Overview
Peruse art galleries, museums and studios and delve into the rich heritage of the High Country, a region that boasts everything from fine art, street art and military history to international jazz and bushranger folklore.
Art lovers
Benalla’s vibrant creative spirit is on display, both indoors and out. See large-scale works created by local and international artists for the popular Wall to Wall street art festival all across town. Follow it up with an afternoon at the renowned Benalla Regional Art Gallery, home to Sidney Nolan's famous 'Glenrowan' tapestry and a range of Australian and Indigenous art collections.
Check out the changing Indigenous art exhibits on display at Rutherglen Estate, take a detour from Wangarratta to tour through the North East Victoria Silo Art Trail, and continue exploring the work of local artists at commercial galleries and cooperatives right across the High Country.
A different time
Delve into the rich and varied history of Victoria's High Country. Hear stories about bushrangers, miners, pioneers and soldiers from the 1800s to the present day. Visit local museums displaying fascinating relics and exhibits and get an insight into the everyday life of the state's famous, infamous and ordinary citizens.
Head to Benalla to see the blood stained sash Ned Kelly wore at the famous siege in Glenrowan and learn about the region's heroes who distinguished themselves during WW1 and WW2, including Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop and Captain Hector Waller. Wander the historic streetscape of Beechworth and visit the newly upgraded Burke Museum, where you can dig deeper into bushranger folklore and learn about what life was like for the first Chinese settlers.
Note perfect
Travel to Wangaratta in October when the town comes alive for the Wangaratta Jazz Festival. See the country's best jazz musicians hit the stage along with visiting international stars, playing everything from traditional standards and bebop to fusion, experimental, Dixieland and even blues.
In the new year, Opera in the Alps makes a splash in the lush grounds of the Beechworth Golf Course. A cultural highlight on the Victorian music calendar, the performance showcases some of Australia's best operatic voices and classical musicians.
