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

Bucks Walk, Donvale

Parking at Reynolds Rd carpark, it was a short walk to the Mullum Mullum Trail. 

Crossing the creek, we connected with Bucks Walking Trail. The paved path gave way to a wide and muddy gravel track, which narrowed into a single file track through the long undergrowth.

Fungi galore, from the kooky horse poo shaped fungus, to other more colourful varieties. 

We crossed a log bridge over some wetlands, with long green reeds surrounding us. 

We popped out at the local equestrian club, where we took turns cantering around the course, taking the jumps and neighing with delight. Ah, sorry, that was my 8 year old self taking over for a moment. 😆

Longridge Walk, Warrandyte

Parking at the end of Alexander Rd, we headed through the gates of the Longridge Campground. The site is managed by Parks Vic for overnight group camping. 

It looks like a great place to camp with friends or family. You can BYO canoes, fishing gear, etc and there is plenty of open space to kick a ball, throw a frisbee, or just walk the surrounding trails.

Our walk took us across the former grazing lands, to the old 1920's Californian Bungalow farmhouse, perched high on the hill, overlooking the mountains. 

Fun fact: The house was used as a location in the 2013 film, Cut Snake.

We  trudged downhill to the banks of the Yarra, looking across to Eltham and more farm houses. 

We spotted many birds along the way; a few Eastern Grey kangaroos; one previous resident...

...and signs that deer had been in the area, like the shredded bark of this tree.

The fairly easy walk consisted of skinny tracks and gravel roads mixed with steep hills and grassy plains. The views were grand and the sights plentiful. 

100 Acres Reserve, Park Orchards.

Always on the lookout for a new walking trail to explore, I often find them right under my nose. That was the case with 100 Acres. 
I'd heard of it. 
Driven past it. 
Talked to people about it. 
Lived near it  for years. 
Eventually, I went there.
And it was lovely.  

Parking at the far end of the Domeney Reserve, we set off up North Boundary Track, following the fence line. This outer track is used for horseriding around 100 Acres, but we didn't see any. The crunch of crisp Autumn leaves on the gravel path made us sound like a group of horses trampling through.

We didn't really stick to a plan when walking; we mostly just meandered around turning left or right as the mood took us.

At High Track, we followed the path to Candelbark Track and Tadpole Dam. A curious Currawong in a tree overlooking the dam was the only bird we saw there.

A big stone seat on the edge of the dam was the perfect spot for a 5 minute rest.

Sun shining on glistening tree sap; the scentl of fresh pine needles; the sound of the Currawong cry -  all made for a good outing in the fresh air. 

And when the trees blow love hearts at you, you know you're in the right place. 

What: 100 Acres Reserve

Where: Knees Rd, Park Orchards

When: Daily                                                     

Why: nature, walks
How much: FREE