Enjoy 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. Take in the beauty of the tranquil bush setting at Mount 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, 2000 hectares of mixed eucalypt forests and wildflowers, picnic areas and walking tracks for visitors.

DEVENISH

TC TREWIN AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM

A shed was built in 1987 with the aid of a Government Grant to preserve local agricultural machinery of the older generation of farmers. The significant collection of well labelled items, includes a HV McKay binder, a Big E Harvester, Sunshine No 6 header, Lennon’s Winnower and a 1930s Bedford truck.

Today’s modern machinery is in stark contrast to the exhibits which are well worth a look at this museum in Devenish. ANNIS AND GEORGE BILLS HORSE TROUGH

Donated in memory of the horses that did not return from World War I.

Bill’s horse watering troughs were manufactured in Australia and installed to provide relief for working horses in the first half of the twentieth century. A trust fund through the will of George Bills financed around 700 troughs in Australia and 50 overseas.

The Bill’s trough at Devenish is special because it has an attached dog watering trough. At the end of World War I Australian’s had 1300 surplus horses not able to return home.

GOORAMBAT

It’s been described as the small town with the big art — but it’s much more than that. Goorambat is a town steeped in history. In 1954 it was chosen by the Queen for an overnight stay. It is also home to mechanical royalty, a classic 1960s tractor, with an intriguing back story. Purchased by Cooper Bros from Wisconsin, it arrived in town in pieces before being assembled and ultimately sold to local man Colin Davis who took it to Esperance. Many years later he would return, bringing the tractor with him.

It was subsequently sold and donated to the Goorambat Community Group who have taken care of it ever since. It is currently on display for the enjoyment of the general public.