Last Updated: October 2026
Victoria is full of hidden gems, and whenever we had the chance to escape Melbourne, we loved heading into the countryside to discover somewhere new.
For the Australia Day long weekend, we decided to explore Glenrowan and the King Valley, a beautiful part of North East Victoria that we hadn’t spent much time in before. We booked a cosy winery cottage in Taminick, just outside Glenrowan, and set off for a few days of exploring, wine tasting and relaxation.
Located around three hours north-east of Melbourne, this region has so much more to offer than just its excellent wines. From the fascinating history of Ned Kelly and colourful silo art to peaceful wetlands, charming country towns and delicious local produce, there’s plenty to keep you busy. And, of course, the King Valley is famous for its Italian heritage and Prosecco, so we knew there would be plenty of opportunities to enjoy a glass or two along the way!
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend away or a longer road trip through Victoria’s High Country, here are some of the best things to do in Glenrowan and the King Valley, including our favourite discoveries from our visit.
Best Things to Do in Glenrowan & the Kings Valley
Learn About Ned Kelly and His Gang
Have you heard of Australia’s most famous bushranger, Ned Kelly? Glenrowan was the site of his dramatic last stand on 28 June 1880, when he was captured following a violent siege between his gang and the police.
Ned Kelly and his gang were wanted for crimes including murder and robbery. Today, his story remains one of Australia’s most fascinating and controversial chapters of history.
While visiting Glenrowan, you can learn more about the Kelly Gang at Kate’s Cottage Ned Kelly Museum and Homestead. The museum displays historical photographs, artefacts and memorabilia, along with a replica of the Kelly family’s original home, which we found particularly interesting during our visit.
Admission is currently $12 per adult and $2 for children aged 16 and under.
Since our visit, Glenrowan has also opened the Ned Kelly Discovery Hub, a modern visitor centre featuring interactive exhibitions, immersive storytelling and a viewing platform overlooking the historic siege site.
The Discovery Hub is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, with admission costing $6 for adults and free entry for children under 17. You can also follow the self-guided Glenrowan Heritage Siege Walk to discover important locations connected to Ned Kelly’s final battle.
And, of course, don’t forget to stop for a photo with Big Ned, the enormous statue standing proudly in the town centre. After all, what’s an Australian country town without a giant roadside attraction?
Follow the North East Victoria Silo Art Trail
If you love street art and scenic country drives, don’t miss the North East Victoria Silo Art Trail! Starting from Benalla, just twenty minutes from Glenrowan, this colourful road trip takes you through charming rural towns where enormous grain silos have been transformed into incredible works of art.
It’s like driving through a giant open-air art gallery! The trail includes Goorambat, Devenish, St James, Tungamah, Katamatite and Dookie, with some fantastic murals celebrating Australian wildlife, local history and rural communities.
Allow around 3 to 4 hours to explore the trail, or longer if you want to wander around Benalla and admire its impressive street art. We absolutely loved discovering these incredible murals during our weekend escape!
Want to explore the trail yourself? Check out our complete North East Victoria Silo Art Trail guide for our favourite stops, photographs and practical tips.
Visit the Winton Wetlands
The Winton Wetlands cover 8,750 hectares with wetlands, red gum trees and box grassy woodland. It’s home to a huge variety of flora and fauna, including over 180 species of birds. Unfortunately, this part of Australia is in drought at the moment and when we visited, there was barely any water. But we still thought it was worth the visit.
The scenery is spectacular, even in a drought, so I’m guessing it’s pretty amazing when it’s full of water. You can walk along the many paths or cycle along the bike trails; or, you can simply drive to the main sites.
Follow the Prosecco Road through the King Valley
Do you love Prosecco? If so, you’ve come to the right place. The King Valley is home to many wineries, with five of them (Brown Brothers, Sam Miranda, Dal Zhotto, Pizzini and Chrismont) producing some lovely Prosecco. At each of them, you can taste some of your favourite sparkling drink. The Prosecco Road begins fifteen minutes outside of Glenrowan.
Go Wine Tasting
But it’s not all about Prosecco! The King Valley and Glenrowan wine regions produce an impressive variety of wines, from Italian favourites like Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio to Shiraz, Durif and other cool-climate varieties.
With so many fantastic wineries scattered throughout the countryside, you’d be crazy not to enjoy a tasting or two while you’re there. The only problem is deciding which ones to visit, especially if you only have a weekend!
Some other wineries worth checking out include Taminick Cellars, Baileys of Glenrowan, Wood Park Wines, John Gehrig Wines, Gracebrook Vineyards, Politini Wines, La Cantina, Red Feet Wines and King River Estate.
Many of these are family-run wineries offering a relaxed and welcoming cellar-door experience. Just remember to check opening hours and tasting arrangements before visiting, as some are only open on selected days.
Go Beer and Gin Tasting
It’s not just about the wine! If you fancy something different, there are also some fantastic local beers and gins to try.
Head to Black Dog Brewery, located at Taminick Cellars, for some locally brewed craft beer. When we visited, we enjoyed a tasting paddle, and their ginger beer was my personal favourite!
We also met Milo, their adorable Hungarian Vizsla puppy. No, he wasn’t black, but he certainly seemed to be in charge of the place! He was absolutely gorgeous and so friendly too.
With the brewery and winery sharing the same property, it’s a great opportunity to sample both beer and wine in one stop. Just check the brewery’s opening hours before visiting.
For gin lovers, don’t miss Hurdle Creek Still, a small family-run distillery just outside Milawa. Their informative tastings are a great way to discover locally crafted gin and learn about the distilling process.
Gin tastings currently cost $10 per person, with the fee waived when purchasing a 350 ml bottle or gift pack. They also offer a selection of tonic waters to accompany your gin.
And let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing gin and tonic on a hot summer’s day!
Now for the Cheese Tasting!
Yes, there really is a lot of tasting to do in this part of Victoria! If you love cheese, make sure you stop at the Milawa Cheese Company, located in a historic butter factory in the heart of Milawa.
This family-run business produces a delicious selection of handmade cheeses using both cow’s and goat’s milk, from creamy bries and camemberts to blue cheeses and chèvre.
When we visited, we enjoyed tasting the different cheeses and choosing our favourites to take home. Today, the cheese shop still offers complimentary tastings daily from 9:30 am to 4 pm.
You can also pick up a cheese platter to enjoy on the lawn or take away, along with other local gourmet produce. It’s the perfect place to stock up for a delicious dinner platter, preferably accompanied by a bottle of local wine!
The complex is also home to Milawa Bread and Wood Park Wines, so you can combine your cheese tasting with some freshly baked bread and another glass of wine.
Enjoy lunch at one of the many wineries
Several wineries in the area have a restaurant. There’s nothing I love more than lunch at a winery. Amazing, locally-grown food and wine; what’s not to love? We had lunch in Chrismont at the end of the Prosecco Road. The lunch was delicious and the views from their restaurant are worth the detour.
If you prefer something more casual, try the wine bar at Brown Brothers or the Trattoria at Dal Zhotto.
Practical Information for Visiting Glenrowan and the King Valley
Getting there: Glenrowan is approximately 2.5 hours’ drive north-east of Melbourne via the Hume Freeway, while the King Valley is around three hours away, depending on which wineries you plan to visit.
Getting around: Having your own car is the easiest way to explore the region, as attractions and wineries are spread across several country towns. If you’re planning a day of wine tasting, arrange a designated driver or book a local winery tour.
How long to stay: A weekend is ideal for exploring Glenrowan, visiting a few wineries and enjoying the region’s beautiful countryside. If you also want to complete the Silo Art Trail and explore the King Valley at a leisurely pace, consider staying three nights.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are particularly lovely, with pleasant temperatures for sightseeing and wine tasting. Summer is also popular, although temperatures can get quite hot. Autumn is especially beautiful when the vineyards begin changing colour.
Booking ahead: Some smaller cellar doors have limited opening hours, and popular winery restaurants can book out on weekends. Check tasting arrangements and reserve your lunch in advance, particularly during public holidays and special events.
Driving tips: Most main roads are sealed and suitable for a regular car. Take extra care on country roads around dawn and dusk, when wildlife may be active.
Planning a longer Victorian road trip? Why not continue exploring the countryside? Discover the beautiful vineyards, charming towns and scenic landscapes of Rutherglen and its wine region for even more inspiration.
Where to stay?
Glenrowan and nearby Taminick are convenient bases for exploring the historic township and surrounding wineries. Alternatively, Milawa is a great choice for food and wine lovers, while Whitfield puts you closer to the heart of the King Valley and Prosecco Road.
Taminick Cellar
We stayed at the cottage of Taminick Cellars in Taminick. This cottage offers sunset views over the vines and has its cellar door and brewery (Black Dog Brewery) right next door. The cottage is very well equipped and, if you love wine and beer, you can’t beat the location!
More accommodation around the area
Lancemore Milawa: Lancemore Milawa is a boutique hotel located in the Milawa wine region next door to Brown Brothers. All of the luxurious rooms have a view of the vineyards or the gardens. Their on-site restaurant Lindenwarrah serves fresh local produce straight from the farm and wine straight from the cellar. There is a pool on-site. Find the latest prices here.
There is so much more to do in this part of Victoria, but you might struggle to see it all if you only spend a weekend there. If you have time, take a week or two. There are plenty of other lovely places nearby to visit, such as Beechworth, Myrtleford, Bright, Mount Buffalo National Park and more. Our state has so much to offer; all you need is the time.
Read More
The Great Ocean Road Self Drive: The Best Places to Stop
A Day trip to the Grampians National Park
Our Complete Guide to Daylesford
Leave a reply