If you’re looking for a vacation destination that combines culture with outdoor adventures you may find that Benalla in Victoria is the perfect spot. This vibrant Town is located in the Victoria High Country and it has something to offer for every age group. There are plenty of amazing things to do and experience and some hidden gems to explore. We examine this area in more detail, uncover some of its culture and history and highlight some activities that you won’t want to miss.
Unveiling Benalla’s History:
Benalla can be found off the Hume Freeway which connects Melbourne with Sydney. It’s known as the “Rose City ” for good reasons, there are beautiful public gardens. The city is prosperous and aesthetically appealing with an artificial lake, historic buildings, botanical gardens, art galleries, museums, and more.
Visitors will note that there is a close connection with the famous folk hero Ned Kelly, the widely admired doctor Edward “Weary” Dunlop, and Michael Joseph Savage who became the first Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand! Let’s take a look at some of these significant events in Benalla history and how they are commemorated in Rose City:
The Benalla Costume and Kelly Museum
This is an excellent place to start a historical exploration of Benalla and it can be found on the Eastern side of the Broken River at 14 Mair Street, which is the information center for visitors to Rose City.
The museum and visitor centre is appropriately located in a former mechanics institute and an early free library. This was founded to educate working men in the area.
This single storey building is an excellent example of local early architecture with rendered facades and gabled roofs that were built in 1869-1870. The museum showcases period costumes from 1770 on wards with important memorabilia related to famous sons of the city. Including Captain Hector Waller, Michael Joseph Savage, Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop, and the notorious Ned Kelly.
The entire Ned Kelly saga is highlighted and visitors can see the sash that Ned wore during the Glenrowan siege. You can also see the portable lock-up where they held Ned Kelly, the witness box from the courthouse, a replica of the armour Joe Byrne wore, and the gaol door where the authorities exhibited Joe’s body after the siege.
A 12 minute video covers the story up to and immediately after the Glenrowan siege that occurred in 1880 with accompanying photographs and local details. Visitors can obtain a brochure about the Ned Kelly Touring Route which directs them to several key locations.
The Museum was not open when we were there. As it was closed for renovation. But we did go in and ask about the things to see in Benalla.
The Weary Dunlop Memorial
Dr Edward Dunlop worked with the POWs that were forced to work for the Japanese in WW2 to build the Burma Railway. This is commemorated at the Weary Dunlop Memorial. Which is located in the Botanical Gardens and can be seen from Bridge Street.
The memorial is cast in bronze and it depicts Dr Dunlop helping a visibly starving and wounded comrade. The statue is more than 2 metres high, and it sits on a granite base where the words “compassion, integrity, forgiveness, humility, courage, leadership, friendship” are engraved.
This sculpture was created by Louis Lauman and unveiled in 1996 to commemorate Dunlop and his work with injured and mortally wounded POWs. Dunlop was both the commanding officer and the surgeon for more than 1,000 captured soldiers that worked on the notorious Thai-Burma railway. Nearby there is an excellent section in the visitor guide that you can find in the Benalla Visitor Information Centre on this topic.
The Broken River Crossing Place
The Broken River is a 190 km long tributary of the Goulburn River, the source lies in the Wellington-Tomie highlands and from there, it flows Northwest to Benalla. It’s unclear where the name Benalla comes from. It may be the name of the local Aboriginal tribal group “Benalta,” or it could have been the original name for the entire district.
In 1839, the authorities built a police station on this spot and named it the Broken River Crossing Place. A grazier and pastoralist named William McKellar formed the Benalta run connecting together sheep and cattle stations in the area.
Benalla in Victoria gained its official moniker when Charles La Trobe surveyed and named the town in 1848.
The Benalla Botanical Gardens and Rose Gardens
The botanical gardens were created in 1887 from an underused cricket field and they are constructed around an oval shape. The highlights include the aforementioned Dunlop memorial and the Rose Gardens which were added later in 1959.
The Rose Gardens extend along the southern edge, and here visitors can find a colourful array of floribunda and hybrid tea roses. The Visitor Information Centre has a map of the garden beds and the location of Yellow Gum, Crow’s Ash and Ulmus Viminalis which are listed in the National Trust’s Register of Significant Trees.
The Old Courthouse
This was built in 1864. It’s located at 69 Arundel Street and it has a distinctive two-storey elaborate facade complete with pyramid-shaped towers! This courthouse is notable because Ned Kelly was tried there twice for earlier minor offences. The cell where Kelly was held is still complete and kept in its original state for viewing.
The building was altered in 1888, and it became the Parish Centre for an Anglican church. The nave was completed in 1860 and the church was consecrated in 1865. In 1884, a sanctuary and chancel were added, and an organ chamber and vestry followed in 1905. In 1907, the church installed a red brick porch and belfry, and to this date, no further additions have occurred.
The Commercial Hotel
This is located at 4 Bridge Street on the East side of Benalla and it was a hub of activity that occurred during the Ovens gold rush and the accompanying boom times. The hotel was constructed in 1860 to accommodate gold prospectors that were travelling to and from the gold fields. In 1878, it was the place where the hunt for the Kelly gang was coordinated after the shooting of three policemen.
Benalla Annual Event- Street Art Wall to Wall Festival
During our stay in Benalla was when the annual Benalla Street Art Wall to Wall Festival. It transforms the regional town into a vibrant outdoor gallery. Pulsating with creativity and color. Each year, talented artists from across the globe converge on Benalla. Adorning its walls with stunning murals that reflect diverse styles, themes, and messages.
From awe-inspiring portraits to thought-provoking abstract designs, every corner of the town becomes a canvas for artistic expression. Beyond showcasing the world-class talent, the festival fosters a sense of community pride and engagement. Inviting locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the dynamic street art scene.
With live music, workshops, and interactive installations adding to the festivities. The Benalla Street Art Wall to Wall Festival is a celebration of creativity that leaves a lasting impression on all who experience it.
Exploring Benalla’s Attractions:
Aside from the considerable historical significance of Benalla, there are a lot of things to see and explore in the Rose City. Let’s take a look at some of the attractions that you may want to visit:
The Benalla Aviation Museum
This museum has an impressive collection of modern jets and helicopters and historic aircraft. Artifacts, historical supporting documents, photographs, interactive exhibits and much more. There is an observation deck to watch planes take off and land nearby.
There are many displays to visit and the staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. It’s easy to understand why this museum is a popular attraction for Benalla visitors.
Lake Benalla
This is an artificial lake that was formed in 1974-75 when the Broken River was dammed and diverted. It’s located North of the main bridge and it’s an excellent place to enjoy a picnic or take a relaxing stroll. The Costume and Pioneer Museum and the Benalla Art Gallery are nearby and the Benalla Botanical Gardens are a short walk away.
Additionally, you can take in the Benalla Lake Walk. This is a 4.2 km flat walk around lake Benalla taking in the aforementioned attractions. Plus the Ceramic Mural, Jaycee Island and Casey Island. Walkers will find the indigenous community garden, the analematic sundial, the site of the Faithful Massacre, the Tally Ho Tailor, the historic rail bridge and more. There are native animals aplenty, including the rakali water rate, local birds and you may even see a platypus!
The Benalla Migrant Camp Photographic Exhibition
This is located within the Benalla Art Gallery, this exhibit is a collection of photographs taken by John Vallentine at the Nhill migrant camp in 1952. This gives visitors an insight into the lives of those living in the area during the post-war period. This is a must-see exhibit for people interested in Australian culture and history.
The Benalla Art Gallery
This is located on Lake Benalla, and visitors can find the Sidney Nolan tapestry “Siege at Glenrowan” and a painting of Kelly gang member Joe Byrne by Albert Tucker. Other notable featured artists include Fred Williams, Eugene von Guerard, Frederick McCubbin, John Brack, Charles Blackman, Grace Cossington-Smith and others. Admission to the gallery is free and it’s open from 10am to 5 pm daily.
The Winton Wetlands Art Trail
This is a unique fusion of nature and art that’s located on the banks of Broken River. The trail is a showcase of sculptures created by local artists that visitors can examine as they walk the path. The pieces represent local culture and history with a backdrop of the stunning wetlands, native flora and fauna and the river. This is a great place to explore art and nature and it’s an excellent spot for birdwatchers.
Indulging in Culinary Delights and Local Flavors:
Benalla offers visitors a variety of dining experiences from local beer gardens and pubs to elegant restaurant cuisine. The local wineries and farm gate markets are great places to buy wine and produce direct from local producers.
The Glenrowan Wine Region is a fascinating mix of history and folklore on winemaking with food and wine trails to explore. Every fourth Saturday of the month you will find the Benalla Lakeside Craft and Farmers Market at the lake. Here you can find locally grown produce from North East Victoria presented in a lively market.
In the Benalla Art Gallery, you can find the Murno & Sargent Cafe, which offers stylish lakeside dining with breathtaking views.
Beyond the township, Thoona Pub and Tatong Tavern await with unpretentious and delicious food and a healthy dose of country charm. Along the North East Victoria Silo Art Trail you can eat well at the Devenish Hotel and Goorambat Railway Hotel.
Conclusion: Benalla in Victoria
Hopefully we’ve peaked your interest in Benalla in Victoria as a place to visit for your next holiday. This is an alluring destination with a fascinating mix of culture, history, nature and culinary delights to experience. It’s a place that’s open to exploration at your own pace. There’s plenty to see and do, but it’s an excellent location for a relaxing holiday too. Benalla can also serve as a comfortable hub to explore the wider area. Including the Glenrowan siege site, the silo art trails and more.