Visit Glenrowan, the site of bushranger Ned Kelly’s "last stand”. Glenrowan is a small, peaceful town between Benalla and Wangaratta, but it blazed into Australian history in 1880 as the site of the famous siege.
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. See the six-metre-high statue of Ned Kelly clad in homemade armour and helmet, rifle in hand. 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.
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.
Today there is more to Glenrowan than bushrangers, with opportunities to sample fine regional wines and delicious local produce. 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.
Popular local events include the Ned Kelly Commemorative Dinner in June and Winery Walkabout on the Queen's Birthday weekend in June.
Glenrowan is 220 kilometres or just under 2.5 hours' drive from Melbourne along the Hume Highway.
