Family Friendly Archives

Wangaratta Common Nature Conservation Reserve

This large relatively intact native grassland with diverse plants (96 species to date) is stunning in spring and early summer. It is home to a variety of native wildlife including a large mob of Kangaroos. A large woodland area in the northwest of the reserve includes a seasonal River Red Gum wetland and grassy Grey…

Kaluna Island

Wangaratta’s Kaluna Island is a serene getaway spot located near the city center. The island is bordered by the King River and one of its anabranches, which creates an island, and adjoins Kaluna Park. The only way to access the island is via foot traffic over a concrete bridge located on the other side of…

Mayday Escape Rooms

Set in the heart of the decommissioned Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum at Beechworth, this escape rooms offers a unique glimpse into the past of this historic gem. The escape rooms make use of several buildings within the 1867 footprint of the hospital, all of which remain largely unchanged today. With the exhilaration of racing the…

Lake Benalla Fishway

Lake Benalla fishway is in place to improve the native fish migration in the Goulburn Broken Catchment. The vertical fishway or fishladders as they are sometimes known, allows fish to swim upstream an downstream past barriers. It is also a way to protect fish from predators like humans and birds and also allows light to…

Mitchell Avenue Reserve

Mitchell Avenue Reserve spans along Mitchell Avenue, from Cribbes Road to White Street. It is home to Wangaratta’s Splash Park and also features a children’s playground, flying fox, multipurpose sports courts, and public amenities. In addition, there is a BMX Pump Track, Skate park, Children’s Garden, dog park and exercise equipment have been installed. The…

Mitchell Avenue Skate Park

The Mitchell Avenue Reserve boasts of a Skate Park that offers a safe venue for skateboarders, scooters, and BMX riders. Launched in 2020, the park caters to all age groups and features various technical elements that cater to both novice and advanced riders, making it the perfect spot to hone one’s skills.

Benalla Bowls Club

Benalla Bowls Club has developed into a multi-faceted entertainment and sporting centre. Located adjacent to Benalla’s beautiful Botanical Gardens and only two hours from Melbourne. Benalla Bowls Club is a licensed sporting club featuring two state-of-the-art needle punch greens along with two turf greens. The light and spacious bistro has seating capacity for 160 people…

Wenhams Lane Bush Reserve

Wenhams Lane Bushland Reserve includes remnant Grey Box that form part of the endangered ecological vegetation class Plains Grassy Woodland. Enter the reserve from Wenhams Lane near the playground. This site was planted out as a community firewood lot in 2004 which was burnt out by a fast moving grass fire in 2006. The site…

Benalla Splash Park

Benalla Splash Park is a popular place to be in the warmer months. It offers a range of water-based activities and amenities designed for families and visitors looking to cool off and enjoy the outdoors during hot weather. The splash park features various water jets, sprays, and structures that provide a fun and interactive experience…

Benalla Skate Park

The Benalla Skate Park is located on the foreshore of Lake Benalla. The park is suitable for use by skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX riders. The Skate Park is a major hub of Benalla Rural City’s annual Wall to Wall Festival, drawing internationally acclaimed street artists to paint bold artworks on the bowl itself as…

Hec Waller Memorial

Hector MacDonald Laws (Hec) Waller, DSO and Bar, RAN. Described as “one of the finest captains who ever sailed the seas” Hec Waller was a true naval legend—respected, courageous, and unshakably dedicated to his country. Waller embarked on his remarkable journey with the Royal Australian Navy in 1913. By 1917, he had already distinguished himself…

Siva Singh Memorial

Siva Singh arrived in Victoria in 1896 and quickly became a valued member of the Benalla community, gaining a hawker’s licence and building a life of purpose and contribution. By 1915, his hard work had paid off—he owned 320 acres of land in Benalla, a remarkable achievement that speaks to his determination and connection to…