As well as Benalla's rose gardens, at their brilliant best during the Rose Festival celebrated in October/November each year, Benalla is known for its Art Gallery, situated on the Broken River.In addition to a number of Aboriginal and contemporary artworks, the Gallery has a fine selection of Colonial Art in the Ledger Collection, with many examples from artists of the Heidleberg School of painting. The high point of the collection being Arthur Streeton's "Impression for Golden Summer" and Sidney Nolan's tapestry of Ned Kelly at "Glenrowan".
In the gardens nearby, you can find the monument erectedin memory of Benalla's most famous citizen Sir "Weary" Dunlop, hero of World War 2 prisoners captured by the Japanese.
If you're after noise and action, there's the local racecourse, Winton motor races or swooping around the sky in a glider. Benalla also has one of Australia's largest micro-light clubs, attracting hangliding enthusiasts from all over the globe. With your feet back on the ground, you can wind down with a browse through the local shops and cafes before relaxing in the spa pool at Belmont.Here, the welcoming atmosphere of the country combines with the facilities of a city, so you can enjoy a wide range of attractions, including historic walks, galleries and museums.
One of the most popular attractions is the annual Wangaratta jazz festival, coinciding with (and offering an alternative to) the Melbourne Cup every November. This 4 day festival offers over 100 different events and bands.
There's also the food and wine festival to provide a feast for the ears and palate, offering the wares and produce of the many great wineries within a 30 minute drive. The 'Gourmet Food Corridor' has a range of excellent cafes and wineries including the famous Brown Brothers of Milawa, Milawa Mustards and a cheese factory and honey farm.
Glenrowan - Kelly CountryNot far from town is Glenrowan *the heart of Kelly Country* with many historic landmarks. The area is also world famous for its tokays, ports and muscats, on sale at Bailey's winery.
One of the key advantages of this region is its proximity to Victoria's high country, offering year round adventure. Australia's largest snowfields offer a wide range of groomed
trails in winter, or hike through our rugged national parks in warmer weather. A true destination for all seasons.
