Werribee Mansion

Having already explored the gardens of this amazing property, part of the Werribee Park precinct,  this time we opted for lunch and a tour of the historic mansion.

 

Lunch at Joseph’s was fantastic, with all of our group ordering something equally delicious. Even the Brussels Sprouts side dish. Seriously. 

 

After lunch, we took a self-guided tour of the mansion, once a home to a wealthy wool farming family.

 

Sweeping staircases, elaborately tiled floors...

     

 ...lavish furnishings and signs of privilege.

Even the windows overlooking the rear courtyard were frosted and etched, so as not to catch a glimpse of the staff at work.

The rooftop terrace offers views of the grounds and beyond.

The attached buildings were a Catholic seminary for young men entering priesthood, before becoming abandoned for nearly 30 years. Rescued from dereliction, they are now the luxury Lancemore Mansion Hotel.

Lots of options for exploring this location, which make for good opportunities to revisit another time. 

https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/werribee-park/things-to-do/werribee-park-mansion

https://www.lancemore.com.au/mansion-hotel/gallery

Werribee Park Mansion Gardens

One of the biggest properties in Victoria,  The Mansion gardens feature expansive lawns, heritage orchards, ornamental lakes, hot houses -  this is one big place to explore, so I’m going to show you the gardens first, then the mansion in the next post.

Our first visit inside the big bluestone gate entrance was for an outdoor concert , One Electric Day, on the Great Lawn.  A full day of Aussie bands in this fabulous setting was so good, we came back again the following year!

 

Between bands, we’d take a walk around the paths and sandy gravel tracks, before settling back down on our picnic rug in time for the next artist to take the stage.

 

A couple of years later, we visited the mansion itself, and took an even better look around the grounds this time. 

Around the ornamental lake, The Grotto entrance led to the cave like room. Adorned with seashells and apparently the teeth of  Chirnside sheep and Chirnside children,  it's kinda weird, but provides a cool retreat on a hot day. 

A wooden fence alongside the property allows a peek into the  adjoining winery 

And along the front fenceline, the State Rose Garden is located on the other side, just a short walk between the two locations. 

 

Towards the back of the property, some horse jumps indicated the presence of equestrian events, such as show jumping and polo is often played here. 

 

A heritage orchard at the rear, vegetable gardens, green houses and many sculptures dotted around the grounds, add to the surprise factor of the property.

 

So much to see  - and we haven’t even been inside the mansion yet!

https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/werribee-park/things-to-do/werribee-park-mansion

Victoria State Rose Garden, Werribee

Home to around 5,000 roses, it's no wonder you can smell the fragrance as soon as you walk through this entrance to the State Rose Garden.

Red roses, yellow roses, red and yellow roses, orange roses, pink roses, white roses and my favourite of the day - a blue rose. 
Not exactly blue today, but this purple lilac Blue For You will make you forget the colour and just breathe in the divine fragrance.

Look first before you bury your nose in any of the roses - the local bees were big fans of the red and yellow blooms.

The gardens have smooth walking paths and manicured lawns across the 6 acres of land,with lots of bench seating and a few romantic rotundas to sit in. We chose a circular lawn (the Leaf area) surrounded by roses to have a picnic lunch in the sunshine.

The gardens are managed by volunteers. If you have green thumbs, wear rose-coloured glasses and your name is Rose - you can volunteer to assist on a Wednesday or Saturday morning. 
Just kidding - you don't have to have green thumbs.

What: Victoria State Rose Garden

Where: K Rd, Werribee South

When: Daily 9:30 - 5:00.

Why: roses, gardens, picnic

How Much:FREE (donation tube to support the great work done by volunteers)