If you’ve been obsessing over Bridgerton, or you’re still feeling scandalised over Saltburn, you might be itching for a change of scene and for a more grand environment. A chance to step away from the modern hustle and bustle of Melbourne, and to journey back in time to some historic mansions around town. Picnic on carefully manicured lawns, have high tea in some splendid venues and go on an educational tour through some stunning heritage houses. Melbourne is full of historic mansions, from elegant venues close to the city to opulent estates further out. Whether you’re a fan of history, an architecture enthusiast, or a fiction fanatic, you’ll be sure to have a lovely time out at these splendid locations.
1. Rippon Lea Estate
Explore the charming Victorian mansion and gardens of Rippon Lea Estate. The house was first completed in 1868 for Frederick Sargood and his family. Over the years, the venue was renovated and had different owners, before passing to the National Trust in the 1970s. Take a guided tour through the mansion and discover a ballroom, conservatory, drawing room and more stunning spaces. After visiting the house, step outside and wander through almost 14 acres of gardens. Have a picnic on the sprawling lawns, relax by the ornamental lake, check out the flower gardens, admire the orchard and more.
Entry into the house is only available with a tour. It costs $15 to enter the estate, and an additional $5 for a guided mansion tour. Garden entry is free for Port Phillip and Glen Eira residents. Learn more here.
📍192 Hotham St, Elsternwick VIC 3185
2. Labassa Mansion
Over 700 people have lived in the lavish Labassa Mansion. From 1862 to 1920, this grand Victorian mansion was home to Melbourne’s elite. After being converted into flats in the 1920s, it became home to a number of residents, including a silent movie star, artists, bohemians and post-war European immigrant families. Despite its many occupants, the venue still retains many of its Victorian era decorations.
Labassa Mansion is usually open on the third Sunday of the month, with guided house tours and tower tours throughout the day. There’s also a tea rooms, which is open from 10:30am to 3:30pm. If you’d like to visit, booking ahead is recommended. Entry is $15 for adults. Learn more here.
📍2 Manor Grove, Caulfield North VIC 3161
3. Werribee Park Mansion
Wander over to the grand estate of Werribee Park in Melbourne’s west. Walk through the formal gardens, see the grotto and ornamental lake, and admire the colourful flowers in the Victoria State Rose Garden. Then, check out the historic Werribee Park Mansion. Completed in 1877 for the Chirnside family, this opulent space is made in the Renaissance Revival style, with 60 rooms across multiple wings. Take a tour through the mansion and admire the grand staircase, library, dining room and more.
Entry to this mansion is $11.50 for adults. There’s also a Lancemore hotel if you’d like to stay overnight, complete with facilities like a restaurant and spa. Learn more here.
📍Gate 2 K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030
4. Como House and Garden
Built in 1847, Como House and Garden was home to the Armytage family for 95 years. This picturesque house overlooks the Yarra River, and is surrounded by a garden and community parkland. The house itself features a mix of Australian Regency and classic Italianate architecture. The house remains furnished with family heirlooms, and the original servants’ quarters are also carefully preserved.
Entry to the gardens is free, and you can take a tour of the house for $15. While you’re there, pop into the National Trust Gift Shop and find something interesting at the Second Hand Bookshop. Learn more here.
📍Williams Rd &, Lechlade Ave, South Yarra VIC 3141
5. Villa Alba Museum
Villa Alba Museum is an Italianate mansion in Kew that’s adjacent to Studley Park. First built and decorated between 1882 and 1884, this historic house features elaborate decorations, such as panoramic murals and painted ceilings and walls with trompe l’oeil effects. After exploring the house, take a stroll through the heritage garden, which carefully recreates the original design of the outdoor space.
This heritage space is staffed by volunteers, and you can usually visit the museum on the first Sunday of the month. It costs $15 to enter. Learn more here.
📍44 Walmer St, Kew VIC 3101
6. Overnewton Castle
The charming Overnewton Castle was originally built in 1849, and is now a blend of 16th century English, Scottish and French architecture. Once a single-storey homestead, it was later transformed with additional grand features, like a two-storied wing and overhanging corner turrets. Today, you can book tours of the venue, visit for high tea, stay overnight and even get married at this lovely venue. Learn more here.
📍51 Overnewton Rd, Keilor VIC 3036
7. Barwon Park Mansion
We’ve looked at plenty of historic mansions in Melbourne, but what about further out? You’ll find the lovely Barwon Park Mansion roughly 35 minutes away from Geelong, and about 90 minutes away from Melbourne. This bluestone mansion was built in 1871, when pastoralist Thomas Austin and his wife Elizabeth were embarrassed after entertaining the Duke of Edinburgh on their modest homestead. They got to work building a property more suitable for distinguished guests, leading to the majestic Barwon Park Mansion. This Italianate home features 42 rooms across two storeys, and includes an elaborate entrance hall, grand staircase and stables. Entry is $10 for adults. Learn more here.
📍105 Inverleigh Road, Winchelsea VIC 3241
8. Mulberry Hill
You’ll find the heritage-listed Mulberry Hill on the edge of Mornington Peninsula. This American Colonial style-home was built in 1926, as an extension to a pre-existing weatherboard cottage from the 1880s. It was the home of Joan Lindsay, the author of Picnic at Hanging Rock and artist Sir Daryl Lindsay. The house is open for visitors on the second and fourth Sunday of the month, and entry for adults is $10. Learn more here.
📍385 Golf Links Rd, Langwarrin South VIC 3910
9. Heronswood House and Garden
Also located on the Mornington Peninsula is the stunning Heronswood House and Garden. This tranquil space is now the home of the Digger’s Club and Foundation, a respected Australian gardening organisation. The two hectares of formal gardens feature stunning perennial borders, as well as kitchen and vegetable gardens. Pop into the Garden Shop and Nursery to spruce up your own backyard.
At the moment, the house itself is going through restoration works, and is set to reopen for cafe dining later this year. Entry to the garden is $15. Learn more here.
📍105 Latrobe Parade, Dromana VIC 3936
10. Beleura House and Garden
Beleura House and Garden was built in 1864. The home is a Classical style villa, surrounded by twelve acres of gardens. It was last owned by composer John Tallis, and now, every month, the venue plays host to concerts by acclaimed musicians. You can see the venue for yourself by attending one of these concerts, or you can book yourself in for a morning tea tour or full day tour. There is no parking at Beleura, so you will need to park at the nearby Mornington Golf Club, where you will be transported via a courtesy bus. Learn more here.
📍Mornington VIC 3931