Distance: 1 Km | Duration: 2 Hrs | Grade: Grade 2 | Rating: | Style: Circuit
About the Walk
Overview
From Beechworth Lunatic Asylum to Mayday Hills: a walk through an important part of Beechworth’s history. This walk will take us through the beautiful, shady grounds of the former Beechworth Asylum where many of the buildings are virtually unchanged in over 100 years.
The Walk in Detail
The leader will outline the history of the site and of mental health care in Beechworth and tell the stories of staff and patients in a respectful way. The leader has been researching the history of the site for five years with colleagues from Charles Sturt University. For more information go to www.maydayhills.org.au
At the end of the walk, refreshments are available at the George Kerford bistro in the grounds, or you can bring a Thermos and sit under the trees.
Extension Option: Mayday Hills Tree Walks
A self-guided tour of the grounds would also be very rewarding. The gardens cover an area of 27 acres. They were planted in the late 19th century as a botanical setting of exotic trees and shrubs, donated by the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne. The gardens are set against a backdrop of magnificent native trees, most notably Brittle Gums. National Trust (Victoria) has recently classified over 200 Mayday Hills trees as significant at a Regional or State level. The tallest tree in the gardens is a 50 metre high Douglas Fir, seen on the White Oak Walk.
Please wear comfortable shoes, as the walks include stretches of rough grass as well as paved sections. Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of these gardens and trees.
Getting There
(-36.3660, 146.6944)
-- 01 km from Beechworth Post Office. 10 minute walk.
-- 38 kms from Wangaratta. 30 minutes.
Meet at The Gatehouse to Mayday Hills on the corner of Albert Road and Gilchrist Avenue. The leader will meet you and direct you to the car park near-by.
Walk Precautions
Some steps. Not suitable for wheelchairs.