Benalla Botanical Gardens walk

Benalla Botanical Gardens walk created by Sean Mathews

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Summary

These beautiful lakeside botanical gardens are experienced via elegantly curving pathways and treed avenues. The landscaping, historic, cultural and recreational features will engage the whole family.

Description

Dating back to the 19th century, these are truly historic Botanical Gardens with something for every garden, art, culture and outdoor play lover.

The land was allocated in 1873 and work began in 1882. Originally developed around a large central oval and grandstand, the traditional expansive lawns and ornamental bed placements continue to appeal to visitors today. Avenues of aged deciduous trees and ongoing works by a skilled parks and gardens team contribute to an ever changing landscape that is a pleasure to visit in any season.

Iconic features provide enjoyment and interest at every turn - the Lake Benalla shoreline and boardwalks, the War Memorials, the celebrated Art Gallery and the wonderful adventure playground. The distinguished rose garden is the reason Benalla is known as 'Rose City'.

Paths are flat and smooth sealed, boardwalks, compacted granitic sand or gravel. They are very well maintained and easy to navigate with prams and pushers.

The Gardens are also rich in amenities such as large car parks at surrounding access points, potable water, sheltered picnic and BBQ facilities, trackside seating and multiple clean public toilets.

Dogs must remain on a leash in the gardens. There are nearby designated off leash areas at either end of Lake Benalla Benalla dog walking regulations

Other walks in the Benalla region
Lake Benalla walk
Rocky Ned walk
White's Rock walk
Lima Falls walk
Pine Gully Nature Trail

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Points of Interest

1. Entrance gate

There are multiple garden entry locations, but this one by the lake is the principal point of entry.

2. War Memorial

Dedicated in 1922, the War Memorial cenotaph originally commemorated locals in the Great War. Names of those from later conflicts have been added. The monument is accompanied by a cannon.

3. Benalla Art Gallery

The popular Art Gallery is situated lakeside in the gardens. It offers a quality permanent collection and fascinating visiting exhibits. There is a cafe providing indoor and outdoor seating.

4. Deciduous avenues

Aged deciduous trees line the pathways around the historic central oval creating a pleasing ambience for every season.

5. The Bandstand

Nestled into its very own lawn bordered with ornamental floral beds is the attractive Bandstand built in 1911.

6. Historic Grandstand

Home of the Benalla Bushrangers Cricket Club, this grand old stand with origins back in 1896 takes pride of place overlooking a beautifully manicured historic sports ground.

7. Ornamental beds

Across the gardens you will discover a diverse range of species to enjoy such as this spectacular Agave Americana Marginata.

8. Rocket play

Generations of children have adored the resident rocket slide. The newer adjacent adventure playground makes visiting the gardens an even greater thrill.

9. BBBQ and picnic facilities

BBQs, under cover, garden picnic tables and widely dispersed generous seating are a feature of the gardens. Shelters and potable water are also provided.

10. St Joseph's church backdrop

The dome capped spires of St Joeseph's add character to the Benalla Botanical Garden skyline.

11. Smooth pathways

The compacted granitic sand pathways are well maintained. Pushers and prams can be easily managed on this smooth and firm surface.

12. The Rose Garden

Benalla is know as the 'Rose City' due to this lovely Rose Garden established in 1959. It is worth noting that visiting exhibitions take full advantage of the wider botanical garden setting as well.