Victoria's heritage houses

Visit these regional heritage houses in Victoria for a taste of bygone times. Walk in the steps of the pastoralists, creatives and nobility who called them home. Hear the sobering stories of those who were displaced. Track the history of Victoria's regions through the storied architecture and surrounding landscapes of these historical landmarks.

1. Barwon Grange

Barwon Grange is the only surviving example of the many fashionable riverfront residences built along the Barwon River for Geelong's wealthiest during the 1850s and 1860s. It was built for businessman Jonathon Porter O'Brien and his wife, who lived there for merely a year before returning to England.

2. Barwon Park

Once a lavish homestead set back from the Barwon River, this Italianate bluestone mansion was home to pioneer and pastoralist Thomas Austin and his philanthropist wife Elizabeth. Barwon Park has an ornate entrance hall leading on to 42 rooms, and today makes an impressive wedding and function venue.

3. Coombe Yarra Valley

Dame Nellie Melba, remembered as Australia's most famous opera singer, made Coombe Cottage her home in the late 1800s. It's still owned and operated by her descendants, the Vestey family. Visit Coombe Yarra Valley, part of the Melba Estate, for a taste of history, art and a gourmet experience at the Yarra Valley's gateway.

4. Fortuna Villa

Bendigo's Fortuna Villa was built in 1855, during Victoria's gold rush, by one of Australia’s wealthiest mining magnates. It has also been used for defence purposes by the Australian Army, but is now open to the public for events and high tea.

5. Heide

Heide Museum of Modern Art was the home of John and Sunday Reed, who commissioned architect David McGlashan to create the iconic 1963 modernist building as 'a gallery to be lived in'. Avid champions and collectors of art, the Reeds drew into their circle prominent artists including Sidney Nolan and Joy Hester.

6. Beleura House

On the Mornington Peninsula, Beleura was built in 1863 and became the exceptionally grand summer home of Sir George Tallis, chairman of a successful theatrical company. Set in 5 hectares of gardens, the house contains the original furnishings of its last owner, John Tallis, and features a dedicated music pavilion with the world's largest grand piano. 

7. Lake View House

Stroll through Chiltern's Lake View House, the childhood home of Ethel Florence Richardson, who immortalised her experiences in Chiltern in her popular The Fortunes of Richard Mahony trilogy.

8. McCrae Homestead

McCrae Homestead is one of Victoria's oldest homesteads, representing a time capsule of the early pioneering life. It's also a chance to look back at the relationships between colonial settler families and the Traditional Owners of the land.

9. Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead

Pioneer stonemason Henry Sebire, who had migrated from Guernsey to Melbourne in 1850, built Mont de Lancey Historic Homestead in 1880 from bricks fired on the Yarra Valley property. Take the Mont De Lancey YesterYear tour to explore pioneer life in regional Victoria in the late 19th century.

10. Mulberry Hill

Mulberry Hill on the Mornington Peninsula was the home of Sir Daryl and Lady Joan Lindsay. Sir Daryl was Director of the National Gallery of Victoria from 1941 to 1956 and was knighted in 1957 for his services to Australian art. Lady Joan was an artist and writer best known for her novel Picnic at Hanging Rock.

11. Dromkeen

This 1889 National Trust–listed homestead in Riddell's Creek was built as the country estate of Judge Arthur Cromley. It later found global fame for its picture book art collection. Come to stroll the pretty gardens, meet the peacocks, enjoy the tea room, and browse children's picture book illustrations in the galleries.

12. The Convent

The historic buildings, chapel, cafe and gardens of Daylesford's Convent Gallery are a well-loved stop. The Convent began life in 1862 as a private house built for gold warden and magistrate James Daly. In the 1890s it was refurbished and expanded into the Holy Cross Convent and boarding school, and was home to the Presentation Sisters for the next 90 years.