Victoria's grand homes & gardens

Horticultural enthusiasts rejoice — along with stunning flower farms and flourishing pick-your-own spots, regional Victoria is blooming with stately homes and historic gardens. Journey back in time and stroll through grand gardens, manicured lawns, and charming orchards. Head up to the turret, portico or balcony to imagine yourself being swept up in the historical-romance series Bridgerton.

Ever wondered what it's like to actually live in a grand mansion or on a working farm? Who maintains the formal gardens and manicured lawns? Who oversees the vegetable beds upkeep and production? Join a tour or open garden day to find out.

 

1. Beleura House & Garden

Beleura is a state-listed 19th century heritage house, garden and recital centre and was the summer home of Sir George Tallis and his family. Sir George was involved with J.C. Williamson's theatre company from the late 1800s until 1937, as well as the planning of Dame Nellie Melba's opera season in 1911. Beleura's music pavilion houses the first ever nine-octave piano, and attracts some of Australia's finest musicians for concerts.

2. Buda Historic Home & Garden

For a visual feast visit Castlemaine's Buda Historic Home and Garden, the home of the noted silversmith Ernest Leviny and his  family from 1863 until the 1970s. It contains the family's art and craft collections, furnishings and knick-knacks. The house is surrounded by pristine 19th-century gardens and a museum featuring works by prominent Australian artists including Margaret Preston, M. J. MacNally, Ursula Ridley Walker and Lionel Lindsay.

3. Byramine Homestead and Brewery

Byramine Homestead and Brewery was built in 1842 by the famous explorer Hamilton Hume. Its octagonal rooms aren't just for the climate, they were also for security, as the homestead was often under attack from bushrangers. Take a tour of the homestead and wander through the gardens, among the oldest elm trees in Victoria. You'll see why Byramine has been classified by the National Trust 'to be preserved at all costs'.

4. Cruden Farm

Less than an hour from Melbourne you'll find Cruden Farm, a beautiful public garden and working farm in Langwarrin. Wind down the windows as you enter via the main driveway, lined with more than 100 lemon-scented gum trees. Stroll across emerald lawns and take in the colours of flowering shrubs and perennials. The garden changes dramatically with each season, so this is one you'll want to come back to again and again.

5. Heronswood House and Garden

Heronswood House and Garden is a historic property and garden in Dromana. It's also home to the Digger's Club, Australia's most respected gardening organisation, dedicated to preserving heirloom seeds and the best gardening traditions. Explore the perennial and annual borders as well as kitchen and vegetable parterre gardens.

6. Mooramong

Spend an afternoon at Mooramong, the warm and cosy homestead of the late Scobie Mackinnon and his Hollywood star wife Claire Adams. The home feels like its tenants have just stepped out for the day, with family photographs, furniture, curios and objects d'art invoking memories spanning the late 1930s through to the '60s. The 600-acre nature reserve is also home to kangaroos, swamp wallabies and birds including brolgas and wedge-tailed eagles. Note, Mooramong is currently closed for conservation works, keep up-to-date via the National Trust website.

7. Narrapumelap Historic Homestead

Garden and historic home meet in this iconic Neo-French Gothic-style mansion. Narrapumelap was built in 1873 by wealthy pastoralist and philanthropist John Dixon Wyselaskie. The homestead's creeper-wreathed lookout tower surveys stone steps encased by topiary leading to immaculate lawns. Join an open day guided tour to explore or stay in apartment accommodation in the west wing of this lovingly restored Western District homestead.

8. The Briars

At The Briars, a beautiful 230-hectare property in Mount Martha, spot koalas, wallabies and more on a walk through the wildlife sanctuary, or tour the heritage homestead. Check out the Shire Nursery for a range of beautiful native and indigenous plants for home gardens, or the Eco-Living Display Centre for all the tips and tricks you need to make your home more resource-efficient.