It is located on the Western Highway midway between Ararat and Ballarat, in the Pyrenees Shire local government area.

The population on the fields reportedly reached approximately 100,000 people at its height in the late 1850s and produced 450,000 ounces of gold over a two-year period, 1855–1856.

Beaufort has an elevation-influenced oceanic climate (Köppen: Cfb), with tepid, relatively dry summers and cool, wetter winters.

[8] All climate data was sourced from Ballarat Airport, located 37.2 kilometres (23.1 mi) southeast of Nhill at slightly higher elevation (435 metres (1,427 ft)).

Pyrenees decided to become its own developer, purchased land just west of the town, and undertook the planning processes of subdividing into around 100 blocks of 700 to 1,100 square metres, road alignments and utilities connection before selling the lots through a real estate agent.

[9] In 2023, with Correa Park fully developed, Pyrenees is embarking on its second housing project, after purchasing another parcel of land on Burke Street on the north-west side of the town, around 10 minutes walking distance from the train station.

Adult Education Programs are run from the Beaufort Community House & Learning Centre in Neill Street.