Nine reasons families are flocking to Ned Kelly’s old stomping ground

From hidden gnomes to a paw print walk, there are plenty of fun family things to do in and around Mansfield, Victoria, once the stomping ground of notorious bushranger Ned Kelly and his gang.

Tucked away in the shadows of Mount Buller and Mount Stirling and near Lake Eildon and Lake Nillahcootie, it’s a 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne and a great holiday destination. Here are nine fun things to do.

Mansfield Zoo

Hands-on animal care… Mansfield Zoo.Credit: Tourism North East

Watch cute meerkats scamper around and you can help feed friendly deer and kangaroos at the Mansfield Zoo, which was opened by Bronwen Wilson and David Murphy, in 2000. Spread over 12 hectares with views of the pretty Delatite Valley, it is home to more than 200 exotic and native animals. Two white lions, brothers Djuma and Matimba, rule here and in school holidays and weekends feeding time is 1.30pm daily. Picnic or barbecue in the grounds and roll out your swag or tent from September to May and sleep under the stars, serenaded by animal choruses. See mansfieldzoo.com.au

Mansfield Maze

Planted in 2016, today the maze is thriving.

Hidden gnomes, intriguing pixie faces and fairy crossings feature at the Mansfield High Country Gallery, Gardens and Maze. Planted in 2006 in a bare paddock, the thriving maze survived six tough years of drought and now has hedging reaching more than two metres – it’s the perfect place to get lost in. Present owners Nicky Goudberg and Tony Pridham – an awarded wildlife and bird artist and nephew of the famous artist Sidney Nolan, have opened an art gallery and cafe with grazing platters and sweet treats. You can also bring your own picnic and enjoy in a shaded lawn area. See highcountrymaze.com.au

Mansfield Botanic Park

Fancy a game of hide and seek in the gardens or maybe jump on the dual flying fox at the new kids’ park, where native and introduced trees flourish. Fords Creek meanders by and there’s a water park for those hot days. Skateboarders of all ages will love the nearby Mansfield Skatepark with its roll-ins, quarter pipes, ledges, a metal non -vert half pipe and curved and straight rails plus a climbing wall – some of which is in the shade.

Rail Trail

Mullum Wetlands at Mansfield Rail Trail.

Cyclists of all ages are well catered for with many trails – the Great Victorian Rail Trail stretches 134 kilometres from Tallarook to Mansfield, taking in some beautiful high country. You can tackle a small section of the trail and e-bikes can be hired in Mansfield. The trail passes through the Trawool Valley and the towns of Yea, Alexandra, Yarck and Bonnie Doon. Highlights include the Cheviot Tunnel and Bonnie Doon Bridge spanning Lake Eildon. Watch out for beautiful birdlife, pretty farmland and stands of ancient red gums. See greatvictorianrailtrail.com.au

Jamieson Paw Walk

The tiny town of Jamieson, a former gold mining haven, about 30 minutes from Mansfield has a 2.8-kilometre Paw Prints Walk. Follow the cute paw prints for a fun and educational treasure hunt through the beautiful town beside the Jamieson and Goulburn Rivers. Pick up a map and questionnaire at the Jamieson Caravan Park reception and follow the blue paw prints along the river and up into the bush while learning about local wildlife. It takes between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on age, walking speed and snack breaks. Suitable for families with children aged five years and over.

Picnic

Pick up a hamper laden with local goodies from The Produce Store in Mansfield – the store dates back to 1895 and has been a furniture auction room and a greengrocer, now it showcases the best and freshest locally made produce and is great for a meal or treat. Great picnic spots include Bracks Bridge, about 20 minutes from Mansfield, which has shallow water and rock pools. There are picnic tables and lots of shade. Mirimbah Park is another favourite spot with shallow waters of the Delatite River and there’s a barbecue and playground.

BullerRoo

Lush vistas at BullerRoo Luxury Chalet.

Help feed the cutest miniature pygmy goats called Misty, Tassie and Mr Tipples, plus some friendly alpacas at BullerRoo that offers a slick two-bedroom chalet style retreat with stunning vistas of Mount Buller, The Paps, the rolling Barwite Valley and the Broken River. Located 15 minutes from Mansfield, it’s set on nine hectares and there’s also the cute colonial-style Stone Cottage House that sleeps six, set in established gardens. Spy on birds, kangaroos, wombats and deer and you can throw in a line in the nearby river where trout hide. See bullerroo.com.au

Gnomes Roam and House

Credit: Tourism North East

Catch a glimpse of those cute gnomes on the Mount Buller Road where there’s a Gnomes Crossing sign then continue to the Mount Buller Gnome House. Kids can even leave a letter for the gnomes in a special letterbox. Pick up a self-guided tour of the Mount Buller gnomes’ life on the mountain and learn about their favourite places to play and all about gnome life. Gnome stickers are available at the Alpine Centre.

In the footsteps of bushrangers

Ned Kelly and his gang roamed the Mansfield area – three policemen killed at Stringybark Creek are buried in Mansfield Cemetery. There is also an impressive marble monument to them in the main street which was funded by public donation. The proclamation resulting in the Gang members being declared outlaws was made from the steps of the Mansfield Courthouse on 15 November 1878.

And there’s more

Test your putting skills at Mansfield mini-golf.

Mansfield also has mini golf, a movie theatre, bike tracks and art galleries.

The Mansfield Lantern Festival, celebrating the longest night of the year, is held each June (June 21 in 2025), with a light parade, stalls and entertainment. See mansfieldlanternfestival.com.au

The writer was a guest of Victoria’s High Country.