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Home  Strathbogie Shire Avenel
Avenel
SummaryThe quaint historic township of Avenel was established in 1849 when the government offered land for sale adjacent to a ford over the Hughes Creek. It had for some years been used as a camping place for drovers and teamsters travelling on the Old Sydney Road. Ned Kelly showed bravery here early in life. As an 11 year old, he rescued a boy, Richard Shelton, from drowning in Hughes Creek and was presented with a green silk sash for his bravery by the boy’s grateful parents. The sash , which Ned wore during the Glenrowan Siege, is on display at Benalla’s Costume and Pioneer Museum. A local trail map of the various sites including the local cemetery where Ned’s father – Red Kelly, is buried; is available at the Nagambie Visitor Information Centre and tourist information outlets. Today, Avenel and the nearby towns of Nagambie, Mangalore and Longwood offer visitors a wide range of country experiences. Fine dining, regional produce and some of Victoria’s most famous wineries including Tahbilk, Mitchelton and Plunkett Fowles – as well as quirky B & B’s, antiques stores and historic hotels can be discovered throughout the spectacular hills and valleys of the Strathbogie Ranges and along the banks of the Goulburn River and Nagambie lakes region. Must see:Sunset over the magnificent Lake Nagambie from Jacobsen’s Outlook. Must do:Sample local food & wine from Plunkett Fowles Winery. Something for the kids:Hideaway with Ned & the Gang at the Avenel Maze Things to see:Some things to see in Avenel Avenel News and Stories
The BridgeThe first Overland Mail from Melbourne to Sydney was established in 1839. The route it traversed was known as the Old Sydney Road which was also used by drovers and bullock wagons. It crossed Hughes Creek at a shallow, sandy ford which became a camping place for teamsters and, in 1849, the village of Avenel. In 1859 a six-arch stone bridge was built by Hugh Dalrymple for the Victorian Board of Land and Works. This major upgrade was largely the result of the goldrushes and, in its early years, would have been used extensively by Cobb & Co. It was retired in 1969 when a new bridge was built but its historical value was recognised and it has been preserved with a plaque to denote its significance. Royal Mail Hotel Dating from the 1850s this small brick and rubblestone house was a coach house for the changing of Cobb & Co. horses for some decades after its original construction. It then reverted to a domestic dwelling. It is located near the stone bridge across Hughes Creek. Plunkett Fowles Cellar Door The Plunkett Fowles cellar door is home to fine Strathbogie Ranges wine and fresh produce. Surrounded by vines and overlooking granite strewn Mount Bernard, the cellar door offers the perfect ambience for enjoying carefully selected wine and food pairings. The Mediterranean courtyard offers secluded alfresco dining and a safe children’s playground and is the perfect summer location for live music and long lazy afternoons.. Located at the corner of the Hume Freeway and Lambing Gully Rd Plunkett Fowles are particularly known for producing outstanding Riesling and Shiraz. Open seven days from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. tel: (03) 5796 2150 WB Gadd Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the historic W. B. Gadd store. You'll never know what you might find as you browse through their eclectic selection of the finest antiques. They also offer you fine merino wool and possum merino knitwear and accessories from Australia and New Zealand and a great cup of coffee. Website: www.wbgadd.com
When Ned Was about 11 years old and living in Avenel, he rescued a young boy from drowning. That boy was Richard Shelton (pictured here a few weeks earlier). Ned pulled him to the creek bank and was rewarded for his bravery with the green sash that he later wore during the Glenrowan siege.
 Hide-away with Ned and the Kelly gang in the magnificent Strathbogie Ranges. Unlock the puzzles, look for bushranger objects, experience Red’s Way (the only rock labyrinth in Australia).Themed around the story of Ned Kelly, the Avenel Maze is both entertaining and educational, great for all ages. Includes an exhibition of photographs of Ned Kelly throughout his life. Open every day of School & Public Holidays, then Thursday to Monday. Closed Tuesday, Wednesday, Christmas Day & Month of August. Tours welcome anytime by appointment. Wheels friendly. In Upton Rd, Avenel. Phone 03 5796 2667 or visit avenelmaze.com.au |
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