10 Things to Do in Benalla That You Shouldn't Miss

North East Vineyard Tours will pick you up from your accommodation between 9.45 and 10.15 am. You will then relax and enjoy the best the North East Victoria Wine Region has to offer in air-conditioned comfort on one of our guided tours. During the day we will visit four of the smaller cellar doors and vineyards, sampling different wines at each. As we specialise in small group wine tours

Visitors to Winton Wetlands can connect with the site in any number of ways. Whether it be a memorable walk, an adventurous bike ride, a paddle in a kayak or a relaxing visit to the Mokoan Hub and Café (open Wednesday-Friday 11am-4pm, and Saturday-Sunday 8am-4pm) – where you will find all of the information you need to explore the site. Located 15 minutes from Benalla, and 25 minutes from Wangaratta, the 8,750Ha site features 32 wetlands, nearly 5,000Ha of redgum and box grassy woodland and is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna, including over 180 species of birds. Winton Wetlands has an incredibly intricate history and a powerful presence. A place of cultural significance and beauty, the site has a strong Indigenous significance demonstrated by the thousands of artifacts throughout the landscape. The scar trees and mounds also indicate a long and continuous Indigenous presence. The European history of Winton Wetlands is rich and compelling, and easily accessed at the many historic sites located within the reserve. The Wetlands are in a constant state of change so every visit reveals something new and interesting. Discover for yourself what makes Winton Wetlands so magical. The ever-changing light across the Winton Wetlands landscape builds upon an already intriguing venue for contemporary arts. The artworks and installations at Winton Wetlands are designed to involve and engage visitors and our community in the landscape and its cultures. Water Gallery at Ashmeads Swamp Ashmeads Swamp is a starkly beautiful place. The dead trees of the ancient Red Gum swamp both a sad reminder of what has been lost and an inspiration for renewal.The project merges both indigenous and non-indigenous artists in creating a culturally significant landmark on the site. It will also evidence how far we have come as a society to respect and appreciate one another. Artists: Troy Firebrace and Bailey Bish, 2017 Boggy Bridge Fish Trees The fish painted on the dead trees along Boggy Bridge Road represent the Yellow Belly and Cod that one thrived in the Reservoir. The blue lines indicate the old Lake Mokoan flood level. Artist: Tim Bowtell, 2016 The CFA Tank This stunning artwork portrays three local CFA volunteers. It has received national and international acclaim for its striking expression and its superb fit with the landscape. Artist: Guido van Halen, 2016 Hilda Bain At the gateway to the Lunette you will find Hilda Bain, her arresting presence speaks for itself. Her location on the banks of Mokoan Swamp, tells the story of the 16 families that lived in and around the area for generations. Their lives were ones of struggle and success, hard work and reward - enriched by beautiful surrounds and supported by fertile soils. Artist: Cam Scale, 2016 The Long Neck Turtle The 30 metre sculpture was created by Yorta Yorta artists from Kaiela Arts Shepparton. The Yorta Yorta people are morally and spiritually obligated to protect and respect the long neck turtle. The families of Yorta Yorta are represented by the connecting waterholes and streams inside the artwork, making one system surrounding their totem. Artists: Jack Anselmi, Troy Firebrace and Tammy-Lee Atkinson, 2016