GLENROWAN

Glenrowan

Quick facts

Population approximately 210
220 kilometres north-west of Melbourne
Site of Ned Kelly's 'last stand'
Wineries and orchards.

Glenrowan is a quiet little town between Benalla and Wangaratta that blazed into Australian history in 1880 as the site of the famous siege where Ned Kelly and his gang made their last stand. Ned Kelly is undoubtedly Australia's most notorious bushranger and an important part of Australian folklore. Many attractions around the town bring together the various aspects of the enduring legend, making it easy to learn more about the man and his infamous gang.

On Saturday, 27 June 1880, the Kelly Gang took 60 hostages in the Glenrowan Inn. A siege followed and in the ensuing battle with police three gang members were killed. Remarkably, Kelly escaped but was shot in the legs and arrested some hours later. He was tried, convicted of murder and hanged on 11 November 1880 at the Old Melbourne Gaol.

But there is more to Glenrowan than bushrangers, with opportunities to sample fine regional wines and delicious local produce.

Activities and attractions

See the six-metre-high statue of Ned Kelly clad in homemade armour and helmet, rifle in hand, that 'guards' Glenrowan
Kate's Cottage Museum contains a vast collection of Kelly memorabilia and an authentic replica of the Kelly homestead complete with furnishings
Explore other museums including the Cobb & Co and the Blacksmith Shop & Museum
Visit Kellyland, an animated theatrical portrayal of the Kelly Gang's final stand that uses original props including an authentic handgun once owned by Kelly
The Siege Site Walk winds its way past several sites that featured in the Kelly Gang's last stand - take a guided tour or pick up a self-guide map
Call in at the cellar door of local award-winning wineries or stop in at Buffalo Mountain Wines where you can taste wine from 22 local wineries under one roof
Visit the farm gate of local orchards for your fill of fresh cherries, peaches, apricots and more
Bushwalk through the Warby Ranges, in particular Mount Glenrowan and the Sunrise Walking Trail.

Events