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.
Glenrowan is fabulous for fruit lovers. The growers of the region produce strawberries, cherries, nectarines and peaches. A number of these orchard gates are open to visitors who can’t resist freshly picked (sometimes by the visitors themselves!), tree-ripened, sun-kissed summer fruits, also available as jam, ice cream, preserves and chutney throughout the year.
Glenrowan Winemaker's Weekend - Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October
Join the Glenrowan wine region for the thirteenth annual Winemaker's Weekend taking place on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October 2008. The weekend will be full of activity - at a slow pace - for lovers of deep and complex wines and wholesome food. And for those visitors eager to keep their carbon footprint to a minimum, this region proudly strives to source and produce its wine locally which is reflected in the distinctive varietals from the area.
The main event on the weekend is the celebration dinner on Saturday evening hosted by seven regional wineries called 'slow food from the paddock'. Renowned chef Leigh Hall will be soucing the finest of local, seasonal produce to create a delicious slow prepared four course dinner matched with regional wines specially selected by the Glenrowan winemakers. Tickets cost $100 each for the whole weekend which includes food, wine and music on Saturday, plus Sunday's breakfast and complimentary winemakers experiences. Click here for more information and a booking form.
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.
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
Trails, tasting and tales
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. For more information about the long weekend festival please send an email to 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.
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