While the age of the oldest is a secret and the youngest is only six, we all equally loved exploring the four different mazes, walking the 1km stone labyrinth, playing draughts and mini golf and throwing horseshoes. We have to go back because we did not do everything.
These are not just any old mazes.
First planted as hedge mazes in 1996 on a bare rocky hilltop with views to make you gasp, it opened in 2002 but then suffered during the millennium drought.
Some parts have been replanted with agapanthus and others with a pretty blue flowering vine — I have forgotten its name.
Our experience was quite special because all the aggies and vines were in flower.
Adrian Fisher, who is renowned worldwide, designed the mazes and focused on Ned Kelly because of the local connection.
Elements in The Bushranger Maze and Police/Trackers Maze reveal his history.
Ned’s story began in Ireland, then in Beveridge, Victoria.
During his youth in Avenel, he was deemed a hero after rescuing a boy from drowning in Hughes Creek, for which he was awarded a green sash. Then everything changed, and his life and deeds became folklore.
Each armed with a quiz sheet and pencil, we explored the mazes.
Helen Brook, a local artisan, created life-sized steel sheets, in keeping with Ned’s armour, that now decorate the picnic area. Beside them are boards with factual information about Ned.
We loved our challenges and only rushed off because we had a booking for lunch at the old bank building in Avenel and didn’t want to be late.
Disappointingly, I learned that more frequently than ever, people are making restaurant bookings and not keeping them. No wonder some of our favourites close.
You should know to take cash (no eftpos) to pay the entrance fee at the maze and to take your drinks, food and even meat to barbecue.
There is a large undercover picnic area with views of Mt Teneriffe and even the Dookie Hills — if you know where to look.
Avenel Maze is open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday and every day during the school holidays (phone: 0409 197 438).
If you like the challenge of a maze, there are also High Country Gardens, Gallery and Maze at Goughs Bay near Lake Eildon (phone: 5777 3190).
Also, Brookfield Maze at Myrrhee in the King Valley (phone: 5729 7507) is described as perfect for romantic weekends or for the whole family.
Both are open every day during the school holidays.
We loved our lunch at Bank Street Wood Fired Pizza and Garden, sitting under the trees near the parterre garden. It is a little gem, but phone and check opening days and times (5796 2522).
Sadly, after 30 years of fabulous meat, Avenel Meats will close at Christmas.
No longer will the 1930s Malvern Star bike be propped outside, implying ‘open for business ’.
Next time, we will have lunch at Harvest Home. This old pub was built in 1870 and is now a restaurant and boutique hotel. Best to ring for weekend opening times and bookings (5741 9121).
Coffee at the Daily Dose is always an option if time does not allow for lunch.
Isn’t that a great name for a pharmacy that makes coffee?
Avenel is one of my favourite little towns, tucked behind the Hume Hwy service station and Fowles Wine.
Years ago, I deemed it the quintessential little town.
Everyone must love living there because their lawns and gardens are always picture-perfect.
It has much to offer, including that Ned Kelly’s father is buried in the little cemetery. Look for the low white picket-style fence near the roadside.
The six-arch stone bridge over Hughes Creek is lovely, and the nearby old Coach House Hotel with National Trust classification is now a much-loved home.
I was told there is more to explore in Avenel, but I will keep that for another day trip story.
– Suzie Pearce
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