A Town With Plenty Of Horsepower

The Sunday Age

Sunday September 10, 2006

Paul Edwards

Euora, where the Kelly Gang rode into town, is again hosting its hot rod and vintage car show. By Paul Edwards.

If all these cars had been here when Euroa had its high point of fame, you can bet that some of them would have been stolen, courtesy of the Kelly Gang.

Ned and the boys had a wonderful time when they came to town, secure in the knowledge that the cops would never catch them - bushrangers always get the best horses. They stuck up the bank, took hostages, sang, danced, got drunk and fled with the loot.

Now a good Riley 2.5 in the hands of the local gendarmes would have put paid to all that . . . or a 38 Chev. . . or a 280CE Merc. . . or any of the vast array of classic cars that will descend on Euroa for the annual Show & Shine on October 1.

The event last year showcased more than 640 rare, vintage and special interest vehicles. This year organisers are hoping for 800 cars and up to 5000 visitors. The annual display features veteran, vintage, classic, custom and modified cars, hot rods and motor cycles.

This year the Euroa Show & Shine will incorporate a farmers' market and antiques and collectible stalls, promoting the food and wine of the Strathbogie Ranges, the craft of local artisans and old treasures.

The Euroa Show & Shine also has entertainment for the kids including the famous rocker-cover races, plus live entertainment and excellent food and wine.

WHERE IS IT?

Seven Creeks Park, Euroa, about 150 kilometres from Melbourne, just off the Hume Freeway.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE?

Euroa is a handsome little town on the warm side of the Great Divide. Consequently it is a centre for racehorse trainers and sheep breeders. On the fringe of the Strathbogie Ranges, with picturesque drives through the hills.

ATTRACTIONS

Avenel Maze has a strong Ned Kelly theme and extraordinary garden sectors - www.avenelmaze.com.au

Polly McQuinns Picnic Area near Strathbogie is a wonderful river and rock attraction. The Farmers Arms Hotel Museum (5795 2064) has memorabilia of Euroa's most famous visitors, being built two years before the Kelly Gang came to town.

The Forlonge Memorial commemorates Eliza Forlonge, who introduced the fine-wool Saxon merino into Victoria in 1851. Take the Euroa-Strathbogie Road to the Forlonge Memorial Road. Also in the hills are the Mount Wombat Lookout (799 metres), Polly McQuinn's Weir, a terrific spot for a picnic and Gooram Falls, 15 kilometres along the Merton Road.

HUNGRY?

Hayguns Restaurant (5795 2187) has been serving regional produce and local wines for 20 years. White Hart Hotel at Longwood (5798 5203) is a fine old country pub with excellent hotel food. Tarup Ridge at Avenel (5796 2705) has tapas to complement the wine tastings.

The Avenel Pub (5796 2305) is run by the Shelton family - Ned Kelly pulled their grandfather out of Hughes Creek and was rewarded with the green bandanna he was wearing when finally captured. The Seven Creeks Hotel (5795 3034), once the biggest hotel outside Melbourne, has a fine beer garden. Jumping Jumbuck Restaurant (5795 1181) has wonderful homemade pies.

Ruffy Produce Store (5790 4387) is quirky, country and inviting for food, wine and take-home produce. The Pickled Olive (5795 3446) has pizza, pasta and nice desserts. Euroa Cafe (5795 2254) is the heartbeat of town.

SLEEPY?

Maygars Vineyard & Cottage (www.strathbogieboutiquewines.com) is an interesting place to stay. Rotherlea Lodge (5763 2262) is a luxury house on a working farm. Tarup Lodge is a neat cottage in Avenel (5796 2705), Homelea (www.Homeleaonclifton.com.au) is close to the centre of Euroa. Furlonge B & B has been recently renovated - lovely rooms and gardens.

© 2006 The Sunday Age

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