>> Back to See and Do
The Ned Kelly Touring Route | 'Weary' Dunlop Memorial Statue | Toll Bridge Gates | Historic Grandstand | Botanical Gardens | Rose Gardens | The Lake | Ceramic Mural | Costume & Pioneer Museum | Reef Hill State Park | Mount Samaria State Park | Lake Nillahcootie | Analemmatic Sundial of Human Involvement
Come and explore Benalla’s rich and colourful history . . . |
THE NED KELLY TOURING ROUTE
North East Victoria was “ Kelly Country” and Australia’s most famous bushranger knew Benalla well. Raised at nearby Greta, Ned wrote himself and Benalla into the nation’s folklore. From his earliest encounters with the law, to the establishment of the Special Police Task Force headquarters which led to his eventual capture, Benalla is home to the Kelly legend.
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 # 1 Start by visiting the Benalla Costume & Pioneer Museum and Visitor Information Centre in Mair St, and obtain a copy of the Ned Kelly
Touring Route brochure and map. Take time to browse the remarkable collection of Kelly memorabilia, and view the popular video “The Kelly Story - A Pictorial Telling”. Outside the museum you will notice the informative “Ned Kelly in Benalla” display board.
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# 2 The Old Courthouse & Survey Office in Arundel St where Ned appeared
several times. See the cell, still in its original state, where Ned was
held.
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# 3 The Old Bootshop over the road from the Old Courthouse, scene of a fight between a young Ned and his police escorts following Ned’s escape
from custody.
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#4 The Benalla Cemetery which holds the grave of Joe Byrne, member of
the Kelly Gang who died in the Siege of Glenrowan. Also buried here are
others associated with the siege as well as members of Ned’s family.
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#5 Stringybark Creek and the Kelly Tree ( a 2 - 3 hour round trip). This
is where Ned, Joe Byrne and Steve Hart shot and killed Sergeant Kennedy
and Constables Lonigan and Scanlon. This event, and the ensuing police
hunt have echoed through Australian history. Stringybark Creek is
located on the Tatong- Tolmie Rd.
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#6 On return to Benalla, see the Commercial Hotel in Bridge Street near
the bridge. After the Stringybark Creek shootings, the Kelly Gang were proclaimed
outlaws and this hotel became headquarters of the Special Police Task Force for
the two year manhunt which culminated in the Siege of Glenrowan.
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#7 Benalla Art Gallery features the noted tapestry of the Sidney Nolan painting “Siege of Glenrowan”, a significant piece from Nolan’s famous Kelly series. Also on display is Albert Tucker’s painting of Joe Byrne.
Available at the Gallery Bookshop are Kelly books and souvenirs.
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SIR EDWARD ‘WEARY’ DUNLOP MEMORIAL STATUE
Situated on Bridge Street in the Botanical Gardens near the Art Gallery, this remarkable statue was unveiled in 1996 by Prime Minister John Howard with 10,000 people in attendance. Depicting “Weary” Dunlop’s magnificent work as a surgeon treating other prisoners of war on the Burma-Thailand Railway during World War 2, this three figure memorial is dedicated to one of Australia’s greatest war heroes.
Edward was born on his father’s farm at Stewarton, and Benalla was his home town.
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TOLL BRIDGE GATES
Situated next to the bridge, over the road from the Botanical Gardens (for safety, take the path under the bridge). The toll gate for Broken River crossings operated from 1874 until 1878 when Victorian bridge tolls were abolished. The wooden toll bridge, constructed in 1874 was preceded by two other toll bridges built in 1847 and 1858.
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HISTORIC GRANDSTAND
Across Bridge Street from the Botanical Gardens is the sports oval, site of this grandstand which is listed on the Historic Buildings Register. Built in 1913 and recently restored, it is noteworthy because of its unusual barrel vaulted roof, all-timber construction and timber frieze.
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Take a stroll . . . .
. . . . through THE BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Benalla Botanical Gardens were designed and established in 1886 by Alfred Sangwell. As testament to their significance, these gardens are listed on the Register of the National Estate in recognition of their heritage values.
Typical of 19th century public gardens they incorporate curved walking paths and plantings of rare and exotic trees and shrubs. An unusual feature of the gardens is the inclusion of a recreation oval surrounded by an avenue of trees originally designed as a carriage driveway. The rotunda situated beyond the oval, with its surrounding lawn, has been an outstanding musical venue since it was built in 1911.
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. . . . through THE ROSE GARDENS
Often known as the “Rose City”, Benalla is renowned for this extensive
and diverse display of rose varieties. The Rose Gardens adjoin the Botanical Gardens, and close by are barbecue facilities and the “Rocket” playground.
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. . . . around THE LAKE
You can take a pleasant stroll along the boardwalks or, if you’re feeling energetic,
do the 4 kilometre Lake Benalla Walking Track which circles the lake. There are two loops of approximately the same distance. An excellent opportunity to enjoy bushland, birdlife and historic points of interest. A detailed guide can be obtained at the Visitor Information Centre.
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Take the time . . . .
SUNDIAL OF HUMAN INVOLVEMENT
Situated on the lake foreshore, adjacent to the walking path near the Civic Centre, is an unusual semi-circular formation of standing rocks. This is a rare example of the Analemmatic Sundial of Human Involvement which uses the shadow cast by a person to indicate the time of day. Hence the term "Sundial of Human Involvement".
Stand on the Analemma, or figure of eight, at the point corresponding to the day's date. For example, if the day's date is the 30th April, stand straddling the point around the engraved analemma representing the end of April. The hours of the day are indicated in Roman Numerals on tiles adjacent to the rocks, and your shadow indicates the time. During daylight saving add one hour to the time reading. The rock markers, which correspond to the hour positions, and which give the sundial a three dimensional form, are unique geological basaltic specimens donated by a district landholder on whose property they were found.
The Analemmatic Sundial dates back to around the second century AD. Its invention is attributed to the great astronomer, geographer and mathematician Claudius Ptolemy. The form of the Benalla sundial is thought to be similar to that of early analemmatic sundials.
The geometry of these sundials is dependant on their particular latitude and longitude. The calculations for Benalla were done by Ian Sells of Torquay, Victoria.
As a project of the Rotary Club of Benalla, the sundial was built by members in 2007 as a gift to the community to mark the centenary of Rotary International.
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Picture supplied by Brian Chandler |
Step into art and culture . . . .
ART GALLERY
Benalla Art Gallery is Australia’s most visited regional gallery. With its impressive modernist architecture, this landmark by the lake enjoys huge popularity with visitors and locals alike. The café is a favourite with the option of sitting inside or on the deck overlooking the lake. Australia’s history is depicted in this stunning collection with works by some of our greatest artists: Von Guerard, Roberts, Streeton, Arkley, Blackman and more. Aboriginal and promising artists are also featured, and exciting new exhibitions are always in the offing. Reflecting Benalla’s rich Ned Kelly history, feature exhibits are Albert Tucker’s painting of Joe Byrne, Kelly Gang member, and the stunning tapestry of Sidney Nolan’s famous Kelly series piece “Siege of Glenrowan”. The Gallery Bookshop offers a selection of books, prints, calendars, postcards and souvenirs.
Website: www.benallaartgallery.com
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CERAMIC MURAL
Situated across the lake from the Art Gallery, the Benalla Ceramic Mural has been a community art project since 1983, and it continues to evolve. With inspiration drawn from Antoni Gaudi, the great Spanish architect, the design and development have been overseen by local artists and architects. Created with the enthusiasm and hard work of community volunteers, local primary school students and some of Australia’s leading ceramic artists this unusal and interesting attraction is well worth a visit. Thousands of hand crafted ceramic tiles are featured. There are two circular formations, one representing the classical Greco-Roman ampitheatre and the other incorporating the eastern yin and yang symbol. The ampitheatre contains two sets of sound pipes - the “Thongaphones” which are played with a thong. The colonnade connects the two symbolic circles and this connection reflects the merging of cultures as typified in modern Australian society. The colonnade features a series of sculpted seats which offer an outlook across the lake, as does the upper level viewing platform.
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COSTUME & PIONEER MUSEUM
Next to the mural is the museum which incorporates the Visitor Information Centre.
* Reflecting Benalla’s rich Ned Kelly history, the museum contains a fascinating collection of Kellyana the most significant attraction being the green sash awarded to Ned who, as a youngster, saved a boy from drowning at Avenel. This was worn by Ned at the Siege of Glenrowan and bears the bloodstains from his violent capture.
* Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop, Benalla’s most famous war hero and humanitarian is paid special tribute.
* Period costumes dating from 1770 with varying exhibitions.
* Paintings, photographs and many other items of local historical interest.
Website: www.benallamuseum.org
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Go bush . . . .
REEF HILLS STATE PARK
Located on the western side of the Mansfield Road just south of the freeway overpass, Reef Hills was proclaimed a State Park in 2002. As its name suggests the area was worked for gold, after discovery in 1860. Only traces of the work remain today.
The park has significant biodiversity value as a remnant of original vegetation with 137 recorded plant species and over 100 species of birds. You can enjoy picnics, scenic drives, bushwalking, horseriding, bird watching and bicycle riding. Picnic areas are provided but there are no camping facilities.
For more information visit the Benalla Visitor Information Centre, phone Parks Victoria on 131 963 or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
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MOUNT SAMARIA STATE PARK
Located 28 kms south of Benalla on the Samaria Road, this state park covers 7000 hectares of the Samaria Ranges. A gravel road traverses the park from north to south and although steep and rocky in places, is open all year to most vehicles.
Varying altitudes and soils have created diverse eucalypt forest habitats with magnificent trees towering above a profusion of shrubs, wattles, tussock grasses (and wildflowers during spring and early summer). Wildlife is plentiful and includes kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, possums and gliders. Birdlife is abundant.
Spectacular views can be found from the Mt Samaria summit, Rocky Point Lookout and Wild Dog Creek Falls.
Before venturing to the park, obtain a map and information from the Benalla Visitor Information Centre or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au You will find details about picnic spots, fireplaces, toilet facilities, walking tracks, campsites and water availability. Relics from the timber industry operations of the 1920’s are also pinpointed.
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Take to the water . . . .
LAKE NILLAHCOOTIE
Set in the beautiful Broken River Valley, with the Strathbogie Ranges to the west and
Mt Samaria soaring above in the east, Lake Nillahcootie is located 36 kms from Benalla on the Midland Highway (Mansfield Road). Built in 1968, its water supplies are used for irrigation however it has a reputation for maintaining adequate levels for recreational pursuits despite droughts. Nevertheless, visitors are advised to exercise extra caution when water levels are low. Fishing, swimming and boating are very popular and boats can be launched at the picnic and barbecue area which is set in picturesque garden surroundings with excellent facilities. (Open from 8am until sunset daily). Camping is not permitted around the foreshore of the lake. |
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