Euroa, Victoria

A pleasant rural community serving the local agricultural industry. Euroa hosts the Golden Shears International Shearing Championships as part of the Wool Week Festival and Agricultural Show every October. Founded in 1850, the village is said to be the first place where merino sheep were bred in Victoria. Much of the region's wealth once came from sheep but now it comes from horse studs. Euroa is roughly midway between Melbourne and Albury and as such is a popular rest place for travellers.
Euroa was the scene of one of Ned Kelly's most infamous acts. In 1878 the notorious bushranger staged a daring robbery, rounding up some 50 hostages and making off with money and gold worth nearly £2000. The Strathbogie Ranges, once one of the Kelly Gang's hideouts, now provide a pretty backdrop to the town. The region comes to life in spring, when wildflowers bloom. During this time and in autumn a number of private gardens around town are open to the public.
Location: 153 km north east of Melbourne.
Origin of name: the name comes from an Aboriginal word in the old local dialect meaning "joyful".
Points of Interest: Strathbogie Ranges; Gooram Falls; Garden Range; Buildings relating to Ned Kelly; Garden Range Aboriginal rock paintings