About this place
What to expect
Step into one of Australia's most talked-about bushranger stories at Stringybark Historical Reserve, located 50 kilometres south of Benalla. Hidden among peaceful forest, this historic site marks the place where the Kelly Gang and police clashed on 26 October 1878. Today, families and curious explorers can wander through the reserve, follow interpretive signs and discover the dramatic events that unfolded beneath the stringybarks. A police memorial now honours the three officers who lost their lives, adding a powerful moment of reflection to the visit. Make time for the Stringybark Creek Walk, a 1.4 kilometre track that takes around 30 minutes to complete. It is a short but memorable stroll, with plenty for young history hunters to spot along the way. The natural bush setting remains wonderfully unspoilt, making the reserve feel like a true step back in time. Access is via a well-graded dirt road from Mansfield or Benalla, becoming gravel as you enter the State Forest. Please take care, as logging trucks may use these roads. The day visitor area on Stringybark Creek Road offers picnic and wood barbecue facilities, making it easy to turn your visit into a relaxed family adventure. Pack snacks, sturdy shoes and a sense of curiosity, then explore a fascinating slice of Kelly Country history in the heart of the bush.