Visit Victoria.
You'll love every piece of Victoria

Benalla

Benalla Art Gallery

Quick facts

  • Population approximately 14,000
  • 195 kilometres north-east of Melbourne 
  • Home town of Ned Kelly

Set on the picturesque banks of Lake Benalla along the Broken River, Benalla is known as 'The Rose City on the Lake'. The city is renowned for its historic botanic and rose gardens, and is a perfect setting for a picnic or a relaxing stroll through one of the finest displays of roses in Victoria.

The Benalla Regional Art Gallery, in the Botanic Gardens beside the lake, is internationally recognised for its excellent historic and contemporary Australian art collection. Considered one of Victoria's most important regional galleries, it has many fine artworks on display, including a tapestry of Sidney Nolan's Glenrowan, depicting the capture of Australia's most infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly.

Across the lake is the Costume and Pioneer Museum and Visitor Information Centre. The Museum displays a collection of exhibits from the region's past, including costumes dating back as far as 1770. It also houses an extensive collection of Kellyana. Stand inside the portable cell that once held Ned Kelly and view the blood stained sash he wore under his famous armour at his final capture.

Linking Benalla's lakeside attractions and many historic sites is a delightful walking trail around the lake, leading through stands of native flora including magnificent river red gums.

Activities and attractions

  • Pick up a brochure on Benalla's Ned Kelly Trail from the Visitor Information Centre and visit the legendary sites around Benalla
  • Admire the tapestry of Sidney Nolan's 'Glenrowan' and Albert Tucker's painting of Kelly Gang member Joe Byrne in the Benalla Regional Art Gallery
  • Enjoy refreshments at the Gallery Café overlooking the lake
  • View the Ceramic Mural near the river, created by local and visiting potters and inspired by the fantastic works of Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi
  • Discover the city's history at the Costume and Pioneer Museum, including early colonial costumes and a tribute exhibition of memorabilia and information on the lives of Benalla's famous sons – Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop, Captain Hector Waller and Michael J. Savage
  • Enjoy a picnic or leisurely stroll in the beautiful Benalla Botanic Gardens, featuring signature rose gardens and the Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop Memorial
  • For the more adventurous, the Gliding Club of Victoria is based at Benalla Airport, where you can take a joy flight or learn to glide with an experienced pilot
  • Enjoy boating, fishing or water skiing on Lake Mokoan and Lake Nillahcoote and bushwalking in the nearby Warby Range, Reef Hills and Mount Samaria State Parks
  • Experience the thrills and excitement of events at the Winton Motor Raceway.

Events

  • Benalla Festival – March
  • Benalla Agricultural and Pastoral Show – The last Friday and Saturday in October

How to get there
Benalla is two and a quarter hours north-east along the Hume Freeway or the Midland Highway.