Benalla

Day Trips

Touch down in Benalla and settle into your boutique accommodation. Make your way to the Benalla Art Gallery branch of the Art Gallery of Ballarat and admire world-class Australian prints. Feel inspired by the vibrant local exhibitions before grabbing a coffee at a nearby café.

Stroll along the banks of the Broken River and explore the leafy Lakeside precinct. Pop into Lakeview Domain to witness seasonal birdlife and enjoy a light picnic lunch on the grass. Wander through Regent Street’s shops, sampling fresh pastries and regional delicacies.

Dine at a riverside bistro serving local Murray cod and crisp Victoria-laid wines. As night falls, join a guided torchlight walk around the lake to glimpse nocturnal wildlife. Return to your room for a quiet evening under the stars.

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at a local café before renting bicycles for the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Follow the gentle incline through farmland, soaking in panoramic views of distant ranges and rolling hills. Pause at scenic outlooks to snap photos and enjoy the fresh country air.

Continue pedaling towards Goorambat, stopping for a lakeside lunch picnic packed with local cheeses and crisp apple slices. Take your time to observe wildflowers and perhaps spot kangaroos grazing in the paddocks. Head back along the trail at a leisurely pace, cooling off with ice creams at Sally’s Corner.

Relax with a beer brewed in town at the Benalla Brewing Co. Attend a casual locals’ trivia night or live country music session. Unwind back at your accommodation with a soak in the outdoor spa under a canopy of stars.

Wander the heritage precinct to admire the stately 19th-century courthouse, post office, and ornate streetscapes. Pop into the Benalla Historical Society to learn about pioneering settlers and indigenous history. Enjoy morning tea in a colonial-style tearoom overlooking the town square.

Drive out to the Benalla Aviary, home to colorful parrots, lorikeets, and cockatoos in spacious walk-in enclosures. Spend time feeding the birds by hand and learning about endangered native species from the volunteers. Stop at the adjacent Winton Wetlands visitor centre for a guided talk on wetland restoration.

Reserve a table at an elegant bistro for modern Australian fare using locally sourced ingredients. Savor a three-course dinner accompanied by fine regional wines. Finish the night with a stroll down by the illuminated Broken River precinct.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on a garden patio overlooking Victoria Park Lake. Explore the Benalla Botanical Gardens, admiring the rose garden, camellia house, and heritage conifers. Join a guided tour to learn about the park’s historic plantings and design features.

Pack a gourmet picnic hamper and head to Turner’s Lookout for sweeping vistas of the town and surrounding farmland. Relax by the lake’s edge, watch waterbirds glide across the surface, and let time slow down. Return to town for a visit to local craft shops and artisan studios.

Dine riverside at a café renowned for fresh local produce and homemade desserts. As dusk approaches, rent a stand-up paddleboard for a tranquil glide along the Broken River. End the evening toasting marshmallows around a firepit back at your lodging.

Set out for Glenrowan, the site of the infamous Ned Kelly siege just 10 minutes from Benalla. Tour the Glenrowan Heritage Centre and watch the immersive Kelly siege theatre production. Wander the Kelly landscape on a self-guided walk to see replica stakeout tracks.

Enjoy a hearty pub lunch at the historic Glenrowan Hotel, once frequented by the Kelly Gang. Explore nearby war memorials and quaint country laneways filled with wildflowers. Pop into the Kelly’s Hut replica and chat with costumed guides about bushranger life.

Return to Benalla and dine at a rustic farm-to-table restaurant known for its grass-fed meats. Sample local boutique beers or fortified wines by candlelight. Drift off listening to the distant echo of nocturnal owls across the fields.

Grab coffee and supplies for a full-day adventure at Winton Wetlands, a 2,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary. Embark on a guided canoe tour along winding waterways flanked by pristine red gums. Listen to the call of waterbirds and watch graceful swans glide by as you paddle.

Dock at a secluded bank for a bush-lunch of sandwiches and fresh fruit made from local produce. Hike a short trail to a vantage point overlooking vast restored wetlands alive with frogs, eels, and migratory birds. Learn from rangers about the area’s rich Aboriginal and environmental heritage.

Return to Benalla and freshen up at your hotel. Relish a casual dinner at a modern brasserie serving seasonal share plates. Unwind in the lounge with live jazz or blues performed by local musicians.

Drive 45 minutes north to Shepparton and visit the vibrant farm gate markets at Mooroopna. Sample artisanal cheeses, homemade preserves, and fresh baked goods from passionate producers. Chat with growers and select seasonal fruit for a midday feast.

Take a guided tour of a family-run dairy farm to see cows being milked and taste freshly churned butter. Head back into Shepparton to explore the NGA Shepparton Regional Gallery’s contemporary Indigenous art collection. Enjoy lunch at a riverside café overlooking the Murray River.

Return to Benalla in time for sunset at the lake, watching dazzling pink and orange skies reflected on the water. Dine at an award-winning local eatery known for its creative degustation menus. Savor each course amid warm hospitality and regional wine pairings.

Set out early for the Gooram Falls walking track, winding through native bushland and lush gullies. Pause by cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear plunge pools for stunning photo opportunities. Spot kookaburras and other woodland birds as sunlight filters through towering eucalypts.

Enjoy a bush picnic beside the falls amid ferns and towering tree ferns. Continue along the trail to discover hidden pools and secret lookouts. Return via a loop track back to the carpark, breathing in the clean forest air.

Head back to Benalla for a late-afternoon coffee at a riverside barista hub. Feast on wood-fired pizzas and local salads at a laid-back pizzeria in town. Cap the night off with a nightcap at the rooftop lounge, gazing at the starlit sky.

Join a hands-on cooking class led by a passionate local chef in a heritage kitchen. Learn to prepare regional specialties like spiced kangaroo skewers and damper bread over coals. Enjoy your creations paired with crisp local sparkling wines.

Visit a nearby boutique vineyard for a private tasting of premium shiraz and riesling. Walk the vine rows with the winemaker and hear the stories behind flagship labels. Spend time exploring the cellar door’s art-filled tasting room and gardens.

Host a twilight private barbecue in the vineyard grounds with canapés and sunset vistas over the vines. Savor a feast of grilled lamb cutlets and vegetable medleys, washed down with fortified muscats. Return to Benalla for a final night stroll alongside the softly lit river.

Savor a final gourmet breakfast at your favorite local café, reminiscing about the past ten days. Take a last morning walk through the lake precinct, breathing in fresh country air. Pop into a gallery or craft shop to pick up souvenirs and local art.

Pack up and check out of your accommodation, then drive out to visit the Benalla Railway Station heritage precinct. Snap photos of restored steam engines and vintage carriages before bidding farewell. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a café en route, reflecting on your trip.

Head to Melbourne-bound transport or drive off into the countryside, carrying the warmth of regional Victoria with you. Plan your next visit to uncover more hidden gems around Benalla. Safe travels and happy memories linger long after you depart.