| At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free and paid options available |
| Location | North East Victoria (Melbourne to Beechworth) |
| Pet Friendly | See Camps App |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | Varies by campsite – caravan parks, free camps, state forests |
| Vehicle Access | See Camps App |
| In Camps App | Yes – multiple sites along route |
Have you camped along the Ned Kelly Route in Victoria? As well as bushranger tales, expect gold rush history, old pubs and cellar doors!
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?
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!
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)
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
Find camps sites nearby in the CAMPS 12 guide books, CAMPS Pendium boxed set and CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ned Kelly Route?
The Ned Kelly Route is a 540 km trail through North East Victoria following the story of Australia’s most famous bushranger. It connects key locations from Melbourne to Beechworth where Ned Kelly’s dramatic story unfolded between 1878 and 1880. You can follow the trail one way or make it a circuit.
Where can I camp for free along the Ned Kelly Route?
Free camping options along the route include Coach Road Rest Area at Avenel, Jaycee Island Car Park at Benalla, Stringybark Creek in Toombullup State Forest, and Reedy Creek at Chiltern – Mount Pilot National Park. Check the Camps App for current details on facilities and conditions.
What are the main attractions along the Ned Kelly Route?
Key attractions include Old Melbourne Gaol where Ned was executed, Kellyland Glenrowan with its larger-than-life Ned Kelly statue, Beechworth Gaol and Courthouse, Stringybark Creek shootout site, and museums in Euroa, Benalla and Eldorado. You’ll also find historic gold rush towns, vineyards and distilleries.
Can I camp at Stringybark Creek where the shootout happened?
Yes, you can camp right at Stringybark Creek in Toombullup State Forest where the 1878 shootout between Kelly’s gang and police took place. A walking track and signage take you to points of interest at this historic free camping location.
What towns have caravan parks along the route?
Caravan parks are available at Discovery Holiday Parks Melbourne, Big4 Melbourne, Euroa Cabin and Caravan Park, Benalla Tourist Park, High Country Holiday Park and Mansfield Holiday Park at Mansfield, Glenrowan Tourist Park, Beechworth Holiday Park, Lake Sambell Caravan Park, Lake Anderson Caravan Park at Chiltern, and Jerilderie Caravan Park in NSW.
How long does it take to travel the Ned Kelly Route?
The route covers 540 km from Melbourne through North East Victoria. How long you take depends on how many stops you make at museums, historic sites and attractions along the way. Most campers would allow several days to a week to explore the route properly.
What else can I see besides Ned Kelly history?
The route passes through regions rich in gold rush history, indigenous heritage, historic towns like Chiltern that look like film sets, plus modern attractions including vineyards, cellar doors, distilleries and fine produce. There’s also beautiful Victorian valley scenery throughout.
Is the Imperial Hotel at Avenel a free camp?
Yes, the Imperial Hotel at Avenel is listed as a free camping option along the route. Check the Camps App for current details on facilities and any conditions.
