Big Ned Kelly

The story of the Big Ned Kelly statue is as dramatic as the bushranger himself. Ned Kelly and his gang made their infamous last stand in Glenrowan on June 26-28, 1880, when they held dozens of hostages at Ann Jones' hotel before engaging in a shootout with police. Ned Kelly, wearing his famous homemade armor, was captured and later hanged in Melbourne on November 11, 1880, at the age of 25. His last words, 'Such is life,' became legendary. Over a century later, Glenrowan began commemorating its notorious history with 'big things.' The first Big Ned Kelly statue's origins are murky - no one remembers exactly when it was built, but it was eventually stolen and dumped in a river. In 1980, marking the 100th anniversary of Ned's death, Bob Hempel built Ned Kelly II for his 'Kellyland' video theatre and museum. However, this second statue was moved inside the exhibit eight years later in 1988. Finally, in 1992, Rod and Chris Gerrett commissioned Kevin Thomas, a talented Sydney special effects technician, to create the definitive Big Ned Kelly. Thomas crafted the 6-meter tall, 1.5-tonne fibreglass statue over a steel frame for $12,000. On April 14, 1992, the statue was unveiled at its current prominent location on the corner of Gladstone and Kate Streets, right in front of the Glenrowan Post Office. The Gerretts generously donated the statue to the township, ensuring it would remain a free, accessible landmark for all visitors. Today, the Big Ned Kelly stands as both a tourist attraction and a reminder of one of Australia's most controversial historical figures and the events that unfolded in this small Victorian town.

More Fun Facts

• •This is actually the third Big Ned Kelly statue in Glenrowan - the first was stolen and dumped in a river!
• •The statue weighs 1.5 tonnes and cost $12,000 to build in 1992
• •Created by Kevin Thomas, a Sydney special effects technician, using fibreglass over a steel frame
• •Rod and Chris Gerrett donated the statue to Glenrowan for everyone to enjoy free of charge
• •Ned Kelly's armor, which the statue depicts, was made from plough mouldboards and weighed about 44 kg
• •The real Ned Kelly was only 25 years old when he was hanged in Melbourne on November 11, 1880
• •Ned Kelly's famous last words were 'Such is life'
• •The Glenrowan siege in June 1880 lasted from June 26-28 and resulted in the deaths of three gang members and the capture of Ned Kelly

Visiting Tips

• 💡Visit the nearby Ned Kelly Museum and other historical sites in Glenrowan to learn about the famous siege
• 💡Take photos from different angles to capture the imposing 6-meter height and armor details
• 💡The statue is located in the town center near the post office, making it easy to find and access
• 💡Combine your visit with a trip to other nearby Ned Kelly sites like Beechworth and the site of Ann Jones' hotel
• 💡Visit during the annual Glenrowan Siege commemoration events (June 26-28) for special historical reenactments
• 💡Explore Kate's Cottage and other heritage buildings in Glenrowan to fully immerse yourself in the Kelly Gang history
• 💡The area has good parking facilities and is wheelchair accessible for all visitors
• 💡Consider taking the Ned Kelly Touring Route through North East Victoria to see all the major Kelly-related sites