Guide to National Trust Properties in Melbourne and Regional Victoria
The National Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that works to protect and conserve our built, natural and cultural heritage for current and future generations to enjoy. It is completely independent of the Government and relies on income from memberships, donations, properties and events.
Visit one of the fantastic National Trust properties and exciting events. You'll be spoilt for choice - there are mansions, gardens, a tall ship and a gaol for you to explore. Plus lots of great events, spooky night tours, exciting exhibitions, amazing costumes and collections and some lovely gift shops where you can pick up some unique gifts.
National Trust Membership
As a National Trust member you receive free or discounted admission to over 180 properties around Australia and over 800 around the world. Additional membership benefits include a free regular National Trust magazine/newsletter subscription, the opportunity to participate in National Trust social and educational activities, and special events and a 10% discount when shopping with the National Trust online or in store. Annual membership is about $90 per year with a membership joining fee of about $35.
Join National Trust membership
The summary below is currently correct but things can change. It is recommended that you check the opening times for the property before you visit. Clink on the link for each property for more information.
It should be noted that photography inside some of the properties may not be allowed. Please check with staff if you are in any doubt.
National Trust properties include:
Old Melbourne Gaol
Built in the 1800s, the multi award winning Old Melbourne Gaol is one of Melbourne's oldest surviving buildings and one of the city's must-see attractions. Most of Australia's infamous characters, including iconic bushranger, Ned Kelly have spent time within these walls. Tour the Gaol, be arrested by the Charge Sergeant in the Police Watch House or experience the Gaol after dark with one of our fascinating night tours.
Location: 377 Russell Street, Melbourne
Public Transport: City Circle tram or tram number 24 to stop number 7 or short walk from Melbourne Central Train Station
Open: Daily 9.30am-5pm, Night Tours available
Closed: Good Friday & Christmas Day
General Enquiries: 03 8663 7228
Email: info@oldmelbournegaol.com.au
Function & Wedding Enquiries: 03 9656 9815
Education Bookings: 03 8663 7243
Events: School holiday programs, story telling, night tours, crime & justice experience, plays, exhibitions
Facilities: Suitable for less active visitors, guided tours by appointment, guided tours, National Trust gift shop, available for weddings & photos, education programs, functions.
Polly Woodside
Located in the heart of Melbourne's South Wharf precinct, the Polly Woodside is a tangible reminder of Australia's rich maritime history.
This enchanting tall ship, built in 1885, is one of the most significant and last remaining tall ships in the world. With a guided tour of the ship, an award winning interactive gallery and exciting events, a visit to the Polly Woodside is an engaging experience for all ages.
Location: 21 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf
Public Transport: Tram: Routes 96, 109 or 112 to stop 124A (Casino), or Route 70 and the City Circle Tram stop D5 Wurundjeri Way (South Wharf). Cross the street and walk towards the Yarra River, down Siddeley Street and across the Seafarers pedestrian bridge.
Train: to Southern Cross Station then tram 96, 109 or 112 to stop 124A.
Open: Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm. Daily during school holidays eg for group tours.
Closed: Good Friday & Christmas Day
General Enquiries: 03 9699 9760
Email: pollywoodside@nattrust.com.au
Function & Wedding Enquiries: 03 9656 9815
Education Bookings: 03 8663 7260
Events: School holiday programs, Pirate Sundays
Facilities: Suitable for less active visitors, guided tours by appointment, guided tours, National Trust gift shop, available for weddings & photos, education programs, functions, picnic areas
Rippon Lea House & Garden
Australia's best example of a 19th century suburban mansion in its original landscaped garden setting.
A visit to this National Heritage listed mansion takes you on a journey back in time and offers a unique glimpse into the lifestyles of the wealthiest Australians of the era. The historic mansion, built in 1868, is open for guided tours and is located within vast sweeping fawns covering more than 14 acres featuring a windmill, lookout tower, heritage orchard, lake, waterfall, fernery & more.
Location: 192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick
Public Transport: Tram 67 to stop 42 or a short walk from Rippon Lea Train Station
Open: Sept-April: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm May-August: Thurs-Sun 10am-4pm
Closed: Good Friday & Christmas Day
General Enquiries: 03 9523 6095
Email: ripponlea@nattrust.com.au Function & Wedding Enquiries: 03 9656 9815 For catered functions please contact Peter Rowland on 03 9532 8822
Education Bookings: 03 8663 7260
Events: Teddy Bears' Picnic, Easter Family Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Twilight Christmas Carols Summer Sessions
Facilities: Suitable for less active visitors, guided tours by appointment, guided tours, National Trust gift shop, available for weddings & photos, education programs, functions, picnic areas, refreshments, nature walks, garden of special interest
Como House & Garden
Como House & Garden is a gracious colonial mansion of Australian Regency and Italianate design.
Boasting one of Melbourne's finest gardens, an inspiring historic mansion, (built in 1847) and an impressive collection of antique furniture, Como provides a glimpse into the privileged lifestyle of its former owners, one of Australia's wealthiest pioneer families.
Location: Corner Williams Road & Lechlade Avenue, South Yarra
Public Transport: Tram 8 to stop 34 or 15 minute walk from South Yarra and Hawksburn Train Stations
Open: Group tours available by appointment
General Enquiries: 03 9827 2500
Email: como@nattrust.com.au
Function & Wedding Enquiries: 03 9656 9815
Facilities: Suitable for less active visitors, guided tours by appointment, available for weddings & photos, education programs, functions, cafe, picnic areas, nature walks, garden of special interest
Gulf Station
Located less than an hour from Melbourne's CBD in the picturesque Yarra Valley, Gulf Station is one of the oldest and most intact timber farm complexes in Australia. Each of the outbuildings tells an exciting story about the daily life on a pioneer farm, with an array of traditional farming implements waiting to be discovered.
Location: 1029 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen
Open: Please check website for current opening times.
General Enquiries: 03 8663 7260
Email: bookings@nattrust.com.au
Function & Wedding Enquiries: 03 9656 9815
Website: gulfstation.com.au
Facilities: Guided tours by appointment, available for weddings & photos, picnic areas, education programs, functions
McCrae Homestead
Built in 1844 by Andrew and Georgiana McCrae, McCrae Homestead is one of Victoria's oldest homesteads and is a physical reminder of the early pioneering life, using locally available materials. Georgiana was an accomplished artist, musician and diarist. Our two museums house the story of the McCraes and also the Burrell family. The Burrells lived at the Homestead from 1851 to 1925.
Location: 11 Beverley Road, McCrae
Open: Sept to April: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12pm-4pm. May to Aug: Saturday & Sunday 12pm-4pm. Group tours available by appointment.
General Enquiries: 03 5981 2866
Email: mccrae@nattrust.com.au
Wedding Enquiries: 03 9656 9815
Website: nationaltrust.org.au/vic
Facilities: Suitable for less active visitors, guided tours by appointment, guided tours, National Trust gift shop, available for weddings & photos, picnic areas, nature walks, education programs
Tasma Terrace Gift Shop & Gallery
Tasma Terrace was built in the 1870s and 1880s. There are many surviving Victorian interior elements including heavily modelled cornices, high ceilings and sweeping arches. It is now the headquarters of the National Trust of Australia (Vic) and houses a Gift Shop and Gallery.
Location: 6 Parliament Place, East Melbourne
Public Transport: Trams 109 or 112 to stop 10. Train to Parliament Station.
Open: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Closed: Good Friday, Christmas Day & Public Holidays
General Enquiries: 03 9656 9800
Email: info@nattrust.com.au
Function & Wedding Enquiries: 03 9656 9815
Website: nationaltrust.org.au/vic
Facilities: National Trust gift shop, cafe, functions, available for weddings & photos
Mulberry Hill
This delightful American Colonial style house was the home of artist Sir Daryl Lindsay and his wife Lady Joan. Lady Joan is best remembered as the author of the classic novel 'Picnic at Hanging Rock'. The Lindsays' personal collections of artworks and Georgian furniture are an outstanding feature of the property.
Location: 385 Gulf Links Road, Langwarrin South
Open: Group tours available by appointment.
General Enquiries: 03 5971 4138
Email: mulberryhill@nattrust.com.au
Function & Wedding Enquiries: 03 9656 9815
Website: nationaltrust.org.au/vic
Facilities: Suitable for less active visitors, guided tours by appointment, guided tours, National Trust gift shop, available for weddings & photos, picnic areas, education programs, functions.
The Heights House & Garden (Newtown, Geelong)
Built in 1855, this unique pre-fabricated dwelling is the largest of its kind in Victoria and was home to three generations of one Geelong family. The extensive garden and outbuildings have survived intact from the 19th Century.
Location: 140 Aphrasia Street, Newtown, Geelong
Public Transport: Bus Route 35 or 36 to corner of Aphrasia Street & Shannon Avenue, Newtown
Open: Sept-April: First, second & third Sunday. May-Aug: First Sunday. 1pm - 4pm. Group tours available by appointment.
General Enquiries: 03 5221 3510
Email: heights@nattrust.com.au
Function & Wedding Enquiries: 03 9656 9815
Website: nationaltrust.org.au/vic
Facilities: Suitable for less active visitors, guided tours by appointment, guided tours, National Trust gift shop, available for weddings & photos, picnic areas, garden of special interest, functions
Barwon Park Mansion
This majestic 42 room bluestone mansion, set in a sweeping rural landscape, was built in 1871 for Thomas and Elizabeth Austin.
Barwon Park features a novel cast iron veranda, monumental entrance hall and magnificent central staircase. The Mansion captures the glory of Victoria's pastoral heritage.
Location: 105 Inverleigh Road, Winchelsea
Public Transport: Located 5km from Winchelsea Train Station
Open: Wednesday & Sunday 11am-4pm. Group tours available by appointment
General Enquiries: 03 5267 2209
Email: barwonpark@nattrust.com.au
Function & Wedding Enquiries: 03 9656 9815
Website: nationaltrust.org.au/vic
Facilities: Suitable for less active visitors, guided tours by appointment, guided tours, refreshments, National Trust gift shop, available for weddings & photos, picnic areas, education programs, functions
Barwon Grange
The majestic Barwon Grange is a fascinating brick villa built along the Barwon River during the 1850's and is the only surviving house of its type from that time. Distinctive features include Gothic Revival architecture, unique veranda balustrade and a rare smoking room.
Location: 25 Fernleigh Street, Newtown, Geelong
Public Transport: Bus Route 34 or 35 to corner of West Fyans Street Pakington Street, Newtown
Open: Sept-April: First, second & third Sunday. May-Aug: First Sunday. 1pm - 4pm. Group tours available by appointment.
General Enquiries: 03 5221 3906
Email: barwon.grange@nattrust.com.au
Function & Wedding Enquiries: 03 9656 9815
Website: nationaltrust.org.au/vic
Facilities: Suitable for less active visitors, guided tours by appointment, guided tours, National Trust gift shop, available for weddings & photos, picnic areas, education programs, functions
Portarlington Mill
The Mill was built in 1856 and is a significant example of an early steam-powered flour mill constructed of local sandstone and timbers. It is an ideal location for small events, including art exhibitions and weddings.
Note: Portarlington Mill is currently closed.
Location: 7 Turner Court, Portarlington
Public Transport: Bus Route 79 from Geelong
Open: Sept - May, Saturday & Sunday 12pm-4pm (& Wednesday in January)
General Enquiries: 03 5259 3202
Email: portarlingtonmill@nattrust.com.au
Function & Wedding Enquiries: 03 9656 9815
Website: nationaltrust.org.au/vic
Facilities: Guided tours by appointment, guided tours, available for weddings & photos, picnic areas, functions
Mooramong (Skipton)
Built in the early 1860s and remodelled in 1938 to reflect the Hollywood style, this homestead elegantly echoes the lifestyle of DIS (Scobie) Mackinnon and his Hollywood screen star wife Claire Adams. Photographs, furniture, and objects d'art remain as they were left by the Mackinnons. The property also features a flora and fauna reserve.
Location: Glenelg Highway, Skipton
Open: Public Open Days twice a year. Groups by appointment
General Enquiries: 03 5340 6553
Email: nnooramong@nattrust.com.au
Function & Wedding Enquiries: 03 9656 9815
Website: nationaltrust.org.au/vic
Facilities: Suitable for less active visitors, guided tours by appointment, available for weddings & photos, picnic areas, accommodation, nature walks, functions
Labassa Mansion
One of Australia's most outstanding 19th century mansions, Labassa is a French Renaissance mansion and consists of the finest embossed wallpapers, mahogany timbers and a rare illusionist ceiling enhances the stair hall. Externally it features Corinthian columns, arcaded verandahs, classical decoration and inset Italian marble panels.
Location: 2 Manor Grove, Caulfield North
Public Transport: Train to Balaclava Station, then Tram 3 or 16 to stop 43
Open: Third Sunday of each month 10.30am-4.30pm
Closed: December
General Enquiries: 03 8663 7260
Email: labassa@nattrust.com.au
Function & Wedding Enquiries: 03 9656 9815
Website: nationaltrust.org.au/vic
Facilities: Suitable for less active visitors, guided tours by appointment, guided tours, National Trust gift shop, available for weddings & photos, refreshments, tea rooms, education programs, functions
La Trobe's Cottage
La Trobe's Cottage is one of the oldest buildings in Victoria and was once the home of Victoria's first Lt Governor, Charles La Trobe and his family. The original pre-fabricated cottage was brought to Melbourne from England in 1839. The cottage contains furniture and artefacts that belonged to the La Trobes.
Location: Corner Birdwood Avenue & Dallas Brooks Drive, The Domain, Melbourne
Public Transport: Tram 8 from the City to stop 22 Domain Road
Open: Sunday 2pm-4pm (Oct-April). Booked tours available all year by appointment.
General Enquiries: 03 8663 7260
Email: bookings@nattrust.com.au
Wedding Enquiries: 03 9656 9815
Website: nationaltrust.org.au/vic
Facilities: Suitable for less active visitors, guided tours by appointment, guided tours, available for weddings & photos, education programs
19thC Portable Iron Houses
These three houses provide an insight into life in 'Emerald Hill' during the gold rush years. They are remarkable examples of early property development and are among the few prefabricated iron buildings remaining in the world. A DVD and interpretive panels detail their importance in the history of white settlement.
Location: 399 Coventry Street, South Melbourne
Public Transport: Tram 1 to stop 27 or tram 96 to stop 127
Open: First Sunday of each month 1pm-4pm (except January) Group tours available by appointment.
General Enquiries: 03 8663 7260
Email: pih@nattrust.com.au
Website: nationaltrust.org.au/vic
Facilities: Guided tours by appointment, guided tours, education programs
Dow's Pharmacy
Built in 1859, the unique Dow's Pharmacy displays a fascinating history of a country pharmacy with original fittings, products, records and equipment.
The pharmacy closed its doors in 1968 with its contents still intact, many from the 1960's.
Location: Conness Street, Chiltern
Public Transport: V/Line train to Chiltern Station
Open: Monday-Friday 11am-3pm. Groups tours by appointment
Closed: Good Friday & Christmas Day
General enquiries: 03 5726 1597
Email: chiltern@nattrust.com.au
Facilities: Suitable for less active visitors, guided tours by appointment
The Federal Standard Printing Works
Established in 1859, this is one of the few substantially intact provincial newspaper printeries remaining from the gold mining era. It features printing equipment from the 1870s through to the 1920s.
Location: Main Street, Chiltern
Public Transport: V/Line train to Chiltern Station
Open: second weekend of the month 11 am-3pm. Group tours available by appointment
General enquiries: 03 5726 1611 (Visitor Information Centre)
Email: chiltern@nattrust.com.au
Facilities: Suitable for less active visitors, guided tours by appointment
Lake View House
Childhood home of the Henry Handel Richardson, pseudonym of Ethel Florence Richardson, author of The Getting of Wisdom and trilogy The Fortunes of Richard Mahony in which she describes her experiences in Chiltern. The charming red-brick single storey house is furnished in period style and contains a small collection of Richardson memorabilia.
Location: 18-22 Victoria Street, Chiltern
Public Transport: V/Line train to Chiltern Station
Open: Sunday 10am-4pm. Group tours available by appointment
Closed: Easter Sunday & Christmas Day
General enquiries: 03 5726 1611 (Visitor Information Centre)
Email: chiltern@nattrust.com.au
Facilities: Suitable for less active visitors, guided tours by appointment
The Briars (Mount Martha)
The Briars, a beautiful old homestead, is situated at Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula on 230 hectares. There are many things to see and do at The Briars including the 1800's historic homestead ex gardens, historic farm buildings, wildlife sanctuary and wetlands.
Location: Nepean Highway, Mt Martha
Open: Daily. The Park is open between 9am and 5pm. The Homestead is open between 10am and 4pm when volunteer homestead guides are on duty. Please note: there is no tour or homestead access available if a volunteer guide is not on duty. Please call prior to your visit to ensure tours are available on the day you wish to visit.
Closed: Good Friday & Christmas Day
General enquiries: 03 5974 3686 (Mornington Peninsula Shire)
Email: the.briars@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Facilities: Suitable for less active visitors, guided tours by appointment, National Trust gift shop, available for weddings & photos, refreshments, tea rooms, education programs, functions
Mott's Cottage (Port Fairy)
Mott's Cottage nestles in the historic town of Port Fairy and is one of the oldest buildings in the district.
Constructed in three stages, the oldest section dates from 1850 or earlier and was built for local stonemason John Hooper.
Unusually for a cottage of this type it even acquired a second story but only acquired its name in the twentieth century from Sarah Jane Mott, who owned it between 1918 and 1944. Across its long history, it was used as a bakery and now survives to offer a glimpse into how the earliest European settlers into Victoria lived.
Location: 5 Sackville Street, Port Fairy
Open: From 2pm to 4pm on the First and Third Saturday of the Month (Closed July and August) and every Saturday during Victorian School Holidays.
Closed: Good Friday & Christmas Day
Mills Cottage (Port Fairy)
The earliest part of Mills Cottage dates back to c.1843, making it possibly one of Victoria's oldest homes. Further sections were added on through the rest of the 1840s, displaying a range of building techniques from the period. The house was first occupied by John Brabyn Mills and his brother Charles Fredrick and from the mid 1850s-1871 Captain John Mills, the Port Fairy Harbour Master occupied the house.
The house remains considerably intact including over fifty different wallpapers layered throughout.
Location: 40 Gipps Street, Port Fairy
Open: From 2pm to 4pm on the First and Third Saturday of the Month (Closed July and August) and every Saturday during Victorian School Holidays.
Closed: Good Friday & Christmas Day
Endeavour Fern Gully (Red Hill)
Rich in flora, fauna and habitat diversity, Endeavour Fern Gully is Mornington Peninsula's original rain forest.
A rural bushland remnant of 27 hectares of rain forest containing a variety of natural habitats and rich in local flora and fauna. A visit to Endeavour Fern Gully is to experience the original natural environment of the Mornington Peninsula.
Of the 27 hectare property, 17.5 hectares are of rain forest, a meandering creek and lush fern gully. The remaining 9.5 hectares are gradually being re-vegetated by volunteers. The remnant bushland provides an important biolink in this area of fragmented habitat. The property includes a 30 - 45 minute, 2 km loop walking track with interpretive signage.
Location: 195 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill
Open: Daily.
