An illuminated neoclassical building with large columns and architraves stands majestically against a twilight sky.
A close-up view of the building's decorative columns with intricate Corinthian capitals and a balustraded terrace above.
An ornate wooden staircase inside a building, featuring a carpeted runner and flanked by stained glass windows above.
A vertical perspective of a building's ceiling and staircase, showcasing multiple levels with circular stained glass windows at the top.

Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School—Earlsbrae Hall

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Architect/Designer: Lawson and Grey Architects 1890

Description

Earlsbrae Hall was built in 1890 for wealthy Melbourne brewer Coiler McCracken. For many years it was also the residence of celebrated Melburnian and Cole's Book Arcade founder E.W. Cole. It now forms part of Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School, a K-12 school for girls. Known affectionately by students as "the Mansion", the building is notable for its high quality materials and elaborate and well-crafted interior spaces.

What's On

Visitors will be guided in small groups around Earlsbrae Hall, our heritage-listed centrepiece building that was once home to prominent Melburnian E.W. Cole, owner of the famed Cole's Book Arcade on Bourke Street.

Current Lowther Hall students will explain to small guided groups the architecture of the building, meticulously crafted through the vision of its first owners, the McCracken family (who helped establish the Essendon Football Club) and discuss the use of the building during Cole’s time, as well as the past 105 years of its journey as home to thousands of students at Lowther Hall.

Children's Activities

Our tours are family-friendly, and are conducted by students in Years 8 to 10. As we are a school, our students are the best-placed guides to share information about the building they are very proud of!

Images (1-4) Lowther Hall. All photos: Mark Farrelly.

Important Details

Tour/event summary information

Sunday 26 July
Tours run every 15 minutes starting at 10am. Last tour departs at 1.45pm
Running for 15 minutes in groups of 10

Bookings

No bookings required. Tour group capacity is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Meeting Point

Meet at the front of the Mansion

Accessibility

Ramp or level (step free) entry, Accessible parking

Partially wheelchair accessible, accessible parking nearby.

Our heritage building can be accessed via elevator through a connected building.

Location

17 Leslie Rd, Essendon VIC 3040

Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country

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