Glenrowan, Victoria - Walking in the Footsteps of Ned Kelly

Glenrowan, Victoria - Walking in the Footsteps of Ned Kelly

Glenrowan is a quaint and historic tourist town located in Victoria’s High Country, approximately 236 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. Best known as the site of Ned Kelly’s final stand, Glenrowan holds a unique place in Australian history and offers visitors the chance to step back into one of the country’s most famous stories.

The dramatic events of June 1880, when the Kelly Gang made their last stand against police, are woven throughout the town. Today, Glenrowan brings this story to life through museums, murals, interpretive walks, and immersive attractions that explore the legend of Australia’s most notorious outlaw.

Exploring Glenrowan Township

During our visit to Glenrowan, we wandered around the compact town centre, stopping in at the Ned Kelly Museum, the Ned Kelly Discovery Hub, and exploring the heritage siege precinct.

Glenrowan was established in the late 1860s and was named after local farmers James and George Rowan. The town grew as farming expanded in the region, and the opening of the railway station in 1874 helped cement its importance as a transport hub.

Today, Glenrowan has a friendly, relaxed feel, with cafés, a bakery, a traditional country hotel, a providore, and several small shops to browse.

Big Ned Kelly & Local Curiosities

Near the Post Office, you’ll find the current Big Ned Kelly — a striking six-metre-high statue depicting Ned Kelly in his famous armour, rifle in hand, as he appeared when captured. The statue has become an iconic photo stop, especially after the original Big Ned Kelly statue was stolen and dumped in the river.

We also enjoyed browsing the Mt Morgan Store, which houses a quirky collection of old wares and collectables. You can even dress up in period costume and have an old-time photograph taken — a fun way to immerse yourself in the town’s heritage.

Kate’s Cottage & the Ned Kelly Museum

Kate’s Cottage and the Ned Kelly Museum are open daily from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm and form one of the most comprehensive experiences in town.

Visitors begin by wandering through Kate’s Cottage Gift and Souvenir Shop before stepping into the museum, where Ned Kelly’s story unfolds through detailed interpretive displays. Inside, you’ll find genuine artefacts, historical articles, and original photographs spanning from the 1840s through to the 1940s.

Outside the museum stands a replica of the Kelly Homestead, originally located at Greta West. The cottage features original items donated by the Kelly family and gives a confronting insight into the harsh living conditions of the time. The walls and roof are lined with newspaper, hessian, and calico, and the bark roof often leaked, highlighting the tough realities of bush life in the 19th century.

Nearby, you can also visit Kellyland, which regularly hosts a 40-minute re-enactment of Ned Kelly’s last stand, complete with animatronics, special effects, and an additional museum to explore.

Ned Kelly Discovery Hub

The Ned Kelly Discovery Hub is an architecturally designed rotunda that also houses the town’s Visitor Information Centre.

Inside, interactive exhibits, static displays, and short films provide deeper insight into Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang. Climb the stairs to the viewing platform above, where you’ll enjoy a unique vantage point overlooking the landscape and the key locations that played a crucial role in Kelly’s final siege.

Glenrowan Heritage Siege Precinct

One of the most powerful experiences in Glenrowan is exploring the Heritage Siege Precinct, which marks the seven key sites associated with Ned Kelly’s final stand.

An introduction and map can be found outside the Ned Kelly Discovery Hub. From there, you can walk or drive between sites, following clearly marked signposts that explain what occurred at each location and direct you to the next stop.

The sites include:

• Site 1: Location of Ann Jones’ Glenrowan Inn

• Site 2: Police Shelter Site

• Site 3: Gravel Contractors’ Encampment

• Site 4: Where Ned Kelly was captured on 28 June 1880, including the Old Police Station and Lock-Up

• Site 5: The copse of trees where Kelly took shelter

• Site 6: The original railway station site, now marked by a replica building

• Site 7: Site of the original Railway Tavern, located back across the bridge

Why Glenrowan Is a Must-Visit

Glenrowan offers a rare opportunity to experience Australian history in the very place it unfolded. With its immersive museums, heritage walks, iconic landmarks, and strong sense of storytelling, the town brings the legend of Ned Kelly vividly to life.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, travelling through Victoria’s High Country, or simply curious about one of Australia’s most famous stories, Glenrowan is a fascinating and memorable stop.

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