Visiting Jerilderie
Call into the Sticky Fingers Candy Shop to get all the latest tourist information. Location: 63 Jerilderie Street. Phone: 0448 878 597 Monday-Friday: 9 am-3 pm and Saturday-Sunday: 9 am-1 pm.
You can view a map of Jerilderie here.
Heritage walks, a tree-lined streetscape, and the cleanest toilets in NSW await visitors to the historic township of Jerilderie. Established in 1859, our town is nestled on the banks of Australia’s, and reputedly the world’s, longest creek. Billabong Creek winds its way through Jerilderie and 321 kms of quintessentially Australian landscape.
Jerilderie is known in history as the childhood home of Australia’s greatest military strategist, Sir John Monash. The private home stands beautifully preserved in the main street where you can sense the history, browse shops devoted to vintage wares and collectables, and mull on opportunities to establish your own small business dream leveraged off the thousands of visitors passing through on the Newell each day.
Nothing quite so drastic has happened since the Ned Kelly Gang visited in 1879. Ned wrote his manifesto, The Jerilderie Letter, while the gang kept the town’s prominent citizens hostage in the local Hotel. Today, the Kelly bank vault is on view in the Royal Mail Hotel. Visitors can walk the heritage precinct, read all about the outlaw’s story, meander through the Powell St heritage precinct, or experience the serenity of Billabong Creek and Lake Jerilderie. Watch the video recounting the story of the Kelly Gang's explosive visit to Jerilderie. Read more about the Kelly Gang.
History and Heritage
1874
- Sir John Monash, honoured military commander, whose image appears on our $100 note, attended Jerilderie Public School from 1874 to 1877. His name can be seen in the head office of the school as Dux. In later life, he achieved Arts, Civil Engineering and Law Degrees at Melbourne University. During 1897-98 Sir John utilised both his engineering and legal skills as an expert witness and adviser to pastoralists, farmers and townspeople, who brought an action against David and Samuel McCaughey when they dammed much of the water on the Billabong and Colombo Creeks. In the First World War, Monash was a Lieutenant-General in command of the entire Australian Army Corps. He received a knighthood, which was presented to him by King George V at his battle headquarters in Bertangles, France, on 12 August 1918. Sir John Monash held the first ANZAC day service in 1916. He was a leading and loved public figure after the war, becoming involved in many public and private organisations, such as the Boy Scouts. You'll find this portrait of Sir John hanging in Jerilderie Library.
1875 - Jerilderie's first bank - the Bank of New South Wales
1878 - Jerilderie and Urana Gazette commenced
1879 - Ned Kelly Gang raid - Jerilderie is the only town in New South Wales to be visited by the Ned Kelly Gang. From February 8th to 10th 1879, Ned and Dan Kelly, Steve Hart and Joe Byrne staged a hold up in Jerilderie. The Gang locked the police in their own cells, stole £2140 from the bank and destroyed a number of mortgage documents. The wires to the telegraph office were cut and Ned handed over the written account of his life actions to Edward Living, the bank accountant. This document is known as the ‘Jerilderie Letter’. It is thought that in addition to the cash, the gang targeted Jerilderie to have Ned’s Letter printed on the town’s printing press. The Gang escaped into the forest which was south of Jerilderie. Today the original Jerilderie Letter is held at the State Library of Victoria.
1884 - Railway extended from Narrandera to Jerilderie (extended to Berrigan in 1894, Finley 1898 and Tocumwal 1914)
1926 - The Yanko, Colombo and Billabong Creek systems were augmented from the Murrumbidgee River to create opportunities to expand the agricultural industry in the area
1979 - Official opening of the man-made lake at Jerilderie
1987 - Railway line closed
Visitor attractions
HISTORY
Bolt Exhibition and The Old Printery - Take the virtual tour
Enter via 45 Jerilderie Street (Jerilderie Library)
Opening Hours: 10 am to 4 pm (closed Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday)
‘Doing the Bolt’ is an exhibition of convicts and bushrangers, including the three-day encounter with the Kelly Gang in 1879. You can undertake a self-guided tour through the Old Printery (entrance via Jerilderie Library) to discover stories connected by ‘the bolt of a prison door’. The exhibition is housed in the former office of the Jerilderie and Urana Gazette run in 1879 by Mr Samual Gill.
Flora Bank – Historic Home and Gardens (Previously known as Ye Olde Bank) - Take the virtual tour
Located in Jerilderie Street, this grand building has been restored to its former glory with the interior designed and contents displayed just as they would have been in the 1800s. The building showcases an impressive collection of pieces from the Queen Victoria era. Guided tours are available of the beautiful building and garden to experience the charm and elegance of the Victorian era. Please make a booking, by contacting Roy or Beth on 0499 849 320 or 0457 618 284 (group bookings are preferable). The garden is open every day from September to June, weather permitting.
Leopard Tank, Memorial Park
The tank was originally in service with the Australian Army, and was allocated to the Jerilderie RSL sub-branch in 2010 when the series was decommissioned. The then Governor of NSW, Marie Bashir, unveiled the new addition to Jerilderie's military history. The tank was repainted in November 2020 by former Jerilderie local, Drew Locke. The project was funded through the Federal Government's Saluting Their Service Commemorative Program.
The Ned Kelly Raid Trail 1879 - View our Raid Trail Guide here
Jerilderie is the only town in NSW featured in the Ned Kelly saga and has more surviving authentic Kelly sites than anywhere else along the Ned Kelly Touring Route. Ned Kelly and his gang captured the town during the raid on Jerilderie in February 1879, when they robbed the local bank of £2,000. Here, Ned gave his Jerilderie Letter to the bank's accountant for publication as well as printing in the Jerilderie Gazette. It outlined Kelly's defence of the Gang's actions at Stringybark Creek, but was not published until after his death.
The Ned Kelly Raid Trail is a self-guided tour of the 16 sites visited by Ned Kelly and his gang in 1879. With 6 of the buildings directly associated to the 1879 visit still standing, it’s a fantastic insight into how the town looked when Ned visited.
Follow in Ned’s footsteps, explore the sites and make your own decision: Ned Kelly, hero or outlaw? The sites are:
- Post and Telegraph Office (external viewing only) - take the virtual tour
- The Blacksmith Shop - Step back in time and experience yesteryear, hear an eye-witness account of the raid on the Bank of New South Wales in Jerilderie by Ned Kelly and his gang, soak up the nostalgia of standing where the Kelly Gang's horses were shod in 'The Ned Kelly Blacksmith Shop'. A collection of Australiana, fishing and blacksmithing memorabilia, souvenirs and bric-a-brac are available. Open by appointment: 0428 861513, Powell Street
- Riverina Hotel
- Courthouse Hotel
- The Office of Michael J Curtin, Auctioneer
- Home and General Store of Louis Monash
- 63 Jerilderie Street
- Royal Mail Hotel – Chas. Cox, Licencee
Adjoining businesses of J D Rankin, H D Harkin, and Bank of NSW - Site of the Residence and Printing Office of the Jerilderie and Urana Gazette
Samuel Gill, Editor and Proprietor - Site of the Saddlery of James Mahood
- Site of the Traveller's Rest Hotel Stables
- Site of the Traveller’s Rest Hotel Stables, Lessee Mr Thomas McDougall
- Site of Police Barracks, Lockup and Stables
- Jerilderie Court House - take the virtual tour
- Site of the Wooshed Inn (renamed The Pastoral Hotel)
- John Gribble encounter with the Kelly Gang, First settlers (The Park Residence)
Download a map or call into our Jerilderie Murrumbidgee Council office to collect one.
We are also an important location on the Ned Kelly Touring Route which explores the Kelly sites of Melbourne, North East Victoria and Southern NSW. Download the Ned Kelly Touring Route.
Railway Station (not open for inspection)
Constructed in 1884, the Jerilderie Railway Station represents a grand picture in the town's history. The station was repaired to coincide with the Centenary Celebrations in October 1984. It closed operations on 9 February 1987. A project to renovate the station was undertaken by the Jerilderie Historical Society in conjunction with the Jerilderie Council in April 1993, and it was used for residential purposes for some years. In 2001, State Rail provided the funding and in conjunction with the then Jerilderie Shire Council's Heritage Advisor, restored the building to its former glory. Please just view this station from the roadside as it's a private residence.
Steel Wings Windmill
Situated at Luke Park adjacent to Lake Jerilderie, this structure is truly a magnificent sight. Made in Sydney in 1909-1910, it was erected at Goolgumbla Station and used for stock and domestic supplies and used there until it suffered wind damage. It was moved to its present site at Luke Park when it was restored in 1979. It is 50 feet (15.24 metres) tall, has a wheel diameter of 25 feet (7.62 metres) and a tail length of 24 feet (7.315 metres). Click here for more information.
The Willows Homestead
This stately old homestead began its life in 1884 as a flour mill owned by Thomas and George Wise. The first ton of wheat was delivered for milling during the week ending 8 March 1885. Later in the same year, rail came to Jerilderie and then, with the town water supply available from 1894, Wise Bros relocated their flour milling operations onto railway land, connected by a spur line. Named after the weeping willows which used to grow along the edge of the creek, “The Willows” was built in two stages during the 1880s and 1890s for the Wise family. Utilising, in part, bricks from the chimney stack of the mill, the homestead was remodelled and occupied by Thomas Wise as his family residence until 1909. Between 1920 and 1959 the homestead was occupied by Dr Marcus Vicars Southey, DSO, as his residence and surgery. The homestead became derelict until purchased by the NSW Land Department in August 1975 and dedicated as a Reserve for a Museum. Murrumbidgee Council is the trustee, with the Historical Society responsible for its management. more information.
Jerilderie Library - artwork and architecture
The Jerilderie Library is located at 41-43 Jerilderie Street. The library was previously located at the Old Court House until the new library was opened on 15 April 2009. The building is a replica of the original “Banksi” home, which once stood at the site. Some of the material was recycled from the original building, including a front window, doors, a mantel piece and ceiling rose which is a feature in the “Banksi” room, named after the original building. Featured at the library's entrance is a glass panel created by local artist Helene Mortlock depicting elements of Jerilderie's rich historical and present day influences. The panels can be viewed during normal library opening hours. You can also see the stunning portrait of Sir John Monash, which is hanging in the library.
ART AND CULTURE
Swimming Pool Mural
119 Jerilderie Street (on the external wall, facing the highway)
Commissioned by Murrumbidgee Council and created by Ling in 2021, this amazing piece of art reflects on the local flora and fauna and celebrates some of the unique wildlife found in the area, most notably the Grey Crowned Babbler and the Darling Pea. Selected as the primary feature is the Grey Crowned Babbler. Found locally, these birds are listed as vulnerable, serving as a reminder of the fragility of our ecosystem and the importance of living with nature and harmony. Grey Crowned Babblers typically live in family groups, working together to forage for food and maintain nests. They embody the spirit of both strong family units and a tight-knit, supportive community. The imagery of the Darling Pea (Slender Swainsona) and Billybuttons aka Drum Sticks (Pycnosorus Globosus) complement the Babblers. These local floral elements assist in softening the hard lines of the wall, while introducing strong colours, blending the organic shapes, and pushing the Babbler imagery into the foreground. This project was funded by the Australian Government through the Drought Communities Programme.
Wedge-Tailed Eagle Mural
Eastern side of the Jerilderie Bakery
Created by local Jerilderie artists, the image of the local Wedge-Tailed Eagle carries the line of the Billabong Creek and some of it's tributaries on its wings.
NATURE AND LEISURE
Billabong Creek
Access at Bolton Street or behind Luke Park, Powell Street
The Billabong Creek is believed to be the longest creek in the world at 321 kms. A public fishing pontoon is located behind the Jerilderie Sports Club.
Bush Tucker Trail
Starts and finishes at Luke Park, Powell Street
Growing along the trail you will find various native species, interpretation signs and a genuine aboriginal humpy.
Jerilderie Apex Mini Rail
The Jerilderie Apex Mini Rail is located over the bridge from Powell Street. The mini rail track is nestled amongst the Billabong Creek and provides an ideal location for an exciting experience for the children and the young at heart. Special bookings or enquiries phone: 0427 344 899. Please note closed shoes must be worn to ride the mini rail.
Horgan Walk
Easy 10 minute walk along the banks of the Billabong Creek. Starting at the Steel Wings windmill in Luke Park, you will pass many historic sites and also the Jerilderie Tidy Towns Bush Tucker Trail. Sites include:
- Powell’s Bridge – Original timber bridge was built by John Powell in the early days of the town. Prior to then, he operated a punt to across the creek. The old bridge became unsafe with age, but a footbridge was erected in 1997.
- The Willows - see above
- Post & Telegraph Office – see above
- Plumbe and Neivandt’s Blacksmith & Undertakers – see above
- Jerilderie Public School – dates back to 1876. With the school backing onto Billabong Creek, the creek has long been a favourite place for the children to ‘muck about’. One of the town’s most famous residents, Sir John Monash, used to build cubby houses in the bush on the north side of the creek.
- The Swimming Hole – until the construction of the Jerilderie Swimming Pool, the ‘swimming hole’, officially known as Horgan Park, was maintained with a sandy beach, mowed lawns and changing sheds, situated above the flood line. There was a pontoon tied in the middle of the river, and once a year, the creek was divided into lanes for the swimming carnival.
- Chinese Market Garden – at the end of Aston Street, used to supply much of Jerilderie’s vegetables.
Lake Jerilderie and Luke Park
Powell Street
Visit Luke Park, with its fun children’s playground, which is fully enclosed and shaded. Enjoy a picnic or the free barbecue facilities and undercover seating. Luke Park is the gateway to the Mini Rail and Horgan Walk.
The lake was officially opened in February 1979, following its construction by the Jerilderie Aquatic Club. The water area is 5.3 ha and is used for water sports, including skiing and kayaking. The lake is stocked with native fish and is home to many species of birds. It is surrounded by an all-weather walking/cycling track and has a circuit of outdoor exercise equipment.
Memorial Park and Garden and Leopard Tank
Cnr Powell Street and Jerilderie Street (adjacent to Luke Park)
Memorial Park was completed in 2010 and features the Jerilderie Cenotaph. The park is also home to a Leopard tank, decommissioned and donated to the Jerilderie community and Jerilderie RSL Sub-Branch in 2010. A garden, established and maintained by the Jerilderie Public School and St Joseph’s Primary School, can also be enjoyed at this site.
Shopping and facilities
Anglican Church Second Hand Shop
44-46 Jerilderie Street
Jerilderie IGA supermarket
Replenish your supplies, including meat from the in-house butcher.
Jerilderie Men’s Shed
The local Men’s Shed has a great collection of handmade timber items as well as pre loved furniture and custom made pieces. Open Tuesday and Thursday mornings. 66 Jerilderie Street.
Jerilderie Newsagency
For all your reading needs as well as stationery, toys and giftware, drop into the Jerilderie Newsagency for a look, open 7 days.
Jerilderie Pharmacy
Open Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm - great range of gifts.
Jerilderie Post Office
As well as all your postal services, the Jerilderie Post Office offers a range of locally made items as well as luggage, appliances and books.
Old Wares
A varied collection of vintage, antique and collector items, browse the huge assortment of treasures. 54 Jerilderie Street.
Second-hand Store
From books to clothes, furniture and home wares, this second-hand store has it all. Open Mondays. 48 Jerilderie Street.
St Vinnies
36 Jerilderie Street
Sticky-Fingers Candy Shop
Old fashioned favourites including aniseed balls, Dutch licorice, sherbets, rock candy, and Choo Choo Bars, along with speciality dark chocolates and the famous Melba’s Inch Licorice Block. Housed in a heritage listed building, the shop once served as a printery and later a barber shop. The story behind the building wouldn’t be complete without a Ned Kelly connection but you’ll have to ask Kathy about that one!
Location: 63 Jerilderie Street. Phone: 0448 878 597 Monday to Friday: 9 am to 3 pm and Saturday-Sunday: 9 am to 1 pm.
Facebook
Download the Jerilderie Visitors Guide.
Recreation and leisure
Lawn bowls, tennis courts and 18 hole golf course at the Jerilderie Sports Club
123 Jerilderie Street
(03) 5886 1495
Jerilderie Sports Stadium and Community Gym
The Jerilderie Sports Stadium includes the swimming pool complex and gymnasium, as well as an indoor stadium for basketball, netball, volleyball, gymnasium, badminton, racquet-ball, halfcourt tennis, two squash courts, and general ancillary amenities.
119 Jerilderie Street
Jerilderie Swimming Pool
119 Jerilderie Street
0421 648 420
Monash Park
Cnr of Bolton and Nowranie Street
AFL and netball are played here.
Fishing
Jerilderie fishing pontoon on Billabong Creek is located is located behind the tennis courts at the Jerilderie Sports Club. To fish in the Billabong Creek, you are required by law to pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee and have the receipt of payment of the current fee in your immediate possession. You can pay the fishing fee by phoning 1300 550 474 or online.
Annual events - see What's On
- The Jerilderie Gold Cup races are held annually in September.
- The League of the Silent Flight event for model gliders is held each June.
- Murrumbidgee Council hosts the annual Monash Dinner to celebrate the town's famous son, Sir John Monash.
- Jerilderie Ned Kelly Show n Shine and Markets - annual event since 2002. Held each May in the lake precinct. Features classic cars, bikes and tractors.
Getting here
On the Newell Highway, Jerilderie is the main inland route linking Melbourne and Brisbane and the shortest route from Adelaide to Sydney. It's the start of the Kidman Way, a 644 km stretch of road where caravanners and campers can backtrack to the outback. This route also takes in the State's newest town of Coleambally, the gorgeous riverside town of Darlington Point, through Griffith, and onto Bourke. The Kidman Way joins with Queensland’s Matilda Highway, taking the adventurous traveller a further 1,812 kms to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Jerilderie is located on the Griffith to Melbourne (via Shepparton) train/coach service, with daily departures from the Caltex Roadhouse, Jerilderie Street. Jerilderie is also connected via coach to Wagga Wagga, Echuca (via Deniliquin).
Jerilderie has an aerodrome which can be used by private aircrafts. It is located 1 kilometre south of the town. The strip has a bitumen surface, is 1,138 metres in length by 15 metres wide – with gravel sides.
RV Information
Jerilderie is an RV Friendly town and we welcome both caravanners and campers.
Parking: Powell Street
Free camping options for self contained campers (please note: the Powell Street Lake Precinct is not a free camping area):
Billabong Creek East - Bolton Street
Caravan turning area and camping on the south side of the Billabong Creek
Billabong Creek West - Ashton Street
Picnic table and access to Horgan walk with footbridge across the Billabong Creek, caravan turning circle.
Dump Point: Jerilderie Motel and Caravan Park (Guests only), Brew Park (off Newell Highway)
Fuel Stops: BP 24 Hour Roadhouse, Caltex Service Station, Shell
Mechanics/Tyres/Supermarkets/upholstery shops: Al’s Canvas and Upholstery, Jerilderie Smash Repairs, Jerilderie Tyre Service
Related Pages
Where to dine in Jerilderie
You'll find a great range of eateries and food outlets in Jerilderie. There's cafes, a bakery, great pub and club food, restaurants and roadhouse and service station facilities.
Where to stay in Jerilderie
Jerilderie has a marvellous range of accommodation. Whether you're looking for a hotel or motel, a cosy little B&B, a caravan park and or backpacker accommodation, you'll find it in Jerilderie.