Beaufort - Pyrenees Region
Beaufort area was first explored in the 1830's by Major Sir Thomas Mitchell, and settled by both the Kirkland Brothers and Mr Hamilton, the latter taking up the old Trawalla Station in 1838.
Trawalla was taken over by Mr Adolphus Goldsmith(after whom the lake Goldsmith State Game Reserve was named) in 1841, and he developed a rich grazing enterprize. Gold was discovered in Beaufort in 1852. Fiery Creek was the centre of a gold rush several years later. The population at one stage reached an estimated 100,000 then steadily decreased as miners moved to more promising centres. By 1860 Beaufort had stabilised as a small but strong agricultural, pastoral and timber area.
Industry
Primary production is the largest industry in this area. Within the shire is some of the best woolgrowing country in Australia. Merino sheep predominate, but diversity of farm enterprizes are numerous. Other primary industries are forestry, quarrying and mining. Secondary Industry includes a Timber Treatment Plant, Sawmill, Engineering Factory, Concrete Mixing Plant Hard and Soft Timber Industries , Retail, Trade and Professional Services, various Government Utilites and a modern hospital.
Activities
Sporting facilites include 18 hole golf course at Beaufort and 9 hole golf course at Snake Valley, Bowling Greens, Tennis Courts, Squash, Cricket, Basketball, Croquet, Football, Netball and Little Athletics. International, National & State Para-gliding and Hang-gliding pilots compete annually for the Mt. Cole Challenge Cup. Beaufort Lake and Lake Burrumbeet offer camping, caravaning, fishing, boating and rowing. In an attractive setting in Beaufort there is an olympic size swimming pool with toddlers pool and BBQ facilites.
Cultural
Beaufort boasts one of the country's, finest Brass Bands, a Classical Esemble, Arts and Theatre Society and Country & Western Talent Club. It is central to 8 of the Regional National Galleries of Victoria, and has an up to date Library Service.
Education and Churches
The Pyrenees Shire has a Secondary College, 5 Primary Schools and a Kindergarten. The following faiths have places of worship in the Shire: Anglican (03)53; Catholic; Christian Revival Crusade (03)53492310 and Uniting Church.
Places of Interest
DISTRICT- Lake Goldsmith State Game Reserve, Ercildoune Homestead, Mullock Heaps and relics of Gold Mining Days. BEAUFORT- Band Rotunda, Camp Hill, Mechanics Institute, Railway Station, Post Office, Beaufort Lake (man made), Goldfields Recreation Reserve, Ripon War Memorial and Park, Historic Primary School, Churches and many buildings with historical significance. Antique Shop, Arts and Handcraft Shops.