Things to Do in Benalla
Benalla Victoria is the administrative hub for a beautiful and productive rural farming area with a collection of smaller villages in the outlying area: Baddaginnie, Devenish, Goorambat, Swanpool, Tatong, Thoona, and Winton. Benalla has a resident population of around 9,000. When driving from Melbourne to Sydney via the Hume Highway, Benalla is a convenient overnight stop. Benalla is 180 km north of Melbourne between Euroa and Wangaratta.
Major features of the region include Lake Benalla, Mount Samaria State Park and Reef Hills State Park. The Broken River flows through the centre of Benalla which provides for a number of parklands and pleasant walking trails. Benalla is located close to Winton Wetlands (see www.wintonwetlands.org.au) and close to the Victorian snowfields and is surrounded by quality wineries, fishing and other water activities. (Map of Benalla)
Features of Benalla
Swanpool Cinema
A 1950s style cinema showing the best classic films from silents through to recent releases. Located on the Midland Highway, Swanpool.
For operating times and program visit their website www.swanpoolcinema.com.au
Benalla Art Gallery & Botanical Gardens precinct
Benalla is home to one of the finest regional art galleries in Victoria. The art gallery is beautifully positioned within the mature grounds of the Botanical Gardens that sit adjacent to Lake Benalla.
The gallery boasts a variety of art from some of Australia’s contemporary and historic artists and is a venue for national and international touring exhibitions, currently a superb tapestry hangs in the Gallery depicting Ned Kelly at the Siege of Glenrowan.
Benalla is also host to an annual rose festival held in the historic botanical gardens. The famous Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop memorial is also situated within the botanical gardens.
Within close proximity to the Weary Dunlop Memorial, across the Broken River lies the Ceramic Mural, a fabulous and creative piece of architecture created by local potters and artists. Reminiscent of the late Spanish artist Gaudi’s work in Barcelona, Spain, this mural is an inspiration to those who appreciate the modern palate and delight in its unique form. Not only a pleasant and imaginative piece of art, this structure brings an air of fantasy for children and grown ups.
Costume and Pioneer Museum
If you are fascinated by Australia’s history then a visit to the Costume and Pioneer Museum is a must. The museum, as the name implies, specialises in costumes which date from 1770 onwards and are displayed in three large galleries and several smaller rooms. The exhibitions are changed regularly so with every visit you can view a new collection or theme.
Two permanent exhibitions reside here, the famous Kelly Story is one highlighting the Kelly Gang’s exploits in this area. The portable cell houses some fine memorabilia including Ned’s sash and bridle and some fine maps and information.
Benalla Ned Kelly’s Home Town
Ned Kelly was hanged a murderer in Melbourne on the 11th of November 1880. He was 25 years old. He was a man with a strong sense of family, misunderstood by many, a larikin and underdog, bushranger and rebel.
The armour he wore was made from plough mould boards in Glenrowan in June 1880, this armour weighted him down during the siege and having already lost a lot of blood due to gunshot wounds he was captured and sent to Melbourne by train where he was incarcerated before his death.
Winton Motor Raceway
Winton Motor Raceway is situated a short drive from Benalla in an area of undulating hills and farmland. We are the first choice for many motor sport enthusiasts wishing to enjoy the exhilaration of Winton’s Motor Sport.
Winton is operated by the Benalla Auto Club who were formed in 1957, 3 years later motor racing began at Winton and has remained a national institution for Australian Motorsport.
Wine and High Country
Enjoy the taste of Victoria’s wineries, home to no less than six wine growing regions. The families of Morris, Buller, Campbell and Chambers put this area on the map for their famous Muscats and Tokays.
Local wine tours take in some of the areas finest wineries, such as Baileys, Brown Brothers, Booths and Auldstone Cellars. Long or short tours are available or even custom tours to suit your own itinerary can be found by visiting the Tourist Information Centre in Mair Street.
Benalla Gliding Club
Benalla is renowned for its gliding conditions, with both thermals and waves. Benalla Gliding Club attracts gliding enthusiasts from around the world. The Benalla gliding club has an excellent website crammed with information and tools and is well worth a visit. (www.glidingclub.org.au)
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