Camp along the Ned Kelly Route, Victoria

Image courtesy Kellyland Glenrowan 
Image courtesy Kellyland Glenrowan 

Have you camped along the Ned Kelly Route in Victoria? As well as bushranger tales, expect gold rush history, old pubs and cellar doors! 

Image courtesy Kellyland Glenrowan 
Image courtesy Kellyland Glenrowan 

He is Australia’s most famous bushranger. You’ll see, his history is fascinating – and disturbing!

From 1878 to 1880, this uneducated man, his family’s protector bucked the establishment and was a hero to Irish immigrants in North East Victoria. However, he thieved, murdered police officers and even held up a town.  Why then, when captured and waiting for the noose – did 30,000 people sign for his reprieve?

Image courtesy Kellyland Glenrowan 
Image courtesy Kellyland Glenrowan 

Pick up the brochure and look for the helmet symbol. You can learn about his story along this 540 km trail or make it a circuit! 

Image courtesy Kellyland Glenrowan 
Image courtesy Kellyland Glenrowan 

Melbourne 

Old Melbourne Gaol – Executed on November 11, 1880 – you can see the macabre memorabilia from the day including the gallows. 

Victoria Police Museum – for a donation see original forensic exhibits and hear about Ned’s violent past from the police perspective. 

Where to camp – Discovery Holiday Parks Melbourne, Big4 Melbourne

Beveridge (45km)

Kelly’s birthplace.  His home is still there on the corner of Kelly and Stewart streets. 

Avenel (76km)

The next move for the Kelly family,  where 10  year old Ned was lauded for saving a boy from drowning. From 1866, it is also the site of his dad’s grave. 

Where to camp- Imperial Hotel or Coach Road Rest Area (both free)

Euroa (35km)

Check out the Farmer’s Arms Hotel Museum and the walking trail to learn about the 1878 Euroa National Bank heist. 

Where to camp –  Euroa Cabin and Caravan Park

Benalla (43km)

Police headquarters for his manhunt, we checked out Benalla’s Costume and Kelly Museum. 

Kelly related works are on display at Benalla Art Gallery. Pick up the trail at the Benalla Visitor Centre. 

Where to camp – Jaycee Island Car Park (free), Benalla Showgrounds, Benalla Tourist Park

Mansfield (63km)

Mansfield Courthouse is where the gang members were declared outlaws. Additionally, visit the cemetery is where three policeman are buried after the Stringybark Creek incident.

(We stopped for a counter lunch on our honeymoon here!)

Where to camp – High Country Holiday Park, Mansfield Holiday Park

Stringybark Creek (40km)

You can camp right here – where the 1878’s shootout between Kelly’s gang and the police took place. Interestingly, a walking track and signage take you to points of interest. 

Where to camp – Stringybark Creek, Toombullup State Forest (free)

Image courtesy Kellyland Glenrowan 
Image courtesy Kellyland Glenrowan 

Glenrowan (47km)

Another shoot out with police in 1880 – and townsfolk were held in the Ann Jones Inn to create a “Republic of North East Victoria”. After death of his brother and another gang member, Ned was captured here. 

Kellyland Glenrowan is where you can see this larger-than-life Ned Kelly pictured above and learn everything about his tragic life. 

Where to camp – Glenrowan Tourist Park

Eldorado and the Woolshed Valley (32km)

Look for the Kelly Cave and police caves – with more at the Eldorado Museum. 

Where to camp – Reedy Creek, Chiltern – Mount Pilot National Park (free)

Beechworth (14km)

Check out Beechworth Gaol which held all four members of the Kelly Gang. Ned and his mother stood trial at Beechworth Courthouse. Take a guided Ned Kelly walking tour on this historic town.

Where to camp – Beechworth Holiday Park, Lake Sambell Caravan Park

Chiltern (26km)

April 5, 1878 a warrant was signed here for Dan Kelly and his cousin’s arrest. This led to police murders the Kelly gang manhunt, the prison sentence for his mum, Ellen and her son’s death by hanging. 

(A fascinating old gold rush town. It looks like a film set – and it has been! You can take a walking tour.)

Where to camp – Lake Anderson Caravan Park

Jerilderie, NSW (118km)

Locking up police, holding Royal Mail Hotel patrons hostage and robbing the bank were part of a grander plan. Ned had hoped to publish a letter defending his actions at Stringybark Creek. Sadly, the famous Jerilderie Letter wasn’t published until after his death. 

Where to camp – Jerilderie Caravan Park

It just so happens that this bushranger trail is also full of gold rush and indigenous history. These days, you can also find the finest produce, vineyards and the odd distillery in these beautiful Victorian valleys.

Images courtesy Kellyland Glenrowan 

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