Glenrowan Tourist Guide

Your tourist guide for Glenrowan provides you with the essential travel resources to plan your holiday!

Glenrowan: Where Legend Meets Landscape

Step into Glenrowan, a quiet country town with an outsized place in Australia’s story. Nestled between Benalla and Wangaratta in Victoria’s High Country, Glenrowan is best known as the site of bushranger Ned Kelly’s dramatic “last stand” in 1880—a moment that blazed across the nation’s imagination and cemented Kelly as one of Australia’s most enduring folk figures. Today, Glenrowan blends rich history with warm hospitality, boutique wineries, and the natural beauty of the surrounding ranges, offering travellers a destination that is both reflective and refreshingly alive.

A Town Steeped in Legend

Glenrowan’s peaceful streets belie the intensity of the events that unfolded here more than a century ago. It was in this small settlement that the Kelly Gang took 60 hostages at the Glenrowan Inn, leading to a siege that would end in tragedy, capture, and the creation of a national legend. Three gang members were killed; Ned Kelly, clad in his now‑iconic homemade armour, was wounded, arrested, and later tried and executed in Melbourne.

Today, Glenrowan honours this history with immersive attractions that bring the story to life. Visitors can stand where the siege unfolded, walk in the footsteps of the Kelly Gang, and explore the myths and realities behind one of Australia’s most talked‑about figures.

Top Attractions

The Big Ned Kelly Statue

No visit to Glenrowan is complete without meeting its most recognisable resident: the six‑metre‑high statue of Ned Kelly, armour on, rifle in hand. It’s a favourite photo stop and a striking symbol of the town’s heritage.

Kellyland

This animated theatrical experience recreates the final hours of the Kelly Gang using original props—including an authentic handgun once owned by Ned Kelly. It’s an engaging way to understand the tension, drama, and human stories behind the siege.

Historic Sites

Interpretive signs and walking trails guide visitors through key locations, including the site of the Glenrowan Inn and other landmarks tied to the events of June 1880. These quiet corners of town offer a powerful sense of place.

More Than a Bushranger Town

While Glenrowan’s history draws visitors in, its modern charms encourage them to stay. The region is known for its cool‑climate wines, orchard‑fresh produce, and relaxed country hospitality.

Wine & Local Produce

Cellar Doors: Sample award‑winning wines at boutique local wineries, each offering its own expression of the region’s terroir.
Buffalo Mountain Wines: Taste wines from 22 local producers under one roof—an ideal stop for travellers wanting a curated introduction to the region.
Farm Gates & Orchards: Depending on the season, enjoy cherries, peaches, apricots, and other fresh fruit straight from the growers.

Events & Festivals

Glenrowan hosts several popular annual events, including:

Ned Kelly Commemorative Dinner (June): A reflective evening honouring the history and stories of the Kelly era.
Winery Walkabout (June long weekend): One of the region’s most beloved wine events, drawing visitors from across Victoria.

Things to Do in Glenrowan

Explore the Glenrowan Heritage Precinct
Enjoy wine tasting at local cellar doors
Visit Kellyland for an immersive historical experience
Wander through orchards and farm gates
Take a scenic drive through the Warby‑Ovens National Park
Browse local shops for artisan goods and regional produce
Capture the perfect photo with the Big Ned Kelly Statue

How to Get There

Glenrowan is conveniently located along the Hume Highway, making it an easy escape from Melbourne or a rewarding stop on a High Country road trip.

From Melbourne: Approximately 220 kilometres, or just under 2.5 hours by car.
By Train: Services run to nearby Wangaratta and Benalla, with local transport options available.
By Air: The closest major airport is in Albury, around an hour’s drive away.