Werribee Mansion

Architect: 1877

Further Afield | F04

Building Description

Visit the Mansion at Werribee Park and discover the story of an Australian pastoral empire. Construction of the large basalt and sandstone mansion was completed in 1877 for the Chirnside family who were originally from Scotland, and made their fortune from wool in Victoria’s Western District.

Boasting 60 rooms across several wings, the mansion is in Renaissance Revival style, with a symmetrical two-storey central block, dominant tower, and a ground level arcade on three sides. The fine interior includes original furniture set within a richly decorated entry hall containing a Minton encaustic tiled floor, niches, Corinthian pilasters, and free-standing columns leading to a grand staircase. The main reception rooms, library, and dining room are all classically ornamented. The sculpture walk, and extensive farm and formal gardens, are added attractions.

Converted into a seminary in the 1920s, the entire estate was purchased by the State Government in 1977, and is now managed by Parks Victoria. It has featured in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Winchester, and The Great Australian Bake Off.

What's On

Visit the mansion and gardens and learn what it took to maintain the household and the estate, how the busy kitchen wing was run, the work of the servants, and what the lives, society, and leisure activities of the rich and famous pastoralists of the colony of Victoria were like.

Bring the whole family for a day out at the mansion including musical performances throughout, demonstrations in the kitchen and laundry areas and café onsite selling light food and beverages

Parks Victoria staff and volunteers will be on-site to chat to visitors about the building, and information will be available providing insights into the Mansion’s history, art, and architectural features.

While at Werribee Park, visitors are invited to wander through the grounds to discover the many other significant buildings, structures, gardens, and trees spanning the entire park, including the recently restored glasshouse

Werribee Park Garden Tour
Garden Tours will include garden history from 1877-now, significant heritage listed trees, other garden focal points, lake & grotto, parterre, the glasshouses, and the restoration & maintenance of the gardens.

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