Beechworth - Mayday Hills Gardens Walk

The heritage gardens at Mayday Hills surround the former Beechworth Lunatic Asylum, later known as Mayday Hills Hospital, and contain one of Victoria's significant collections of mature planted trees.

The asylum complex dates from the 1860s and developed into one of Victoria's largest psychiatric hospitals. At its peak, Mayday Hills comprised 67 buildings and accommodated more than 1,200 patients and 500 staff. The hospital closed in 1998 after 128 years of operation.

The gardens cover about 27 acres and were established during the nineteenth century. Exotic trees and shrubs were obtained from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne and planted among magnificent native trees, particularly Brittle Gums. More than 200 trees at Mayday Hills have been classified by the National Trust as significant at Regional or State level.

Three short self-guided tree walks explore different parts of the historic grounds. Significant trees are named and marked along the routes, and a walking brochure can be obtained from the George Kerferd Hotel or Beechworth Visitor Information Centre.

Eucalyptus Walk

Distance: 1.9 km circuit
Time: 45 minutes
Grade: 1
The Eucalyptus Walk explores the precinct of the former Beechworth Lunatic Asylum and Mayday Hills Hospital, combining the gardens with the history of this remarkable site.

The route passes through an extensive landscape of native and exotic trees and provides an opportunity to see parts of the former hospital precinct. The institution was once largely self-sufficient, with farmland, orchards, kitchen gardens, a piggery, tennis courts and its own theatre.

Although officially graded Grade 1, parts of the walk cross rough grass as well as paved areas, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

White Oak Walk

Distance: 1.6 km circuit
Time: 45 minutes
Grade: 1
The White Oak Walk focuses on the remarkable botanical collection within the Mayday Hills gardens.

The route passes mature exotic and native trees established over many decades, including the approximately 50 metre high Douglas Fir, the tallest tree in the gardens. The surrounding plantings include many trees recognised by the National Trust as having Regional or State significance.

Ha-Ha Wall Walk

Distance: 1.3 km circuit
Time: 30 minutes
Grade: 1
The Ha-Ha Wall Walk combines the gardens with one of the most unusual surviving features of the former asylum.

The original garden was designed by patient Robert Coates and was later extended and improved, including work by noted landscape designer Hugh Linaker in 1912.

A distinctive feature was the ha-ha wall surrounding patients' courtyards. It consisted of a trench with one side vertical and faced with stone or brick while the opposite side was sloped and grassed. From inside the courtyard it formed a substantial barrier, while from outside it appeared much lower and avoided creating the visual impression of a prison wall.

Accessibility

All three walks are officially graded Grade 1. This grade is generally suitable for people with no bushwalking experience and wheelchair users with assistance, although some sections of the Mayday Hills walks include grass and uneven surfaces.