Avenel: History, Creekside Landscapes and Mazes

Avenel combines a route through Stewart Park and along a creek with notable places from the town’s history and a variety of maze experiences. The Avenel Heritage and Nature Trail passes beneath the historic Hughes Creek Bridge; people connected with Ned Kelly’s story or the Coolgardie goldfield are also buried at Avenel Cemetery. There is also Avenel Maze, with several different attractions. If you are considering Avenel for a holiday, you can choose between nature and history experiences or a visit to the maze.

Walking along Hughes Creek

The Avenel Heritage and Nature Trail is 5.5 km long. The route takes 2 to 3 hours and is rated easy. This gives you a practical guide for including the walk in your day’s plans. The trail passes beneath Hughes Creek Bridge into Stewart Park and follows a creek through stands of river red gums. The trail thus combines time in the park with a waterside walk and views of the historic bridge.

Hughes Creek Bridge and local history

Built from sandstone, Hughes Creek Bridge was constructed in 1859. It is associated with the story that, at the age of eleven, Ned Kelly saved Richard Shelton after he fell into the creek 150 metres downstream. The bridge and the story of the rescue offer two distinct historical points of interest: the sandstone structure dating from 1859 and the account of the rescue at the creek. Visitors interested in Ned Kelly can consider this story alongside Avenel’s other historic sites.

Avenel Cemetery is also part of this historical context. It was established in 1863. The grave of Red Kelly, Ned Kelly’s father, is located there and is visited by many people. Arthur Bayley, discoverer of the Coolgardie goldfield, is also buried there. These names point to different historical connections: Red Kelly to Ned Kelly’s family history, and Bayley to the Coolgardie goldfield. The cemetery can therefore be considered a distinct point of interest for visitors interested in these people.

Mazes and mini golf at Avenel Maze

Avenel Maze includes a hedge maze, mini golf, a rock maze, a Gaol Break maze and Ned’s Knot Maze. The choice extends beyond a single maze: you can choose between a hedge maze, a rock maze and two other types of maze, or include mini golf in your visit. For a group travelling together, this mix offers different activities to discuss in advance; it does not require everyone to choose the same attraction. Avenel Maze is located at 471 Upton Road, Avenel VIC 3664. It is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends and daily during school holidays and public holiday periods.

When choosing holiday accommodation in Avenel, the kind of stay you want can be a useful starting point: would you like to include a several-hour route and historic sites in your trip, or is a visit to the different types of maze and mini golf your main priority? You could also combine these interests, as the trail, bridge, cemetery and maze each offer their own themes. What matters is which experiences you want to shape your trip; the information about the trail and maze can help you define those priorities.

More places to discover: Moonambel, Albert Park, Tarwin Lower, Korweinguboora, Katunga, Chadstone, Steels Creek and Rosewhite.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.