“See that little hill over there that’s where I drew my first breath” These words spoken by the infamous Ned Kelly near Beveridge station paint a vivid picture. Beveridge a small town north of Melbourne holds a significant place in Australian history. It’s intrinsically linked to the life of the legendary bushranger Ned Kelly.
Beveridge wasn’t always known for its connection to Ned Kelly. It began as a small settlement named after Andrew Beveridge. A Scottish sheep farmer who established the Hunters’ Tryst Inn in 1845. The inn still stands today a testament to Beveridge’s enduring spirit. It functions as a hotel post office and general store.
The town’s post office opened in 1865 further solidifying its presence. But it is Ned Kelly’s early years spent in Beveridge that truly captivate the imagination. Ned Kelly was born in December 1854 on a 17-hectare farm near Big Hill now known as Mount Fraser. His birth wasn’t officially recorded. He lived there for his first nine years. A cottage where the Kelly family briefly resided on Kelly Street still exists today. It’s a remarkably preserved piece of history. John Kelly built this house around 1859. The house displays unique design features reflecting the family’s Irish heritage. It was added to the Victorian Register of Historic Buildings in 1992. The nearby bluestone primary school serves as another tangible link to the Kelly family’s past. The building functioned as both a Catholic church and a school from 1857 to 1862. This building highlights the community’s early religious and educational landscape.
Mount Fraser near Beveridge played a crucial role in early exploration. Hume and Hovell first sighted Port Phillip from this eroded volcanic cone in 1824. A quarry on the hillside now supplies Melbourne with scoria. A copy of the Eureka flag flies atop Mount Fraser annually to commemorate Ned Kelly. The hill’s strategic location adds to Beveridge’s historical weight.
Beveridge once had a railway station opening in 1872. The station closed in 1990. Today Donnybrook and Wallan serve as the nearest railway stations. Bus route 511 connects Beveridge to Donnybrook and Mandalay.
So next time you’re in this area remember you’re walking in the footsteps of a notorious bushranger. Beveridge’s quiet charm hides a rich history a legacy intertwined with Australia’s colorful past. This small town offers a glimpse into the life of Ned Kelly. It provides a connection to the nation’s pioneering days and the enduring power of local stories.