Glenrowan - Kellyland Glenrowan
Kellyland Glenrowan is a very unique tourist attraction in the small township of Glenrowan in North East Victoria. Housed inside is a range of displays depicting the story of Ned Kelly and his gang, books, souvenirs and gifts.
Many pieces relating to the Kelly story have been displayed together. These include many Victorian police artefacts from 1853-1880s, Sargent Kennedys hitching post, Ned Kelly's death mask, original wanted posters and many other rare photographs, original artworks etc.
The show consists of five elaborate sets dressed in the style of the 1880s....
Spectators begin in the abandoned waiting rooms of the Old Melbourne Railway Station where the hooded narrator invites you to take a journey in time back to 1880. As he speaks, rain drizzles down the window pane, lightning strikes and thunder roars. His face becomes younger as we are transported back to Melbourne, 1880. A fire springs from the grate and our attention is now focused on local police. We are on a simulated train being sent from Melbourne to apprehend the elusive Kelly gang, wanted for robbery and murder.
As the train whistles north towards Benalla, the hooded narrator reappears and sends you through swinging doors into an imaginative re creation of the Glenrowan Inn, where the Kelly Gang detained sixty two frightened people, after removing a section of track to derail the police train. Here the animatronics steal the show. A laughing lad perched in the rafters, a bush band playing the Wild Colonial Boy that have audiences humming along, a rat darts across the bar, publican Ann Jones pours a beer, a pistol fired and much more excitement. Ned addresses the audience about the injustices, including the jailing of his mother and young brother that forced him into lawlessness. "What man with any guts could stand aside..." Ned warns of the terror that is near.
Into the daylight to stand on the platform of the Glenrowan Station where the police train has arrived after being flagged down before the broken track. Heavily armed police squads had taken up positions surrounding a model of the Hotel exterior meters away, with the Kelly gang dressed in their crudely, homemade, bullet proof armour. A spectacular scene, with no expense spared to detail. Police then set fire to the hotel, the Kelly Gang is no more. The audience then finds themselves within the burnt remains of the Inn.
After a few frights and surprises the final scene is witnessing Ned's final moments in the Old Melbourne Gaol "Ah well, such is life".
Finish off in our fabulous new museum section of the centre. A wonderfully entertaining, unique tourist attraction.
The Attraction
Museum
Being the original museum in Glenrowan established in 1973, you'll find many original Kelly artefacts on display here. Highlights include a large collection of original photographs relating to the Kelly story, Ned's death mask, Sergeant Kennedy's hitching post, wanted posters, Australian Sketcher newspapers, a large collection of Victorian police items, antiques and the list goes on.
Animatronic Show
The main attraction and highlight at Kellyland Glenrowan is the re-enactment of Ned Kelly's last stand. Using the brilliance of animatronics and special effects you are magically transported back to June 28th 1880 where you travel with the Police towards Beechworth. You'll then be held captive in the Glenrowan Inn by the Kelly Gang, before baring witness to Australia's most famous gunfight. You'll experience the heat and smoke in the burning Inn, and end up in the Old Melbourne Gaol to where you'll share Ned's final moments. Shows run for 40 minutes.
Shop
Here you'll find all your unique Ned Kelly, Glenrowan and Australian themed gifts and souvenirs. From books written by local historians, Jacaru hats, handmade helmets and armour, mugs, signs, magnets and much more. You'll also find quality Spanish made replica firearms from pre 1900.
Opening Hours:
Opening Times
Cost:
Admission Prices
Review:
This attraction was described by Bill Bryson in his book "Down Under" as being "so bad it's good". Bryson commented that he was considering going in a second time, but was afraid it would start to make sense. If bad waxworks on pullies is your cup of tea then definitely give it a go. There is a cafe next door if you need caffeine to recover from the experience.
Location
41 Gladstone St, Glenrowan 3675 Map
✆ (03) 5766 2367
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ www.kellylandglenrowan.com
