolates at Norong (Watch hand crafting of truffles and pralines and experience the aroma and taste of unique, quality artisan chocolates)

High Grove Chestnut & Berry Farm at Stanley (Pick-your-own berries and cherries from mid December to late January plus chestnuts in March and April)

Yackandandah Mountain Bike Track Network near Stanley (35 trails which range from easy to intermediate level)

Tangambalanga (Kiewa Valley) Swimming Pool (30m main pool, intermediate pool under shade sails and toddler pool)

Beechworth Berries at Wooragee (Sell a range of blueberries, cherries and other seasonal fruits at the farm gate)

Web Links

→ www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au