Hold up in Jerilderie, NSW

We reluctantly left Echuca and headed north to Deniliquin to see the Ute art works. Deniliquin is located on the Edward River and is famous for the annual Deni Ute Muster – still the holder of the Guiness World Record for the most utes in one place. We had heard about two ute artworks in Deniliquin so decided to stop for lunch and see them. We have been to 'Utes in the Paddock' near Condobolin and thought this would be a good stop. We parked in caravan parking not far from the information centre. The first art work was in the park, and named TransmUTE. Ute on the Pole was across the road, a short walk, through the park past a historical village and old public school. This art work was erected on a six metre high pole to promote the Ute Muster. We had lunch and a walk around part of the old town before heading north to Conargo and then east to Jerilderie.

As I am fascinated by Ned Kelly, and love history, Jerilderie was - I think - the only town of the Ned Kelly story that I had not been to. Jerilderie means reedy place and was established in 1859. It is located on the Newell Hwy and is part of the Kidman Way trail - that we also want to do. We camped along side Billabong Creek, which is the longest creek in Australia. The track down to the creek was a bit rough, but it was only a short drive. It was a lovely shady area and only one other van there.

Jerilderie is the only place outside of Victoria that Ned and the Kelly Gang went to. The next morning, Sunday, we went for a walk around the town. It is not very big, really just a wide main street. Being a Sunday we were not able to get a free Ned Kelly Raid Trail leaflet, but I had found an electronic one. I didn't need it as everything was documented on boards. The town still has a lot of the original buildings and the 'Ned Kelly' factor is obvious.

In 1879, Ned and his gang came to town - everyone seems to agree on that. It is after he arrived there are conflicting, but similar stories. This is my version from what I've read and what I already know (or think I know) about Ned Kelly.