Glenrowan, Victoria is a popular rest stop along the Hume Freeway. In addition to being a rest stop, this small town is also a great place to learn more about Ned Kelly. Kelly wandered Victoria in the 1800s, but it was in Glenrowan where he had his final siege and was captured. Whether you’re interested in history or just want to learn more about Ned Kelly. There are plenty of things to do in Glenrowan.
History of Glenrowan:
Glenrowan takes its name from the pioneer pastoralists George and James Rowan. These brothers occupied the pastoral stations between modern-day Winston and Glenrowan from 1846 to 1858. When the railway line was opened through Glenrowan in 1873, it began the development of the area. The primary school was opened, town allotments were put up for sale and the settlement began to thrive.
What is Glenrowan Best Known For
However, Glenrowan is most famous for the Jones Inn Kelly gang siege. Ned Kelly, the gang’s leader, had determined that the police would be sent to the area due to a recent murder, arriving by train. So, the gang sabotaged the railway line and set up camp in the Jones Inn. However, a school teacher was released from the Inn. He was able to signal the train to stop before reaching the damaged track.
In the subsequent siege, three of the four Kelly gang members were killed and the infamous Ned Kelly was captured, so he could be brought to trial.
The Kelly Gang in Glenrowan
So, Glenrowan acquired a reputation of being an integral part of Kelly Country. In the following years, there have been two museums opened in the town devoted to the subject and the siege site is now a registered heritage precinct. There is also a new information Centre that has videos and a lot of information. You can also go up on to the roof to look out over the town and areas of interest. Gold coin donation to enter the centre.
Glenrowan is the best place to discover more about Ned Kelly and the Kelly gang. As you wander the streets of this small town, every store along the main street has some form of reference to the events. Whether this is a street name, piece of memorabilia or the large statue of Ned Kelly.
This impressive statue shows a six metre tall Ned in his armour, which the siege of Glenrowan was the only time he wore it. He stands in front of the post office, looking like a town guardian
Geography and Surroundings of Glenrowan:
Glenrowan sits 236 kilometres from Melbourne, along the Hume Freeway. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to drive to Glenrowan from Melbourne. Having your own car also allows you to explore the fantastic surroundings of the town.
There are two forested ranges on either side of Glenrowan; Mount Glenrowan and Warby Ranges provide forestry to the north and south. Both the road and rail line curve north between the ranges.
So, if you enjoy getting out in nature, Glenrowan is a great base for exploration. You can follow the Mount Glenrowan Lookout walk, which is 9 kilometres long and offers superb views of the Victorian Alps and the Ovens and King Valleys. The walk starts at Taminick Gap at the style and follows along the Ridge Track.
There is a short, steep climb along the first section to reach the communication towers. You can stop along the way to catch your breath and take in the views west towards Winton Wetlands. This is the hardest part of the trail and the rest of the walk is moderately easy.
You will need sturdy footwear and plenty of water, as the walk takes approximately four hours. The track also permits mountain bikers, if you prefer to ride.
You can also visit the Warby Ovens National Park, which is 26 kilometres north of Glenrowan. The park is characterized by three distinct communities of vegetation. The Warby Range’s granitic hills and woodlands, the wetlands and and Redgum forest of the Ovens Heritage River and the Killawarra Forest Box-Ironbark.
The park takes its name from Ben Warby who settled in the area in 1844. However, it also has Kelly connections as by the 1870s, locals thought that Ned Kelly was hiding in the area, using Mount Glenrowan as his lookout point.
Warby Ovens National Park has some stunning waterfalls, beautiful wildflowers and a variety of flora and fauna. Including wedge tailed eagles, black wallabies and barking owls. You can walk, mountain bike or even prospect in the park.
Things to do in Glenrowan
There are lots of things to do in Glenrowan, but many centre around the historic sites of the town. However, Glenrowan, Victoria has radically changed since the Kelly days. Many of the buildings that were integral to the siege have been destroyed, so that Ned Kelly would struggle to recognize the place. However, after the tourism boom, the town erected a number of markers and plaques, along with a visitors centre, so you can follow the events of 28 June 1880.
This includes the site where the Glenrowan Inn previously stood, the railway station, the gully where the trooper took cover and the site of Ned Kelly’s last stand.
The Reenactment of the Last Stand
There is also a lot of fun associated with the town embracing its history. You can visit the Glenrowan theatrical experience that depicts the last stand of the Kelly gang with computerized robots and different sets depicting the moments of the siege. This closed before we got to see this reenactment. When open there are regular shows.
This includes the Glenrowan railway station waiting room, the graveyard, the hotel, the gunfight, the Inn burning and the Melbourne Gaol execution. The show lasts 40 minutes, moving from room to room with authentic props incorporated into the experience.
Ned Kelly Statue
No visit to Glenrowan is complete without checking out the Ned Kelly statue. Big Ned is actually the third statue in the town. The first one was stolen and then dumped in the river, while the second can only be seen at Kellyland for a fee. This third statue was commissioned from Sydney based special effects technician, Kevin Thomas. It stands at six metres tall, weighing 1.5 tonnes. At the time it was made in 1992, it cost $12,000 and it was transported right down the Hume Highway from Sydney. It shows Kelly clad in armor carrying his rifle at the time of his capture. The Statue is standing outside the Post Office and News-agency.
Kelly Museum and Kate’s Cottage
The final must do activity in Glenrowan is to visit Kate’s Cottage and Kelly Museum. This is a combination of a museum and a Kelly homestead replica. It takes its name from Ned’s sister and as you walk through the shop, you’ll enter the Memorial Museum. You can wander the replica homestead which is decorated in 19th-century furnishings and shows the technique of being made with broadaxe and adze. There are other items of memorabilia at the museum site including a blacksmith’s shed and a coach.
The Museum is worth visiting. You start with a talk from one of the owners, about significant things that are in the museum. Also, about objects that have been donated by different people over the years. You start at the door and go clock wise reading the story of the Ned Kelly and the Kelly family. After this room you go through a door and are able to see a replicator of the Kelly family house.
Don’t forget to stop at the Cobb & Co souvenir gift shop before you leave town. This features an authentic reconstruction of the original Cobb & Co changing station, so it is a combination shop and museum. You can buy some great tourist treats including Ned letter openers, placemats, belt buckles, caps, and even socks.
Local Businesses and Economy of Glenrowan:
In addition to immersing yourself in the town’s history, you can enjoy some of the offerings from local businesses. You can relax and enjoy some local produce in a local coffee house. Dad & Dave’s Billy Tea Rooms offers some delicious scones with cream and jam or you could visit the Glenrowan Bakehouse, the Glenrowan Pub or the Vintage Hall Cafe.
If you’re in the mood for something a little stronger than tea or coffee, you could take some time to explore the Glenrowan wine region. This area is well known for its full-bodied reds and fragrant whites.
You can visit the Bailey family’s established vineyard to walk around and sample some fantastic wine. This vineyard has been around since 1870 and there is folklore that Ned Kelly worked on the site as a fencing contractor when the first vines were being planted.
If you’re willing to head a little out of town, you could explore the Milawa Gourmet Region, where you can sample locally grown and made produce including wine, cheese and olives.
While Glenrowan is best known for its Ned Kelly connection, it is a vibrant area offering some delicious food and drink. So, if you need a break from Victorian times, you can enjoy some amazing refreshments and support the local economy further.
Things to do in Glenrowan in Conclusion
Whether you are fascinated by the legends and folklore surrounding Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang, you enjoy immersing yourself in history or just like to get out in nature, there are plenty of things to do in Glenrowan.
Glenrowan, Victoria has plenty to offer visitors, so be sure to plan for plenty of time to explore the rich history of the town and its interesting attractions.
So, if you’re visiting Melbourne or are planning a vacation to explore Victoria, make sure that you include Glenrowan in your travel itinerary or you could be missing out on seeing a crucial site of the history and legends from the 19th Century.