OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE
Benalla
North East Victoria
Visitor VisitorInformation InformationCentre Centre Mair MairStreet, Street,Benalla Benalla (03) (03)5762 57621749 1749 www.enjoybenalla.com.au www.enjoybenalla.com.au
ENJOY ENJOYBENALLA BENALLA
BENALLA CINEMA @ BPACC
You’ll You’llbe beamazed amazedatateverything everythingthere thereisistotosee, see,taste tasteand anddo do ininBenalla Rural City. Benalla Rural City. Find A big city digital cinema experience with country Findout outmore moreatatthe theVisitor VisitorInformation InformationCentre Centre Mair Street Benalla, open 9am daily. and low prices. Enjoy the latest movie You’ll be Benalla, amazedopen at everything there isfriendliness to see, Mair Street 9am--5pm 5pm daily. Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. taste and do in Benalla Rural City. Winton Wetlands Benalla Art Gallery Winton■Wetlands Benalla Art Gallery Great value snacks at the kiosk www.wintonwetlands.org.au www.benallaartgallery.com www.wintonwetlands.org.au www.benallaartgallery.com ■ Centre Find out more at the Visitor Information Mums and Bubs sessions on Tuesdays State Benalla Performing Arts Centre StateGliding GlidingCentre Centre Benalla Performing Arts&&Convention Convention Centre Mair Street Benalla, open 9am 5pm daily. Box Office open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday a www.glidingclub.org.au www.bpacc.com.au www.glidingclub.org.au www.bpacc.com.au hour prior to movie sessions and theatre performan Winton Motor Raceway Winton Motor Raceway www.wintonraceway.com.au www.wintonraceway.com.au
facebook.com/bpacc.benalla facebook.com/enjoybenalla #enjoybenalla Benalla Official Visitor Guide | 2
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WELCOME Wander through immaculate parks and gardens, view contemporary Australian art and discover the story of Victoria’s most famous bushranger, Ned Kelly. Time your visit during one of the fantastic annual events including Wall to Wall Street Art, motorsport at Winton Raceway and the Benalla Festival. Visit the renowned Benalla Art Gallery, taste wine from the Glenrowan Wine Region or soar in the air in a glider with the Gliding Club of Victoria. Benalla is two hours north of Melbourne, one hour south of Albury via the Hume Highway. You are sure to Enjoy Benalla.
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EMERGENCY NUMBERS
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WEATHER 4
Benalla Performing Arts & Convention Centre 57 Samaria Road, Benalla Box Office: (03) 5762 5515 www.bpacc.com.au
ART AND CULTURE
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BOTANICAL GARDENS
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THINGS TO DO IN BENALLA
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FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
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STREET ART
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STROLL THROUGH HISTORY
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OUR FAMOUS SONS
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BENALLA MIGRANT CAMP
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NED KELLY – TOURING ROUTE
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BORN TO FLY
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WINTON MOTOR RACEWAY
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TALLIS WINE
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SHOPPING 32
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FOOD AND DINING
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ACCOMMODATION 40
es every
Disclaimer: The Benalla Ensign has made every effort to ensure that all the information listed is correct at the time of printing. Publisher: Benalla Ensign. For Advertising enquiries contact Benalla Ensign on 5762 4444.
and a half FRONT COVER: ‘Sophia’ painted as part of nces.
BPACC
GETTING HERE
VISIT RURAL BENALLA
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VISIT SWANPOOL
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GLENROWAN WINE REGION
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VISIT GLENROWAN
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PLACES TO WORSHIP
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the 2017 Wall to Wall street art festival by internationally renowned Melbourne artist, Adnate. The image is painted on a wall inside the Goorambat Uniting Church, just a 15 minute drive north of Benalla. Photographed by Nicole Reed. |3
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GETTING HERE Escape the rush of city life and retreat to the peaceful setting of country Benalla, with a comfortable two hour drive from Melbourne on the Hume Highway. Benalla railway station is on the North East railway line and is served by V/Line services between Melbourne and Albury, as well as a twice daily Countrylink XPT service to and from Sydney. A coach and train network service the Benalla region and taxi services operate within the town itself. V/Line bookings: 136 196 Countrylink XPT bookings: 132 232 Benalla taxis: 03 5762 3333 Greyhound: 1300 473 946 Benalla is also equipped with an airstrip that can be utilized by private aircraft owners. Benalla is the gateway to the High country, which makes Benalla the perfect base to discover the sites and delights of the surrounding region and Victorian snowfields. Distance from Benalla to: Melbourne 209km Albury 113km Sydney 682km Beechworth 77km Bright 119km Glenrowan 24km Mansfield 63km Wangaratta 40km Shepparton 61km Violet Town 25km Yarrawonga 66km
WEATHER
EMERGENCY NUMBERS Emergency 000 Fire, Ambulance and Police Benalla Police Station 03 5760 0200 Benalla Health Service 03 5761 4222 SES 132 500 Poisons Hotline 131 126
Temperatures range from an average winter minimum of 3°C to an average summer maximum of 31°C. Rainfall is within 600-700mm average with most rain falling in the spring and winter. • Benalla’s average maximum temperature Summer 31.0°C, Winter 12.8°C. • Average minimum temperature- Summer 14.9°C, Winter 3.2°C. • Average rainfall - Summer 114.1mm, Winter 213.5mm.
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GETTING HERE TO YARRAWONGA TO SHEPPARTON
Thoona Glenrowan Winton Wetlands
Devenish
Goorambat
TO WANGARATTA
Winton
BENALLA WAY HIGH
Baddaginnie Warrenbayne Violet Town
Tatong Swanpool
Euroa
Mt Samaria State Park
Tolmie
MIDLAND
Strathbogie
Ruffy
Mansfield Bonnie Doon
Merrijig
Buller/Stirling
Lake Eildon National Park
SIR EDWARD “WEARY” DUNLOP
SIRLEARNING EDWARD “WEARY” DUNLOP LIBRARY) CENTRE (BENALLA LEARNING CENTRE (BENALLA LIBRARY) ■ Free internet and WiFi ■ Read the newspaper
BENALLA CINEMA @ BPACC
■ Free ■ Adult-sized internet andchange WiFi ■table Readwith the overhead newspapertrack ■ Adult-sized change table with overhead track
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Temporary membership for visitors
Temporary membership for visitors
Fawckner Drive, Benalla with country A big big city cinema experience Fawckner Drive, Benalla A city digital digital cinema experience with country Ph: (03) 5762 2069 www.hclc.vic.gov.au friendlinessPh: and prices. the www.benalla.vic.gov.au (03)low 5762 2069 Enjoy www.hclc.vic.gov.au friendliness and low prices. Enjoy the latest latest movies movies every every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. ■ Great value snacks at the kiosk ■ |5 Great value snacks at the kiosk
Benalla Benalla Performin Performi Conventio Conventio 57 57 Samaria Samaria Road, Road Box Offi Box Office: ce:(03) (03)57 57 www.bpacc www.bpac
ART AND CULTURE BENALLA HAS LONG BEEN RECOGNISED AS NORTH EAST VICTORIA’S LEADING ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTRE AND BOASTS IMPRESSIVE THEATRE FACILITIES, A REMARKABLE PERFORMING ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE AND IS HOME TO AUSTRALIA’S FAVOURITE REGIONAL ART GALLERY. North East Artisans Community Gallery • Art • Sculpture • Mosaics • Woodwork • Jewellery
• Ceramics • Prints • Candles • Produce • Body Care
• Fashion • Gallery • Workshops • Mentoring • Studio Space
Housed in a striking modernist building that overlooks Lake Benalla, The Benalla Art Gallery is one of Victoria’s pre-eminent art galleries. The gallery features some of Australia’s greatest artists including Roberts, Von Guerard, Arkley, Arthur Streeton and Sidney Nolan’s ‘Siege at Glenrowan’ tapestry. Across the bridge from Lake Benalla lies the iconic Ceramic Mural, which was originally inspired by the Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi, although its creation went on to include contributions from some of Australia’s leading artists including Thancoupie, Michael Leunig, Sam Jinks, Judy Lorraine and many others. Next to it is the Benalla Costume and Kelly Museum and Visitor Information Centre that houses a costume collection dating from 1770, local historical artefacts and a permanent Ned Kelly story display.
122 Bridge Street Benalla. Open Wed to Sun. Follow us on www.facebook.com/NE.Artisans Web: www.northeastartisans.org
The museum complex also features the House in Miniature, a miniature model house that replicates an affluent 1950s-60s middle class Australian home, and is completely furnished in meticulous detail.
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Bridge Street, Bena Bridge Street, (03) Benalla 5760 26 (03) 5760 2619 www.benallaartgallery.co www.benallaartgallery.com www.benallaartgallery.com.au
BENALLA
ART GALLERY BENALLA ART GALLERY BENALLA ART GALLERY
Visit one of the best collections of international and Australian art in Visit oneregional of the best collections internationalLake andBenalla. Australian art in Australia, set onofpicturesque regional Australia, set on picturesque Lake Benalla. Enjoy exhibitions showcasing some of Australia’s most exciting Enjoy exhibitions showcasing contemporary artists. some of Australia’s most exciting contemporary artists. Be part of our public programs and experience art. Be part of our public programs and experience art. Open 10am -5pm, closed Tuesdays. Open 10am -5pm, closed Tuesdays. closed Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day closed Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day facebook.com/thebenallaartgallery facebook.com/thebenallaartgallery
@BenallaArt @BenallaArt
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BOTANICAL GARDENS Benalla is known as the ‘rose city’ because of its stunning collection of thousands of roses in the Botanical Gardens which is listed as an area of significance by Heritage Victoria. The gardens enjoy a beautiful setting on the shore of Lake Benalla – right in the heart of town. Whether you’re interested in gardens, history, culture, sporting activities or the environment, there’s something of interest within a short walk. You might visit to be surrounded by blooms in the modern and heritage rose gardens, to see the historic Weary Dunlop memorial or enjoy a tour of the Benalla Art Gallery. Generations of travelers remember stopping by the iconic Rocket Park which still stands in the recently completed new nature-based adventure playground, designed by Andrew Laidlaw who also designed the award winning children’s garden at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne. The playground features rope courses, a ‘hobbit’ cave, a meandering river course and mud play area using materials sympathetic to the natural setting in the gardens. And kids just love it! A must-stop spot for the family.
Visit
SIREDWARD EDWARD“WEARY” “WEARY” DUNLOP SIR DUNLOP LEARNING CENTRE (BENALLA BENALLA BOTANICAL GARDENS LEARNING CENTRE (BENALLALIBRARY) LIBRARY) More than 1000 rose bushes SIR EDWARD “WEARY” DUNLOP Free internet and WiFi Read the newspaper ■ Read the newspaper Free internet and WiFi Shaded serpentine paths Adult-sized change table with overhead track ■ LEARNING CENTRE (BENALLA LIBRARY) Adult-sized table with overhead track Children’schange Adventure Playground Temporary membership for visitors ■
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ENJOY BENALLA ■
■ ■ Temporary membership forRead visitors ‘Weary’ Dunlop Sculpture Free internet andMemorial WiFi ■ the newspaper
Fawckner Drive, Benalla ■ Adult-sized change table with overhead track
Fawckner Drive, Benalla Ph: (03) Botanical 5762membership 2069 www.hclc.vic.gov.au ■ Temporary Benalla Gardens, forBridge visitorsStreet, Benalla Ph:www.enjoybenalla.com.au (03) 5762 2069 www.hclc.vic.gov.au
Fawckner Benalla You’ll be amazed atDrive, everything there is to see, taste and do Ph: (03) 5762 2069 www.hclc.vic.gov.au in Benalla Rural City. Benalla Official Visitor Guide | 8 Find out more at the Visitor Information Centre
www.
THINGS TO DO IN BENALLA • Visit the Costume and Kelly Museum where you will discover the Kelly saga, Benalla’s Sir ‘Weary’ Dunlop, Captain Hec Waller and a fascinating and renowned costume collection. • Explore the Ceramic Mural next to the Visitor Info Centre - notes on the Mural are available at the Visitor Info Centre • Take in a great 4.2 km walk, run or ride around the Lake Benalla Walking Track. Make sure you look out for platypus and the Rakali, a native water rat. • Enjoy exhibitions at the renowned Benalla Art Gallery and take a break at the fabulous Gallery Café. • Take a stroll through the Botanical Gardens and enjoy the rose collection which is especially delightful when in full bloom. Take a moment to reflect at the Sir ‘Weary’ Dunlop and Captain Hec Waller memorials, both poignant reminders of lives lost. • Enjoy the Heritage Trail which will take you on a discovery tour of Benalla’s rich history. A brochure is available from the Visitor Info Centre. • Take the time to explore the life of Ned Kelly in the Benalla region on the Ned Kelly Touring Route. View the green sash, explore the courthouse, the bootmakers shop, the cemetery and more. • The Street Art Trail takes you on a walk around the CBD of Benalla. 58 walls have now been transformed during the Wall to Wall festivals in 2015, 2016 and 2017. A water tank at the Winton Wetlands was painted by Guido van Helten of ‘Brim Silos’ fame. Goorambat Uniting Church also has ‘Sophia. Open weekends from 9am -5pm. Maps are available from the Visitor Information Centre. • The Aquatic Centre features indoor and outdoor pools and a gym if you want to keep up your exercise regime or take the kids for a splash. The hydrotherapy pool water temperature is set to around 35° |9
THINGS TO DO IN BENALLA • The Benalla Aviation Museum has a number of historic air craft on display. If you’re feeling adventurous, how about taking a joy flight in one of the restored ex-RAAF training aircraft (www. benallaaviationmuseum.org.au). Or book a glider flight at the State Gliding Centre next door • Winton Wetlands is an ephemeral wetland with a diversity of environment depending on whether there has been rain or an extended dry. The Mokoan Hub is a great starting point for exploring the area while the café is the place to be if you’re feeling peckish. •
Winton Motor Raceway: thrill to the V8 Supercars, Historic Winton, motorcycles and club days. There is something on at Winton Raceway nearly every day.
• Catch a movie or a show at the Benalla Performing Arts Centre in plush surroundings (www.bpacc.com.au) or head out to the iconic Swanpool Cinema (www.swanpoolcinema.com.au). • Indulge in the local eateries. Don’t forget the clubs and the historic hotels in Benalla and the surrounding villages. A list of dining options is available from the Visitor Info Centre • Sample the many wines of the region and visit cellar doors in the Glenrowan and Taminick area as well as Kooyonga Creek Winery in Samaria and Tallis Winery near Dookie. • Enjoy a bushwalk in the Mt Samaria State Park, the Reef Hills, the Strathbogie or Warby Ranges. • Visit the North East Artisans in Bridge Street, Benalla’s own independent artist initiative, gallery and shop with a curated selection of locally, produced quality artisan creations.
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THINGS TO DO
Benalla Performing Arts BenallaPerforming PerformingArts Arts&& & Benalla Convention Centre ConventionCentre Centre Convention 57 Samaria Road, Benalla 57Samaria SamariaRoad, Road,Benalla Benalla 57 Box Offi ce: (03) 5762 5515 Box Offi ce: (03) 5762 5515 Box Office: (03) 5762 5515 www.bpacc.com.au www.bpacc.com.au www.bpacc.com.au
BENALLA BENALLACINEMA CINEMA@ @BPACC BPACC A with country bigcity citydigital digitalcinema cinemaexperience experiencewith withcountry country AAbig big city digital cinema experience friendliness the latest movies every friendlinessand andlow lowprices. prices.Enjoy Enjoythe thelatest latestmovies moviesevery every friendliness and low prices. Enjoy Tuesday, Sunday. Tuesday,Friday, Friday,Saturday Saturdayand andSunday. Sunday. Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and ■ kiosk ■■ Great Greatvalue valuesnacks snacksat thekiosk kiosk Great value snacks atatthe the ■ ■ Mums and Bubs sessions on Tuesdays ■ Mums Mumsand andBubs Bubssessions sessionson onTuesdays Tuesdays Box Monday to Friday and half BoxOffi Office ceopen open10am 10amto 4pmMonday Mondayto toFriday Fridayand andaaahalf half Box Offi ce open 10am toto4pm 4pm hour and theatre performances. hourprior priorto moviesessions sessionsand andtheatre theatreperformances. performances. hour prior totomovie movie sessions facebook.com/bpacc.benalla facebook.com/bpacc.benalla facebook.com/bpacc.benalla
@_BPACC @_BPACC @_BPACC
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THINGS TO DO
Mansfield zoo is home to a large selection of Australian native and exotic animals. We have over 100 animals in a park like setting, overlooking the Delatite Valley to Mt Buller.
SHEPPARTON LAUNDROMAT BENALLA LAUNDROMAT SEYMOUR LAUNDROMAT
We are an interactive Zoo and most of our animals can be hand fed by visitors. We provide a unique opportunity for children and adults to actively engage with our animals and learn more about their distinct personality and behaviour. • Guided Tours • Overnight stays • BBQ • Kiosk • Gift Shop
ONE STOP LAUNDRY SHOPS WASH, SHOP & GO SAVE TIME, MONEY, ELECTRICITY & WATER
1064 Mansfield Woods Point Rd, Mansfield (on the way to Jamieson) Phone: 03 5777 3576 E: info@mansfieldzoo.com.au www.mansfieldzoo.com.au
* Indoor & Outdoor Pools * Group Fitness classes * Swim Lessons * Gym
Large and small washers with a 23 minute cycle to cater for small domestic loads to KING size DOONAS Super commercial dryers. Coin and soap dispensers and large stainless steel folding tables offer complete facilities for total self service convenience.
SEPARATE ANIMAL CARE SECTION WASH AND DRY
HORSE RUGS
AND ALL ANIMAL BEDDING
Bring in this advert to receive a Guest Pass (conditions apply)
2 INSIDE DOG WASHERS and GROOMING TABLE
CLEANED & OPEN EVERYDAY FROM 6AM-10PM. FREE CAR PARKING. SHEPPARTON
Opposite NAB Bank 372 Wyndham Street
BENALLA
Opposite Aldi 156 Bridge Street
SEYMOUR
Opposite McDonalds 36 Emily Street
Contact Noelene 0427 314 310
Benalla Aquatic Centre 4 Mair St Benalla Tel: 5762 2154 Email: benalla@ymca.org.au Web: www.benalla.ymca.org.au
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THINGS TO DO
Anyone For Golf? Enjoy a Round of Golf with Friends Fresh country air, fully watered fairways, eighteen gently undulating greens and an abundance of local wildlife will make your game of golf at Benalla Golf Club absolutely unforgettable. • • • •
Situated just 2 hrs from Melbourne Par 72 course Green Fee players welcome Licensed Bistro and Bar – indoor or outdoor dining
• • • •
Lunchtime specials Sunday roast Well stocked Golf Shop with buggy and club hire Visitors welcome
Benalla Golf Club 5762 1920 | Mansfield Road, Benalla Vic 3672 benagolf@bigpond.net.au
Eat•Drink•Play
licensed sporting club with bar and bistro four full sized outdoor grass and carpet bowling greens, three under lights barefoot bowls available for groups function rooms – up to 300 people We views of botanic gardens look ample car parking f
orwar
Benalla Bowls Club Inc.
d to welcoming you.
25 Arundel Street, Benalla Ph: (03) 5762 2094 www.benallabowlsclub.com.au | 13
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS VISIT BENALLA AND ENJOY A VARIETY OF EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. FOR A FULL LISTINGS OF REGIONAL EVENTS, CHECK OUT www.enjoybenalla.com.au JANUARY
JUNE
DECEMBER
Victorian Gliding Club
Glenrowan Wine Region
Carols by Candlelight
MARCH
Trails, Tastings & Tales
MARKETS
Thoona Wheelie Bins
JULY- AUGUST
Swanpool Swap Meet & Village Market
Bald Archy’s, Swanpool
APRIL
Benalla Lakeside & Farmers Market, held on the fourth Saturday of the month. 9am – 1pm.
Benalla Racing club – Gold Cup
OCTOBER
OTHER
Wall to Wall Street Art Festival
Benalla Show
Molyullah Easter Sports Mokoan Music Festival
Glenrowan Wine Makers weekend
MAY
NOVEMBER
Benalla Performing Arts & Convention Centre
Benalla Classic Car & Motorbike tour
Benalla Festival
Winton Raceway
Day in the Gardens
Historic Winton
North East Artisans - NEA
Happy Wanderer Festival
Supercar Championships Benalla Official Visitor Guide | 14
Other events also take place at – Benalla Art Gallery
• All events are subject to change without notice
Benalla Benalla Festival Festival Ph: Ph: (03) (03) 5760 5760 2600 2600 www.benallafestival.com www.benallafestival.com
BENALLA FESTIVAL Every Every November November enjoy enjoy cultural, cultural, culinary culinary and and community community events events right right across across Benalla Benalla Rural Rural City. City. ■ ■ Foreshore Foreshore entertainment entertainment and and fifireworks reworks ■ ■ Local Local food food and and wine wine ■ ■ Art Art exhibitions exhibitions and and markets markets ■ ■ Live Live music music ■ ■ Children’s Children’s rides rides and and activities activities ■ ■ Street parade Street parade ■ ■ Cycle Cycle events events Stay Stay in in touch touch with with Festival Festival events events year year round round on on our our website website or or social social media. media. facebook.com/BenallaFestival facebook.com/BenallaFestival | 15
Benalla Official Visitor Guide | 16
STREET ART WALL TO WALL When Benalla-born street art curator, Shaun Hossack returned to town to talk about being successful in business in 2015, he laid down the challenge to the Benalla community: raise the funds and he’d collect some of the greatest street artists from Australia and internationally to literally paint the walls of town and turn it into the contemporary street art capital of regional Australia. It took just six months for the Wall to Wall Street Art Festival to be arranged and 13 of the best street
artists on offer worked feverishly for four days in March 2015 to transform the walls of Benalla. Since then, a further two Wall to Wall Festivals have been held with the calibre of artists reaching a new high in 2017 as international artists such as Argentinian Martin Ron and Columbian born, Julian Clavijo transformed some of the town’s most prominent walls. Australia’s foremost portrait street artist, Adnate returned for his third festival, this time painting yet another extraordinary portrait inside the Goorambat Church. | 17
STROLL THROUGH HISTORY BENALLA IS NAMED AFTER AN ABORIGINAL TRIBE WHO ONCE INHABITED THE AREA. DURING THE GOLD RUSH OF 1850S, GOLD SEEKERS TRAVELLING TO BEECHWORTH MADE BENALLA AN IMPORTANT SUPPLY STOP AND GOLD MINING ALSO BEGAN IN THE LOCAL REEF HILLS. By 1850 some residences, a blacksmith’s, a general store and an Inn had been built on one side of the river. Benalla Town Hall was built in 1883 and the first bank branch was established in 1866. In 1868, the first edition of the North East Ensign (now the Benalla Ensign) was published. The railway arrived in Benalla in 1873 and a recreation reserve (now the Botanical Gardens) was gazetted that same year. In 1883, the rail link to Sydney was completed and Benalla became an important railway town when railway workshops and refreshment rooms were built in 1888. The arrival of diesel locomotives in 1952 would signal the decline of Benalla’s value to the railway system. In 1910, the wooden bridge over the Broken River, constructed in 1874, was replaced by a concrete bridge. In 1965, Benalla was proclaimed a city.
In 1973, Lake Benalla was created on the Broken River and in 1975 the Regional Art Gallery of Benalla was built adjacent to the Lake. In October 1993, Benalla experienced its most disastrous floods in recorded history. One of the most recent historical assets in town is the Benalla Aviation Museum, founded by a group of local people who have an interest in Aviation activities. This group of enthusiasts has a very special interest in the history of No. 11 Elementary Flying Training School, RAAF Station, which operated in Benalla 1941-46. Displays at the museum also serve as a memorial to the men and women who served Australia in WW2 at RAAF Benalla. Many members of the Museum are former RAAF and serving members of the RSL Benalla. The Museum is open to the public from 10am to 4pm on Sundays and members aim to have an aircraft of special interest on display on rotation each month.
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BENALLA COSTUME AND KELLY MUSEUM The Kelly Saga… Ned’s authentic sash, 12 minute video.
Local History… Memorabilia.
Fabulous Fashions… Extensive costume collection from 1750’s.
Research facilities… Publications and documents from 1879. Open Wednesdays 12.30pm - 3.30pm or by appointment.
Inspiring Life Stories… Sir Edward Weary Dunlop and Captain Hector Waller.
14 Mair Street, Benalla. Ph (03) 5762 1749.
OPEN 9am to 4.30pm daily
Website: http://home.vicnet.au/~benmus
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OUR FAMOUS SONS EDWARD ‘WEARY’ DUNLOP Soldier, surgeon and war hero Edward `Weary’ Dunlop was born in Benalla in 1907. Growing up on the family farm, Weary attended Benalla High School and was a brilliant student and sportsman. He played rugby for Australia and studied medicine at Melbourne University before enlisting in WWII as a surgeon. A prisoner of war in Thailand, his outstanding courage, leadership and care of his fellow POWs made him a legend in camps along the Burma Railway.
HECTOR MACDONALD LAWS (HEC) WALLER: DSO AND BAR, RAN Hailed as `one of the finest captains who ever sailed the seas’, Hec Waller had a distinguished naval career that culminated in him being lost at sea in 1942. The youngest of 10 children, Hec Waller was born on April 4, 1900 in Benalla. He was educated at Benalla East and No. 31 state schools, later attending Benalla High School. Hec joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1913, was awarded the King’s Medal in 1917, and rose through the ranks to captain at the start of WWII.
He scrounged food for the sick, built makeshift hospitals and operated with hand-made instruments.
He was awarded two Distinguished Service Orders (DSO) in less than a year for his role in battles and took command of the cruiser HMAS Perth in 1941.
After returning to Australia, Weary dedicated his life to research and caring for former POWs.
Despite destroying at least four transports and a minesweeper, both the HMAS Perth and the USS Houston were sunk by the Japanese in the early hours of March 1, 1942.
Weary bore no hatred towards the Japanese and became deeply devoted to the people of Asia. He was Australian of the Year in 1977. To mark Weary’s achievements, a bronze memorial sculpture was erected on the edge of Benalla’s Botanical Gardens in 1996 and unveiled by Prime Minister John Howard.
A lasting memorial to Hec Waller was unveiled in March 2010, featuring a granite base with a bronze swirl, depicting the disturbance made by a ship after sinking below the water. A brass sailor’s and captain’s cap are partially submerged in the rock with remembrance poppies, in honour of not only Captain Waller, but of others lost at sea.
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BENALLA MIGRANT CAMP AFTER THE SECOND WORLD WAR THE FORMER RAAF PILOT TRAINING BASE AT BENALLA AIRPORT WAS TURNED INTO A MIGRANT CAMP TO HOUSE DISPLACED PERSONS FROM EUROPE, WHO CAME TO AUSTRALIA AS PART OF THE ASSISTED MIGRATION PROGRAMME. In contrast to larger centres such as Bonegilla, Benalla Migrant Camp provided more long term housing whilst the migrants worked off their obligations to the Australian Government in local factories and businesses. Before it was largely demolished in the 1990s, the camp infrastructure was extensive including four school buildings, a hospital, kindergarten and crèche, chapel, shop, a cinema hall and youth recreation centre as well as several administration
and staff buildings. At full capacity the camp was able to house and feed, 500 migrants. Over the 18 years of its operation 60,000 migrants made the camp their home, many for several years. In May 2015 the nine remaining huts on the former camp site received state heritage listing as a result of a community-driven campaign, in recognition of its significance in showcasing an important part of Victoria’s cultural and social history.
Benalla Migrant Camp Photographic Exhibition @ Hut 11, Hangar Lane, Benalla Airport, off Samaria Road Open on selected days throughout the year, special openings and group bookings welcome. For more information find us on Facebook or phone the Benalla Visitor Information Centre on 03 5762 1749. Entry Fee $5, Children FREE. Wheelchair accessible.
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LEGEND Ned Kelly site interpretive sign Accredited Visitor Information Centre
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Visitor Information Centre Major Highway Sealed Road Unsealed Road
Benalla Benalla Official Official Visitor Visitor Guide Guide | | 22 22
NED KELLY – TOURING ROUTE IT WAS IN BENALLA THAT NED KELLY HAD HIS FIRST ENCOUNTERS WITH THE LAW, HIDING FROM POLICE IN THE OLD BOOT SHOP IN ARUNDEL STREET AND HAVING HIS FATE SEALED AT THE OLD COURTHOUSE ACROSS THE ROAD. A visit to the Visitor Information Centre and Museum in Mair Street is a great starting point on your trip through Kelly country. The Costume and Kelly Museum has an impressive collection of Ned Kelly memorabilia, including the blood-stained green silk sash worn by Ned during the Glenrowan siege and the portable police cell in which he was imprisoned. The museum also screens a video, which tells the story of the Kelly legend.
Diagonally opposite is a small timber shop that used to be the old Bootmaker’s shop – a real Kelly relic. It was here in 1877 that Ned Kelly burst into the shop having escaped police custody while en route to the courthouse. He was recaptured in the shop after a violent struggle with police. The Benalla Cemetery, in Cemetery Road is where many of Ned’s family are buried there as well as Joe Byrne, Kelly’s lieutenant.
Continuing your tour on the touring route, stop in at the Commercial Hotel in Bridge St. Following the shooting of three policemen at Stringybark in 1878, the Kelly Gang were declared outlaws and a special police taskforce set up its headquarters at the Commercial Hotel in Benalla to co-ordinate the manhunt for the Kelly gang.
No visit is complete without taking the journey to Tatong-Tolmie Road where you will find the Kelly Tree at Stringybark Creek. This is where the Kelly Gang rose from petty horse thieves to Australia’s most wanted outlaws after three policemen, Thomas Lonigan, Michael Scanlon and Michael Kennedy were shot dead.
The next stop is the Old Courthouse (now the Anglican Church and Parish) in Arundel Street. Built in 1864, the Courthouse was the venue for several of the Kelly family trials. The cell, in which Ned was once held, is still in its original state.
Re-live the Kelly story and visit the many significant sites in and around Benalla as part of the Ned Kelly touring route. www.nedkellytouringroute.com.au Visit The Official Ned Kelly Touring Route on Facebook. | 23
Benalla Official Visitor Guide | 24
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Benalla Airport – YOUR CENTRE OF FLIGHT BENALLA AERODROME, SAMARIA ROAD, BENALLA
We supply the Glider and the Pilot! You have the fun!
BENALLA BENALLA AVIATION
HOME OF
MUSEUM
N O II E.F.T.S
INC
Open Wednesday & Sunday 9.00am – 3.30pm
Best view of Benalla possible.
Paul Berry 0408 576 238
Vouchers available An excellent gift idea
benalla.aeroclub@gmail.com
GLIDING CLUB OF VICTORIA Phone 5762 1058. Email gliding@benalla.net.au www.glidingclub.org.au
ADVENTURE FLIGHTS In Restored Historic Military Training Aircraft Winjeel
oth Minor
de Havilland M
Flights by appointment only. Subject to weather conditions.
Gift rs vouche le availab
A memorable experience in Vintage Military Aviation mark.carr@bigpond.com www.adventureflightsbenalla.com.au Benalla Official Visitor Guide | 26
BORN TO FLY BENALLA HAS A LONG HISTORY AS AN AVIATION CENTRE, WITH THE AIRPORT ESTABLISHED AS A PILOT TRAINING CENTRE IN WORLD WAR TWO. The modern day Benalla Airport offers visitors the chance to take to the skies in an adventure flight in one of three planes from yesteryear: The ‘Winjeel’: An Australian-designed military plane used to train Air Force, Navy and Army pilots from the late 1950s right through to the mid-1970s. It’s a sturdy workhorse powered by an American ‘radial’ engine. The Winjeel can carry a pilot and two passengers. The ‘Nanchang’: A sleek plane designed in China to train pilots of the People’s Liberation Army and Navy during the Cold War. Pilot and passenger are accommodated in ‘fighter style’ cockpits, and its retractable landing gear and ‘radial’ engine power give it good performance. The Moth ‘Minor’: This extremely rare aircraft from 1939 had not flown for 60 years when it was lovingly restored to ‘better than new’ condition over a six-year period. Designed as a ‘club’ aircraft, it was ‘impressed’ into the RAAF for training and liaison duty during the dark days of World War II. It has sedate flying qualities, and great views are enjoyed from its open cockpits. Visitors can also explore the history of flying in Australia by touring the Benalla Aviation Museum which is dedicated to the collection of historic aircraft and associated aviation memorabilia. Established in 2008, the museum is run by volunteers and is open each Wednesday and Sunday from 9am to 3.30pm and on other days by request. The museum takes great pride in preserving the history and cultural heritage of Military Aviation
Training in the Benalla region, and in particular the RAAF No. 11 Elementary Flying Training School and the Air Training Corps. It’s not unusual for the museum to be hosting flying activities of a weekend, as well as other displays or aviation reunions. It also has a workshop and other training facilities, a number of operational training aircraft and two static operational aircraft engines that are run on a regular basis for visiting groups. The museum is also an accredited member of the Australian Men’s Shed program and offers opportunities for people of the Benalla region to consolidate and improve their practical skills in aircraft restoration and other projects. The Gliding Cub of Victoria is the largest gliding club in Australia, attracting pilots from around the globe to experience the area’s world renowned flying conditions. The club offers great facilities for its members, visiting pilots both nationally and internationally and the general public who may just like an Air Experience Flight. The Gliding Club of Victoria has the ability to host both national and regional competitions which run between one and two weeks, typically attracting some 60 glider pilots and at least a similar number of crew members. In January 2017 GCV will host the 2017 World Gliding Championships with a Pre-Worlds competition in January 2016. With Benalla hosting these events it offers great opportunities for local businesses, tourism operators and community groups to offer support and develop strong partnerships to inject energy, enthusiasm and excitement into Benalla. | 27
• Supercars • Truck Racing • Historic Racing • Speedway Days • Shannons Nationals • Performance Car Mania • Drift Matsuri • Australian Superbike Championship
PHONE: 1800 WINTON www.wintonraceway.com.au Benalla Official Visitor Guide | 28
WINTON MOTOR RACEWAY THE NATION’S ACTION TRACK. Situated 10 kilometres from Benalla, Winton Motor Raceway is a favorite venue for motoring enthusiasts and motorsport competitors. Unlike many other circuits in Australia, Winton offers an unobstructed view of almost the entire circuit from any vantage point, allowing spectators to see all the action, all the time. On weekends, Winton hosts some of the country’s biggest motorsport events including a round of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, the Shannon’s Nationals, Historic Winton, The unique Speedway at Winton Days, the Festival of Speed, a round of the Australian Super Truck Championship, the time honored Winton 300 and the Ken Leigh HQ Holden 4 Hour just to name a few. For fans of modified vehicles, there are also the highly popular Performance Car Mania and other Burnout events, while those who prefer twowheeled action are catered for by a round of the Australian Superbike Championship, Hartwell Motorcycle Club and the Victorian State Road Racing Championships. Drifting is another form of motorsport competition that has recently grown in popularity, and Winton holds two Drift Matsuri events each year. Based on similar events in Japan, these are always wellattended.
Winton Raceway is also utilized extensively during weekdays. It is the official test facility for all Victorian Supercar teams, while we also conduct Test & Tune days on most Fridays for race cars and road cars. Motorcycles also are looked after with regular test & tune days scheduled throughout the year to finetune their equipment. The circuit is also used by car and tyre manufacturers who put their equipment through rigorous tests under controlled conditions, improving safety on the road for everyday motorists. As well as boosting the local economy by attracting visitors to accommodation venues throughout the region, Winton also provides camping facilities at major events; it is the only Victorian race track where spectators can camp trackside. Winton’s facilities also include a corporate hospitality area capable of hosting up to 1000 people for race days, conferences, weddings, parties and meetings that can all be catered for, our café is open every weekend and during race meetings. For more information about upcoming events at Winton, check out the website www.wintonraceway. com.au or contact the circuit on (03) 5760 7100.
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195 Major Plains Rd - Dookie, Victoria Call: 0437 825 547 | www.talliswine.com.au Open Tuesday to Thursday 10am - 3pm. Friday to Sunday 11am - 5pm. Benalla Official Visitor Guide | 30
TALLIS WINE A SECRET CELLAR DOOR HIDDEN IN THE DOOKIE HILLS. Just a 30 minute drive from Benalla, tucked away in the rolling Dookie Hills you’ll discover the relaxed Tallis Wine cellar door. Be transported to a natural rural setting as you motor through the property’s gates. Discover warm hospitality, distinctive handcrafted single vineyard wines to be enjoyed with seasonally selected local homemade produce. This cellar door ticks all the boxes for a place to bring visiting guests or for a catch up with family and friends. Experience the captivating beauty of the Dookie Hills with sweeping views of the Strathbogie Ranges, fireside or out on the relaxed deck. Whatever time of year, the landscape will have put on a show. On the bridge of winter and spring the canola uplifts with parcels of iridescent splendor. A classic Australian pastoral scene awaits you in summer with fields of golden wheat contrasting against vivid blue skies. On a clear day in winter, you can see the snowy peaks of Victoria’s Alps and often witness as a storm brews. Choose to be guided through a wine tasting, sip a glass of wine or beer, share a selection of grazing platters from our seasonal menu, homemade cakes and coffee or if you are interested in entertaining a large crowd the BBQ area is also available for hire. Keep an eye on the Tallis Facebook and website as there is regular live music and it pays to make a booking.
For those keen on getting outside and close to nature, our Rock Correa walking track (1 hour return) from the cellar door is signposted with 11 interpretive signs and offers a chance to sight kangaroos and local wildlife, taking in breathtaking 360 degree panoramas back to Benalla and beyond. While Tallis Wine has been producing wine from the rich red Cambrian soils for over 15 years, the cellar door is a recent venture for the Tallis family. Architecturally designed by family member John Tallis and built by Richard Tallis (winemaker and owner) with local tradesman, the cellar door was opened in early 2012 and is constructed from straw bales grown on the property, recycled or sustainable building materials with an energy efficient layout. The philosophy behind the cellar door design was to minimize the impact of the building on the environment and maintain a sense of connectedness to the land. Tallis Wine cellar door is a rewarding haven for wine lovers and well worth a visit when staying in Benalla. For bookings call 0437 825 547. Find out more at www.talliswine.com.au. Open: Tuesday to Thursday 10-3pm. Friday to Sunday 11-5pm. Closed Monday. The walking track closes 1 hour prior to closing. | 31
SHOPPING Take a leisurely stroll down leafy Bridge Street and the central retail strip and delve into an array of contemporary boutiques, quality homewares and antique stores that offer an eclectic mix of giftware, fashion, jewellery, books, gourmet food and garden wares. The town is well-serviced by many large grocery, furniture, electrical and hardware stores, fashion and footwear outlets and children’s clothing and toy shops, as well as a number of small boutique outlets full of their own character and charm. Benalla also has many large retailers, including Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Stolz Retravision, Target Country, and Mitre 10. And in Benalla – you will always find a park! You will also find hairdressers, beauticians, gift shops, jewellers, pharmacies, book shops, clothing shops and sports stores.
(Purveyors of Fine Preloved Ephemera)
Baddaginnie is situated 12kms west of Benalla on the Benalla-Baddaginnie Road. Previously this was part of the Hume highway, the original route between Melbourne and Sydney.
Corner of Palmerston and High Streets Baddaginnie, 12km west of Benalla on the Benalla-Baddaginnie Road, 1.5km from the Hume Freeway
The name Baddaginnie is Ceylonese (Sri Lankan) for “empty belly“ or “hungry” and was given in the 1840s by surveyor J.G. Wilmott, who had previously worked in India and Ceylon. Drop into the Baddaginnie Opportunity Shop (Purveyors of Fine Pre-loved Ephemera). The shop is staffed by the local community and proceeds from sales go towards neighbourhood projects.
Open 9am–1.30pm each Saturday
If you wish to contact us - phone Jan Williams – 03 5763 2440 Lionel Daniels – 03 5763 2435 Rose Chenhall – 03 5763 2207 This shop is a local community initiative and monies raised enables local projects to be undertaken.
Benalla Benalla Official Official Visitor Visitor Guide Guide | | 32 32
SHOPPING
Books BENALLA
Books and Entertainment 57 Bridge St Benalla 5762 5118
New Bookshop that carries a great range of greeting cards and Jigsaw puzzles. We also place special orders everyday for those hard to find books and DVD’s both new and secondhand.
Gorgeous clothes to suit the discerning dresser Carrying all amazing brands and styles
95-97 Bridge St
03 5762 1116
Jenny Milner - Marsha Watson
Pharmacy We offer the following services: • Patient Medication Profiles • Diabetes Australia Agent
• Giftware • MedAvisor
• Weight Management
• Impromy Weight Loss program
• Podiatrist
• Digital Photo Kiosks
• Home Health Care Aids • Loyalty Club • MooGoo Skincare
• Free health information
For friendly service and good advice 55 Bridge Street, Benalla VIC 3672. Phone: 03 5762 1033
Email: milnerwatson.pharmacy@nunet.com.au
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FOOD AND DINING With charming cafes, classic country pubs and boutique wineries, Benalla offers a wide variety of dining experiences. Many local restaurants and cafes use regional produce on their seasonal menus and there is always a good local wine to accompany dishes too. Quick and easy take away options include freshly made pizzas, noodles, specialty beef, chicken, lamb and veggie burgers, or the popular fish and chips in traditional paper wrap. Local produce, organic bread and plants and herbs can also be sourced at local markets. Here you will find apples, stone fruit, cherries, olives and olive oils, as well as nuts, locally produced honey, and homemade mustards, relishes, chutneys and preserves. Benalla Official Visitor Guide | 34
FOOD AND DINING Open 7 days a week from 7am till 5pm All day breakfast from 7am till 4pm Lunch from 11.30am till 4pm Amazing variety of cakes & slices, hot drinks, cold drinks, local wines, beers and ciders Catering to dietary requirements such as Gluten Free, Dairy Free,Vegetarian,Vegan & Paleo Proudly retailing local produce
Café Wine Bar 28 Bridge Street, Benalla 3672
Groups catered for (Bookings encouraged) Bookings & enquiries on 5762 4686 Rustik Café Winebar rustik_cafe_winebar w: rustik.net.au, e: info@rustik.net.au
• Dimattina Coffee • Cakes and Slices • Fresh sandwiches, focaccia’s • Traditional pies, pasties, sausage rolls • Gourmet Pies • Inside or Outside dining
Everything made fresh on-site daily
Bakery The Bakery Since 1929
113-115 Bridge Street. Ph: 5762 2324
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FOOD AND DINING
DEVENISH RAILWAY HOTEL Classic Country Pub - Established 1884
Dinner
Thursday – Saturday 6pm - 9pm
Pot & Parma Thursday
Lunch
Sunday full menu and roast 12noon - 3pm
24 Main Street, Devenish. Phone 5764 4375
Great food, great value, great experience
Open 7 days lunch and dinner Dini ng at Benalla Bowls Club Benalla Bowls Club Inc.
25 Arundel Street, Benalla Ph: (03) 5762 2094
www.benallabowlsclub.com.au
Benalla Benalla Official Official VisitorVisitor GuideGuide | 36 | 36
FOOD AND DINING Relax – Unwind – Indulge Every Day is a special day at Benalla Golf Club • Try our Old fashioned roasts on Sundays. • Daily lunchtime specials Monday to Friday • Gluten Free dietary needs provided for. • Local quality wines to compliment your meal • Watch the kangaroos while dining indoors or outdoor • Open 7 days - Lunch and Dinner • Family friendly
Benalla Golf Club 5762 1920 | Mansfield Road, Benalla Vic 3672 benagolf@bigpond.net.au | www.benallagolfclub.com.au
Relaxation by the lake… Open for Breakfast and Lunch Trading hours Wednesday-Monday – 8am-4pm Amazing new menu to suit the finest palette Outside catering available for your special occasion Located in the Benalla Art Gallery • 5762 3777 | 37 | 37
FOOD AND DINING Open for Breakfast from 6.30am...
• Dine in or takeaway • Large variety of hot food freshly made daily • Home made Pies, Pasties and Sausage Rolls • Hot Rolls, Toasted Sandwiches and Foccacias
Well worth the trip to Benalla…
Bouwmeesters Bakery 71-73 Bridge Street, Benalla 5762 1096 CLOSED SUNDAYS
Bertalli’s Bakery
Vanilla slices to make your mouth water MORE AMAZING PRODUCTS AVAILABLE!
• New Alpine Super Natural Protein Bread • Artisan Bread • Sour Doughs • Pies (15 flavours) • Pasties / Sausage Rolls • Wraps • Savoury Scones • Fresh Rolls / Sandwiches (Made with your preferred filling, or ours) • Cakes / Slices (Many varieties) • Magnificent Coffee / Hot Chocolate /Milkshakes
MAKE BERTALLI’S YOUR BAKERY OF CHOICE ! Fodmap Friendly Breads
51 Bridge Street Ph. 5762 1200
Benalla Official Visitor Guide | 38
FOOD AND DINING Benalla’s longest serving pizza cafe...
Hollywood
Cafe
Dine in - Takeaway Extensive pizza menu Regular - Large - Family
87 Bridge St, Benalla 5762 6277
Open for Brunch and Lunch Juices freshly squeezed daily Homemade slices and cakes
3 blends of coffee – cold drip to allow amazing true flavours
Bridge Street, Benalla
Contact Kathryn 0432 321 755
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ACCOMMODATION Escape, discover and truly unwind on your visit to Benalla where you will find an array of accommodation options. Warm and inviting hosts, Benalla has a wealth of accommodation options from luxury retreats to delightful bed and breakfasts, comfortable hotels and motels, charming pubs, self contained units and caravan parks. Benalla’s hotels and motels offer spacious rooms set amongst beautiful garden settings, BBQ facilities, pool and spa areas and in walking distance to the centre of town. While comfortable caravan and camping parks offer a host of accommodation choices, the sites are complete with electricity, water and TV connections. Or create a ‘home away from home’ in one of the many self-contained cabins or villas which provide accommodation for families or groups of up to 6. Contact the Visitor Information Centre on 5762 1749 who can suggest accommodation choices from luxury through to budget.
Top Town Motel of the
4 Star quality accommodation in the heart of Benalla The Top of the Town Motel is the perfect place to stay when experiencing motor sport, wineries, gliding, ballooning, cycling, the history of Ned Kelly and more when visiting Benalla and its surrounds.
• 136-138 Bridge Street • Benalla • 03 5762 4866 • topofthetown@toptown.com.au www.topofthetown.net.au
Top Service. Top Location. Top Choice. Top of the Town. • 81 cm LCD TVs with free Foxtel • Refurbished rooms • Charge back facilities at most restaurants • Split system heating and cooling • Executive Spa units • Free WiFi • Rooms with microwaves
• Located in the heart of the CBD • All rooms have queen size beds • Close to all restaurants • Off- street Trailer parking • Pool • Front rooms all double glazed. • Affordable rates
Benalla Benalla Official Official Visitor Visitor Guide Guide | | 40 40
ACCOMMODATION
• • • • • • • •
Spacious ground floor units Modern amenities Quiet location for a great sleep Car and trailer parking off-street Pool and BBQ facilities Spa /family /disabled access unit 700m stroll to shopping 300m to restaurant / take-away
Ph: 03 5762 3399
Rating ★★★★
www.glidercitymotel.com Cnr Witt Street & Sydney Road, Benalla Michael and Mandy Tabe
Your Hosts: Brian & Di Hogg • • • • • • • •
20 quiet rooms with off street parking for cars and trailers Free wireless internet* and Foxtel Coach and cycle friendly Pool and spa Guest garden and BBQ area Hot breakfasts delivered to rooms Hot, strong showers Comfy beds
48-50 Bridge Street West, Benalla 3672
Reservations 03 5762 4088 • 13 2400
E: info@comfortinnbenalla.com.au
W: www.comfortinnbenalla.com.au
*Conditions apply
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ACCOMMODATION
Avondel Motor Inn 21 Bridge Street West, Benalla. Phone 5762 3677. • Deluxe queen, twin and family rooms • Foxtel • Breakfast dining room
17 one and two bedroom apartments featuring: • Private courtyards in a peaceful garden setting • Separate lounge/dining, bathroom and kitchen with cooking facilities, microwave, mini oven and cooktop • Washing machine/ dryer, hair dryer, ironing board and iron • Air conditioning • Gas heating
• Electric blankets on all beds • DVD player and 80cm LCD TV’s • BBQ area • Children’s playground • Large salt water swimming pool • Free courtesy bus • Off street parking for large vehicles and trailers
Visit our website for room configurations, local attractions and to book online for special prices Reservation Freecall 1800 033 128 Cnr Samaria & Kilfeera Roads (71 Samaria Rd) Benalla Vic 3672. Phone (03) 5762 4055. Fax (03) 5762 5770. Email exhide@bigpond.com www.executivehideaway.com.au
Caring and Comfortable Accommodation for your Dog and Cat • Spacious heated and cooled indoor kennels • Individual outdoor grass runs • Large walk in cattery modules • Climate controlled cattery 679 Winton-Lurg Rd, Lurg (near Winton) Phone (03) 5766 4363 or 0417 362 961
www.cuballakennels.com.au
Benalla Official Visitor Guide | 42 Benalla Benalla Official Official Visitor Visitor Guide Guide | 42 | 42
VISIT RURAL BENALLA DISCOVER THE MANY THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THE PICTURESQUE RURAL DISTRICTS SURROUNDING BENALLA. Venture out of town to discover bubbling streams and swimming hideaways, breathtaking views and mountainous backdrops as you visit the historic townships of Devenish, Goorambat, Tatong, Thoona and Swanpool. The Glenrowan Wine Region nestled at the foothills of the Warby Ranges is the perfect picnic spot where you can enjoy the views, memorable wines and gourmet lunches. Take a scenic drive past the Winton Wetlands, a reserve of more than 3000 hectares surrounded by redgum and box grassy woodlands, or see the sites as you cycle around the area. Or take in the beauty of the tranquil bush setting at Mt Samaria State Park. Situated near Lake Nillahcootie between Benalla and Mansfield, the Mount Samaria range delivers spectacular vistas of the Victorian Alps, granite outcrops, high waterfalls and historic remains Another cool, quiet retreat for bird watching, bushwalking and picnicking is the Reef Hills State Park, 2,000 hectares of mixed eucalypt forests and wildflowers, picnic areas and walking tracks for visitors. | 43
VISIT SWANPOOL JUST 20 MINUTES DRIVE FROM BENALLA LIES THE IDYLLIC COUNTRY COMMUNITY OF SWANPOOL. Nestled in a valley flanked by the Strathbogie Ranges and the Samaria State Park, both of which boast stunning waterfalls, tracks and gorgeous views. The General Store has an extensive menu, either eat in or take-away, and wine selections and a rustic beer garden framed by timber from Alexander Bridge and Appleton Dock and filled with memorabilia. Along with a bar and restaurant, the store has takeaway food, a bottle shop, a large range of oils, and murals in the garden. The front fence flaunts murals each side - one depicting the history
Boutique Wines from North East Victoria Come enjoy the wines from Kooyonga Chapel’s new label! Cellar Door open Fri-Sun 10am-5pm And by appointment Winery: 03 5768 2477 Office: 03 9629 5966 2369 Samaria Road Moorngag 3673 (near intersection of Samaria Road and Swanpool Road)
of the town and the other a historic account of infamous bushranger Ned Kelly’s travels. In the heart of town there’s the ‘Swan Pavilion’ with a new park with native plantings. There’s free electric barbecues and plenty of hand-crafted seating under the trees - look for the swan’s feet! Find out more about Swanpool at http://www. swanpoolanddistrict.com.au. If wineries are more your scene, just head east for a five minute drive from Swanpool to Kooyonga Creek Wines. When you sit at the top of a hill sipping a glass of our wine at the end of the day, just surveying the landscape, you can’t help but think, ‘We live in a beautiful part of our country’. Kooyonga Creek Wines is a family owned boutique winery started by Pam and Barry Saunders. “We share the environment and grow our grapes. Our wine comes from the land; we make it, we drink it, we live it. And gee it tastes great!” For garden lovers there’s also Samaria farm just down the road. With a plantation of 3000 Damask roses, the farm is stunning to visit in summer when the roses are in bloom! Any time of year, the view across the valley is breathtaking and your hosts Allan and Vicki guarantee a warm welcome. The farm features a café serving all-day breakfasts and home cooked lunches and treats, using veggies and eggs straight from the garden! Stretch your legs and enjoy the rose garden and groves of lemons, limes, lemon myrtle, Seville oranges and olives.
www.kooyongacreek.com.au
The distillery produces high quality essential oils and hydrosols with products for personal and home use incorporating rose, lemon and lime – all handpicked and hand bottled on the farm. Purchase from the farm’s produce store.
Benalla Official Visitor Guide | 44
Open to the public on weekends from 8am to 4pm, group bookings are also available on any day by appointment. But the real hidden gem of Swanpool is the marvellous cinema. The cinema is in the original Swanpool hall which was built by volunteers over two and a half years and was officially opened by Sir Henry Bolte on 1st November 1957. It’s one of the few cinemas that still has the old carbon arc glass advertising slides and 16 and 35 mm projectors. Today though it mainly screens the best
of contemporary arthouse and quality movies using the latest digital technology with superb vision and sound. Double features on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Where else can you get that these days? And enjoy hot food and house-made choc tops at the Candy Bar at intermission. Matinees, fundraisers and private functions are all catered for. Enjoy a picnic and barbeque in the park before the screenings. Call 0498 007 988, www.swanpoolcinema.com.au.
PO AN
Located in the rolling Open Saturday and hills near Mt Samaria, Sunday 8am-4pm in North East Victoria. Farm Tours and Group Bookings by appointment
3000 Damask rose plantation Essential oils and hydrosols distilled on the farm Lemon myrtle and olive groves and citrus orchards Café serving breakfast all day or home baked treats and lunches Our produce store offers essential oils, hydrosols, soaps, olive oil, hams
OL CIN EM
A Screening the best S Wof art house and quality movies Double features on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights Matinees, fundraisers and private functions all catered for Call 0498 007 988 Enjoy a picnic and barbeque in the park before the screenings www.swanpoolcinema.com.au
2520 Samaria Rd, Samaria Vic 3673 Phone: (03) 5788 2225 or 0417 990 764
www.samariafarm.com.au
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GLENROWAN WINE REGION HIT THE GLENROWAN WINE TRAIL TO CAPTURE THE ATMOSPHERE OF A HISTORIC AREA, ON THE EDGE OF THE WARBY OVENS NATIONAL PARK. The trail provides something for all with its wide range of views, native gardens and historic buildings from wineries and cellar doors
The wine, winery and cellar door at Morrisons of Glenrowan delights visitors. •
Situated just 2km from Glenrowan township
The old established vineyards on the western slopes of the Warby Range take advantage of the afternoon sunshine and granitic loams to produce classic red wines and elegant fortified wines that the Glenrowan region is famous for. The vineyards on the eastern side of the range utilize the morning sun but have a slightly cooler climate which enables this small region to have a wide range of excellent red and white table wines, fortified wines, beer and sweet dessert wines.
•
Panoramic views to the Victorian alps
•
Enjoy a seasonal tasting platter with a glass of Tempranillo, Durif, Rosé or Fiano in a secluded garden spot or from an elevated platform with a view to the Victorian alps.
•
Chat with the winemakers, tour the barrel room and explore the joys of small scale winemaking
•
Ned Kelly’s highway is the Morrisons of Glenrowan backdrop
Glenrowan Wine Region offers a tantalising Wild Harvest Trail wine and dine picnicking experience. Collect the day’s fare, wine glass, and dinner ware from Baileys of Glenrowan and travel to each winery to enjoy a course with a matching glass of wine in a selected picnic spot. Bookings essential through Baileys of Glenrowan.
Whilst Shiraz is the signature red wine of the region all the wineries are producing interesting blends and styles from other varieties.
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Benalla Official Visitor Guide | 46
Glenrowan Wine Trail
3. Booth’s Taminick Cellars 1. Auldstone Cellars
296 Booth Road, Taminick via Glenrowan ph: 03 5766 2237 Open Thursday to Sunday 9am – 5pm Gourmet lunches every weekend
2. Baileys of Glenrowan
Taminick Gap Road, Glenrowan ph: 03 5766 1600 Open daily 10am – 5pm Old Block Café Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11.30am – 2.30pm Bookings preferred Coffee and cake available every day
339 Booth Road, Taminick via Glenrowan ph: 03 5766 2282 m: 0427 662 443 Open daily 10am – 5pm
4. Morrisons of Glenrowan 30 Kays Lane, Glenrowan ph: 03 5766 2734 Open daily 10am – 5pm, Sunday 12 noon – 5pm
5. Black Dog Brewery
339 Booth Road, Taminick via Glenrowan ph: 03 5766 2282 m: 0408 577 916 Open Thursday to Monday, 12 noon - 5pm Bar open Friday, Saturday & Sunday Packaged beer sales Thursday to Monday | 47
VISIT GLENROWAN HISTORIC GLENROWAN IS A SHORT DRIVE FROM BENALLA ON THE HUME FREEWAY AND IS BEST KNOWN FOR BEING THE PLACE WHERE NED KELLY MADE HIS NOTORIOUS `LAST STAND’. Glenrowan was named after farmers James and George Rowan who ran farms in the area between 1846 and 1858. The township was settled in the
GLENROWAN “Scene of Ned Kelly’s Last Stand”
late 1860s, the Post Office opening on February 22, 1870. Glenrowan was a quiet little stop-over and coach staging point between Benalla and Wangaratta until the events of June, 1880, blazed it’s name and that of Ned Kelly across the world. The Glenrowan siege was Australia’s first widely reported and photographed criminal drama. Telegraphy and outdoor photography were new, and news from Glenrowan via Benalla and Wangaratta telegraph operators, appeared in special newspaper editions almost as it happened.
KATE’S COTTAGE GIFTS, SOUVENIRS, MUSEUM & HOMESTEAD
Through back of shop to the MUSEUM & HOMESTEAD directly opposite “The Big NED KELLY STATUE”. Featured on “GETAWAY” and described as the “BEST” Ned Kelly Museum.
35 Gladstone Street, GLENROWAN Vic 3675. Open Daily. Phone 03 5766 2448.
www.katescottageglenrowan.com.au (No.1 on TripAdvisor)
Today, Glenrowan is a thriving tourist town, catering for those wishing to see the place where Ned Kelly made his famous ‘Last Stand’ or to re-live the excitement of the siege at the Computerised Animated Theatre. On entering the town, Australia’s most famous bushranger stands tall and imposing as a six-metre statue in the main street where the seige occurred on June 28, 1880. You can also visit the actual sites of the Kelly gang’s last stand as part of the Ned Kelly Touring Route. Other places of interest include Kate’s Cottage Museum and Homestead - why not pick up a souvenir while there? Stop and enjoy: Drop in to the Glenrowan Hotel.
Benalla Official Visitor Guide | 48
GLENROWAN BAKEHOUSE & CAFÉ Takeaway and sit down café meals • Information centre • Breakfast • Fish & Chips • Burgers • Cakes • Homemade pies • Sandwiches Friendly family service OPEN EARLY 7 DAYS
Cnr Gladstone and Beaconsfield Parade, Glenrowan
Phone 5766 2111
Glenrowan Tourist Caravan Park
• Powered sites • Self-contained cabins • Tent sites • Drive thru sites • Pool • Camp kitchen • Bush surrounding • Dog friendly
★★★ P: 5766 2288
2 Old Hume Hwy, Glenrowan E: glenrowanpark@bigpond.com W: www.glenrowanpark.com.au
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PLACES TO WORSHIP
42 Arundel Street Benalla Telephone: 5762 2060
BENALLA UNITING CHURCH
benalla@sandhurst.catholic.org.au
44 Carrier Street, Benalla Sunday worship: 9.15am every Sunday Family service:
5.00pm 2nd & 4th Sundays
Uniting Church congregations also in Devenish, Goorambat and Swanpool
Masses: Sat 6.30 pm, Sun 8.30am & 10.30am Thoona: Third Sunday of the Month 12 noon
VISITORS WELCOME For further details contact the minister Rev Kelvin Hodge on 0417 133 134.
We worship every Saturday 10.00am Bible Study 11.15am Divine Service
All welcome
‘Proclaiming God’s Grace’
44 Smythe Street, Benalla - 0424 002 551 Benalla Official Visitor Guide | 50
Jenny Milner - Marsha Watson
Pharmacy We offer the following services:
• Patient Medication Profiles
• Giftware • MedAvisor
• Diabetes Australia Agent • Impromy Weight Loss program • Weight Management • Podiatrist
• Digital Photo Kiosks
• Home Health Care Aids
• Loyalty Club
• MooGoo Skincare
• Free health information
For friendly service and good advice 55 Bridge Street, Benalla VIC 3672. Phone: 03 5762 1033
Email: milnerwatson.pharmacy@nunet.com.au | 51
Top Town of the
Motel
4 Star quality accommodation in the heart of Benalla The Top of the Town Motel is the perfect place to stay when experiencing motor sport, wineries, gliding, ballooning, cycling, the history of Ned Kelly and more when visiting Benalla and its surrounds. • 81 cm LCD TVs with free Foxtel • Refurbished rooms • Charge back facilities at most restaurants • Split system heating and cooling • Executive Spa units • Free WiFi • Rooms with microwaves • Located in the heart of the CBD • All rooms have queen size beds • Close to all restaurants • Off- street Trailer parking • Pool • Front rooms all double glazed. • Affordable rates
Top Service. Top Location. Top Choice. Top of the Town. • 136-138 Bridge St • Benalla • 03 5762 4866 • topofthetown@toptown.com.au
www.topofthetown.net.au Benalla Official Visitor Guide | 52