The incredible tale behind a notorious Melbourne shopfront as it goes on sale
- A slice of Australia's wild colonial past is up for sale for just $270,000
- Benalla property comes with a brush with the nation's most infamous criminal
- READ MORE: The coastal getaway crowned the best 'Aussie Town of the Year'
In the quiet country town of Benalla, Victoria, a slice of Australia's wild colonial past is officially up for grabs.
The unassuming site at 64A Arundel St might look quaint on the outside, but behind its historic walls lies one of the more jaw-dropping chapters in our nation's outlaw lore.
The property comes complete with a fireplace, a charming shopfront, and a violent Ned Kelly showdown tale etched into its brickwork.
Back in September 1877, a 16-year-old Edward 'Ned' Kelly was arrested for drunkenness and riding his horse on the footpath.
While being escorted from the lock-up by four police officers, the rebellious teen made a daring dash and burst into the nearby bootmaker's shop.
What entailed was a brawl that ended with bootmaker Robert John King physically helping police restrain the future bushranger - who, legend has it, warned an officer: 'If I ever shoot a man, you'll be the first'.
That officer in question was Constable Thomas Lonigan, who would go on to meet that very fate just over a year later in the infamous Stringybark Creek shootout - one of the most brutal moments in Kelly Gang history.
Today, the very shopfront where it all went down stands as a time capsule of Australia's outlaw past, and it's on the market with a price guide of $270,000 to $290,000.
In the quiet country town of Benalla, Victoria, Ned Kelly himself once made a daring dash from four police officers and burst into this very bootmaker's shop.
Edward 'Ned' Kelly (December 1854 – 11 November 1880) was an Australian bushranger, outlaw, gang leader, bank robber and convicted police-murderer. Pictured.
A plaque out front, erected by the Benalla & District Historical Society, marks the exact location of Ned's bold escape and subsequent capture.
Inside the heritage site and former saddler and bootmaker's cottage, includes period details like a fireplace, laneway access, and undercover parking for two cars.
For less than the cost of a Sydney car space, Aussies could own the building where Australia's most legendary bushranger threw fists and made threats that would echo through time.
Inside the heritage site and former saddler and bootmaker's cottage, includes period details like a fireplace, laneway access, and undercover parking for two cars.
There's also a separately metered two-bedroom residence out back, built in the 1940s, featuring a lounge, bathroom with corner bath, and functional kitchen.
It's a rare dual-purpose investment with rental potential of up to $580 per week combined.
But it's not just about real estate - it's about legacy.
A plaque out the front, erected by the Benalla & District Historical Society, marks the exact location of Ned's bold escape and subsequent capture.
The property has housed a string of businesses over the years, from an antique shop to, more recently, a cosy café.
'It's steeped in history,' Ray White auctioneer Jeremy Tyrrell said.
The residence has a large bathroom with corner bath, and an open plan functional kitchen.
The property has housed a string of businesses over the years, from an antique shop to, more recently, a cosy café.
'Hopefully here in 2025, a fair fight will result in a new owner.'
Although the property passed in on a $250,000 bid, negotiations are ongoing, and interest remains high.
With tourism booming in regional Victoria and true crime lovers, history buffs, and investors all eyeing Benalla as the next go-to weekend spot, this might be a spot to watch.
