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Historic Town of Glenrowan

In Victoria’s Beautiful High Country

Place of the Kelly Gang’s Last Siege

Glenrowan is a historic town located in the Wangaratta area, 236 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. This northeastern region of Victoria is known as the ‘High Country’ and boasts many claims to fame. The area features incredible national parks, pristine lakes, Victoria's highest mountain peaks with popular ski resorts and an abundance of vineyards and wineries.

The High Country has a rich, colourful history of cattlemen (and cattlewomen) gold prospectors and Australia’s most infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly. It was at Glenrowan in 1880, where the Kelly Gang’s final siege took place, leading to their capture. The town has immortalised the Kelly Gang through a variety of museums, attractions and a history walk.

Visit Historic Glenrowan on a Holiday with Fun Over 50

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
13
days

Embark on an unforgettable adventure along Australia’s iconic waterways with our ‘Murray & Darling River Rendezvous’ tour. Cruise the Darling River aboard the historic PV Jandra paddleboat, marvel at the stunning Living Desert Sculptures, and step back in time with a guided tour of Wentworth Gaol. Experience the charm of the Murray River on a nostalgic journey aboard the PS Pevensey paddlesteamer in Echuca.

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
11
days

Join us as we unearth all aspects of Victoria as we rove the highways and byways of this diverse state. Delve into bustling metropolitan Melbourne, travel along the Great Ocean Road and enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight over the 12 Apostles. Traverse The Grampians to Ballarat and experience history at Sovereign Hill. Dig up our gold mining history in Bendigo and board a paddle steamer in Echuca before discovering the beauty of the High Country.

Discover All Things Ned Kelly!

The six-metre-high Ned Kelly stands guard over Glenrowan. A plaque reads: “Ned Kelly - Hanged a murderer in Melbourne, November 11, 1880 - not 26 years old - described as a rebel, bushranger by necessity, a bush battler, underdog, sometimes gentleman, sometimes larrikin and a man with a strong sense of family.”

The eight-hectare Glenrowan Heritage Precinct takes visitors to experience the site of the final Kelly conflict, to the original Glenrowan railway platform, the site where Anne Jones' famous Glenrowan Inn was burnt to the ground by police and to ‘Kelly Log,’ the place where Ned Kelly finally fell and was captured.

The story is told that in 1880 when the Kelly gang attempted to derail and ambush a police train and failed, they took on the police in what became their final battle. Three of the gang were killed and Ned Kelly the only survivor, was seriously wounded.

In Victoria’s Beautiful High Country
In Victoria’s Beautiful High Country

See Kelly’s Last Stand Re-enacted 

Glenrowan has many spots to learn about its history including The Ned Kelly Museum and Homestead and Glenrowan Blacksmith Shop and Armoury. One of the main highlights on a tour of Glenrowan is ‘Kellyland.’ 

The main attraction is a wonderful show where Ned Kelly and his gang’s last stand is re-enacted. Using the brilliance of animatronics and special effects, visitors are transported back to June 28, 1880.

The show takes you on a journey starting a trip with the Police to Beechworth, then on to the Glenrowan Inn where you're held captive by the Kelly Gang. The most dramatic scene is of course Australia's most famous gunfight between the Kelly Gang and the Police. 

The special effects are so well done, that you’ll swear the old Inn is once again burning as you experience the heat and smoke. The final scene takes you to the Old Melbourne Gaol to witness Ned's last moments.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Glenrowan?

Glenrowan is in Victoria’s High Country, 236 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, 14 kilometres from Wangaratta and close to Mount Glenrowan and the Warby Ranges.

What Aboriginal country is Glenrowan on?

Glenrowan is on Yorta Yorta people country. The region spans the lower Goulburn River and includes Echuca, Cohuna, Shepparton, Benalla, Corowa, Wangaratta, Glenrowan, Rutherglen, Chiltern, Wahgunyah, Thoona, and Violet Town.

Where did Glenrowan get its name?

Glenrowan was named after James and George Rowan who were farmers in the area between 1846 and 1858. The township of Glenrowan was settled in the late 1860s and the Post Office opened in 1870.

What else is Glenrowan known for?

Glenrowan is in a famous historic wine-growing region of Victoria. Some of the vineyards were planted long before bushrangers came to town! Winemakers Weekend is held in October with a host of events throughout Glenrowan.

The area has an abundance of farm gates offering up fresh stone fruit such as peaches, apricots and cherries. 

Glenrowan also has some beautiful native landscapes at the Warby Ovens National Park and the Winton Wetlands. A walk through the wetlands or red gum forest is a delight with an array of wildlife and birdlife to spot.

See nearby cities, sights, and festivals

Get in touch if you have any questions

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