Benalla

25 November a seniors cricket match was to be held at Benalla between Ringwood and Benalla over 60s teams. On the Saturday morning we received a phone call advising that the game was cancelled due to heavy rain during the week. Having booked accommodation we decided to spend the weekend at Benalla anyway.

Our accommodation for the weekend was at the Rose City Motel approximately one kilometre from the centre of town.

After settling into our room we walked into town to investigate.

Benalla is referred to as Rose City because of the extensive plantings of roses, originally established in 1959, in the Botanical Gardens. There are masses of roses planted in sections with the name of the roses displayed.

The Broken River runs through Benalla. The Art Gallery is situated on one side of the river.

On the opposite bank is the Benalla Historical Society Museum and the Benalla Ceramic Mural.

The image on the side of the museum shows that Benalla is part of Ned Kelly country.

Before going to the motel we called into the information centre for ideas on exploring Benalla. It was obvious from talking to the lady in the information centre that art was a feature of the area.

Throughout the town walls of buildings have been painted by a variety of street artists. The project began in 2015.

Wherever you walk you are aware of these paintings.

It is quiet and peaceful walking by the river on a Saturday afternoon.

Flood markers are on some of the trees near the river banks. At the showgrounds we were surprised to see a large number of parked vehicles with no people around. Apparently this was a parking area for cyclists participating in the Great Victorian Bike Ride.

Bridge over the Broken River.

The streets of Benalla were quiet on the Saturday evening. On the way back to the motel we had dinner at the Bistro of the Royal Hotel and enjoyed a delicious meal of lamb shanks in a wine gravy. A good start to our weekend in Benalla.

Day Two - Benalla and District