BEAUFORT Beaufort is small highway town that is encountered on the Ballarat to Adelaide Hgy. A really nice town this is with a number of great attributes. Wide streets, strong heritage values, plus really friendly people determine a stopover is a must.The town takes its name either from Rear-Admiral Francis Beaufort or a Welsh village in Monmouthshire. Thomas Mitchell passed through the district on his expedition of 1836. Early settlers in the area were the Kirkland Brothers and a Mr. Hamilton; the latter took up Trawalla Station in 1838. Gold was discovered in 1852, with another gold rush from 1854 at nearby Fiery Creek. The Fiery Creek diggings supported four townships — Beaufort, Yam Holes Creek, View Point and Southern Cross — during the 1850s. Beaufort has quite a number old and heritage potential buildings. The Beaufort Anglican and Baptist churches are 100 plus buildings, the Catholic and United are like wise old but undated. Both the Hotels in Beaufort are over 100 years old. The Golden Age is approaching 150 years old. Be sure to check out the old town photos at the Golden Age These are both friendly pubs with character are worth visiting. The Beaufort War Memorial is located on the park on the western fringe of the town. When visiting Beaufort allow plenty of time or consider a stopover. A visit to the pubs should determine the extended stay. Heritage diary