Glenrowan

The township of Glenrowan is the site of the final siege and capture of bushranger Ned Kelly and his gang in 1880. Their story is preserved in its attractions, museums and historic walks. Glenrowan is situated on the Hume Freeway just south of Wangaratta.

Food and wine

Glenrowan also has a long and rich wine making history. Folklore has it that Ned Kelly helped the Bailey family plant their first grapevines as a fencing contractor. The ensuing 130 years have established Glenrowan a reputation for full-bodied reds, particularly Shiraz and Durif, fragrant whites, and delicious fortified wines.  The Cellar Doors are intimate, historic and welcoming. Click here for more information about the wineries along with a detailed map of the region.

Legends and History
On 28 June 1880 Ned led Joe Byrne, Dan Kelly and Steve Hart against a formidable police force. With the townsfolk kept hostage in the local inn, Ned’s plan to upset the establishment and form the Republic of North East Victoria came unstuck when he was duped by the local school teacher.

During the dramatic shoot out at the Kelly Gang siege, bullets bounced off the Gang’s ingenuous armour made from the shears of mould-board ploughs. The sight of the Gang in their imposing suits amidst the foggy moonlit night struck the fear of the unnatural into the police and it took several hours to bring Ned down. Ned was hung for his crimes while the other members of the Gang perished during the siege.

Kelly’s shadow still looms large over the North East. The siege at Glenrowan brought abouta climactic end to the Kelly uprising and is commemorated annually around the 28 June in and around the township with a series of events and informative lectures. The Ned Kelly museums at Glenrowan explain the whole story and are a must see whilst in the region. You can also visit the actual sites of the Gang’s last stand as part of the Ned Kelly Touring Route 

Bushwalks and Wildlife
Sweeping views from the Warby Range State Park southwards out over Lake Mokoan or north-east towards Mt Buffalo offer many options for a picturesque picnic spot, bird watching and bushwalking. Explore the Warby Ranges, including Ryan’s Lookout, Mount Glenrowan and Salisbury Falls (during the cooler months) and see the country through the eyes of Ned Kelly.

Glenrowan Events

Trails, Tasting and Tales  - Saturday 6 to Monday 9 June 2009
Celebrate the Queen's birthday long weekend from Saturday 6 June - Monday 8 June 2009 in the Glenrowan Wine Region for Trails, Tastings and Tales food and wine festival.  Over the course of the weekend visitors can enjoy a range of interesting attractions happening at each winery. There's a wonderful heritage museum at Baileys of Glenrowan featuring wine making equipment from last century along with entertainment in their lush winter garden. There'll be Irish dancing, in keeping with the region's history, at Booths Taminick Cellars along with blacksmithing in their old forge.

Just over the road at Auldstone Cellars, see fabulous artworks on display and at Goorambath, a short drive past Lake Mokoan, you can drink in delightful views of the Victorian Alps. At the beautifully appointed Granite Range Estate, admire 'Tin Lizzy' the 1915 Model T Ford and at Morrisons of Glenrowan, brush up on your knowledge of wine with a tasting tutorial at 'Wine School' or wander around the native bush walking trail. Click here to download the festival flyer and regional map.  Click here to download the festival program.  Click here for the flyer about the art on during the festival.  For more information email jennifer.booth@taminickcellars.com.au 

Glenrowan Winemaker's Weekend - Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2009
Join us for the fourteenth annual Glenrowan wine region's Winemakers'  Weekend 3 - 4 October 2009.  The weekend will be full of activity, at a slow pace, for lovers of deep and complex wines and wholesome food.  The celebration dinner on Saturday evening hosted by seven regional wineries is called 'Slow Food from the Producer's Paddock'.

Renowned chef Leigh Hall will be sourcing the finest of local, seasonal produce to create a delicious slow prepared four-course dinner matched with regional wines specially selected by the winemakers.  On Sunday there'll be tastings at each of the participating wineries, a delicious breakfast inspired by the producer's paddock, wine appreciation sessions and the opportunity to share the magic of Glenrowan regional wines with the winemakers at each winery.

Tickets cost $120 each for the whole weekend which includes food, wine and music, plus Sunday's breakfast and complimentary winemakers events. For further information and to make a booking please email jennifer.booth@taminickcellars.com.au

Click here to download our Glenrowan Fact Sheet  including how to get here, where to stay and more regional highlights.