Smell the roses in Benalla and check out internationally renowned artworks at a regional gallery that punches above its weight. Explore the waterways and myriad birdlife of nearby Winton Wetlands and get a fresh perspective on a glider flight at the local flying school.
Creative spirit
Reserve plenty of time to explore the lakeside Benalla Regional Art Gallery: internationally recognised for its excellent historic and contemporary Australian art collection. See fine artworks including a tapestry of Sidney Nolan's Glenrowan, depicting the capture of bushranger Ned Kelly, and Albert Tucker's painting of Kelly Gang member Joe Byrne.
Street art is the catch-cry in Benalla, which is home to the Wall to Wall Street Art Festival. Check out the huge murals lining buildings across town, created by some of the country's biggest names. For public art of a different kind, view the Ceramic Mural near the river, inspired by the surrealist works of Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi.
Benalla is the starting point for the North East Victoria Silo Art Trail. This route travels through the small towns of Goorambat, Devenish, St James and Tungamah, which all feature silo art, and takes around two hours to drive. It finishes with the CFA Water Tank in the Winton Wetlands, painted by street artist Guido van Helten.
Up, down and around
Use the picturesque Lake Benalla to get your bearings as you explore the historic botanic and rose garden, one of the finest displays of roses in Victoria. Follow the walking trail around the lake through stands of native flora including magnificent river red gums.
Want to see the view from above? Learn how to fly at the largest Gliding Club in Australia. Choose from intensive training courses that last up to a week or half hour joy flights.
Life in the wetlands
Cruise out to the Winton Wetlands to enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from canoeing and birdwatching to bushwalking and star gazing. See how many of the 188 species of local birds you can spot, paddle the waterways in a canoe, and join the local astronomy group for a night under the stars.
