EUROA

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At a Glance

After the three policemen were ambushed and murdered at Stringybark Creek in October 1879, the now outlawed Kelly Gang, in need of cash, staged two robberies in December that year.

The first was at Younghusbands’ Station at Faithful Creek just north of Euroa, on 9 December where they took hostage 22 station workers and a travelling hawker whose clothing they stole. They were held in a storeroom overnight and captive for nearly 48 hours.

While Joe Byrne remained behind to guard them, Ned and Dan Kelly and Steve Hart cut the telegraph wire to Euroa then rode to the town to the National Bank which had closed for the day. Ned Kelly gained entry on the pretext of cashing a cheque he had taken from the station and once inside the Gang
threatened the bank manager, Robert Scott, at gunpoint until he agreed to open the safe.

They stole more than £2,000 in cash and valuables before taking Scott, his wife, seven children, a nurse and the bank employees hostage back to Younghusbands’ station. After threatening to murder the hostages if they raised the alarm, the Gang disappeared back into hiding in the rugged Strathbogie
Ranges.

Explore Euroa & Surrounds

Aside from the Kelly story, there are plenty of other reasons to visit this pretty Goulburn Valley town on the banks of the Seven and Castle Creeks.

Download a Euroa Heritage Trail guide and get to know the elegant 19th century streetscapes on foot.

Nature is right on the doorstep in Euroa. Pack a picnic or enjoy a barbecue in the Seven Creeks Reserve then explore the easy 3-4 km Seven Creeks Trail through River Red gum forest, habitat for more than 90 species of birds as well as microbats, echidnas, lizards and koalas. The creek itself is home to resident platypus and rakali – native water rats. For a longer walk the trail connects with the 2.4km return Balmattum Hill Walking Tack, studded with giant granite boulders and offering spectacular views from the top.

The 27 ha Euroa Arboretum is also worth a visit for its beautiful woodland and wetland environment with tracks for walking or cycling, picnic areas, an indigenous plant nursery and native seed bank.

Euroa has plenty of places to stay and eat and it’s also a great base for exploring a little further afield. Visit Strathbogie for hot-day swims at Polly McQuinns and the famous community market in Violet Town is a must every second Saturday of the month.