The historic homesteads that are located in the Pyrenees Shire are: Eurambeen, Trawalla, Mt Mitchell, Mawallock, Ercildoune, Stoneleigh and Mooramong. Many of these homesteads were founded in the 1700's, made by skilled craftsmen out of classic stone or brick and are surrounded with gracious Victorian style gardens. Some of these buildings are privately owned residences whilst others are open to the public by appointment. Most of these historical properties are located within an hours drive from Beaufort, through some of the most enchanting countryside ever seen. You will be amazed with what you find!
Trawalla Homestead
First settled in 1839, the property had several owners before Rear Admiral Bridges acquired it in 1887, through the marriage of the owners daughter, Annie Wilson. He then set about building Trawalla House and creating the magnificence which surrounds it today. He fenced off 28 acres of land to provide a treed background and shelter for approximately 8 acres of cultivated garden.
It was based on a typical Victorian country garden design, with palms, grotto, rose garden, conservatory, tennis court, croquet lawns and cypress hedging. Many of these original features still exist, but unfortunately most of the cypress hedges were cut down when labour became short in World War II. During early times the property was a fully self sufficient community, with its own orchard, vegetable garden, chicken and duck pen, dairy and propagation shed, all maintained by six outside staff.
There are many interesting and historic features of the property including breathtaking views from the surrounding hills and pastures, garden tours and reservoir and pond walks. There are also many enchanting outbuildings such as, the summer house and fire spotting building, the old homestead, stables, church and shearer's quarters.
Visitors are most welcome to stroll and admire the beautiful garden, which is particularly spectacular at various times of the year. Spring brings us a magnificent bulb display, Autumn, a riot of colour and Winter the graceful hanging skeletons of the deciduous trees.
Admission is available by appointment only for tours of 15 or more. Refreshments or lunch is also available on request. Contact 0448 522 419 for further information.
Mount Mitchell
Snuggled amongst a fine country garden stands the Mount Mitchell homestead. Made of gracious blue stone, the 310 hectare property contains magnificent stables, a coach house, a dairy and enchanting cottages, all surrounded by unbelievable gardens. There are gravelled areas edged with clipped box, laurel and beds of shrubs and perennials. There is a large picking garden which provides flowers, vegetables and berries, and also an orchard bordered by an avenue of Malus ioensis 'Plena'. From the house, a vista through tall cypresses and oaks to the lake completes the picture of complete perfection, restraint and style. Mount Mitchell Estate is located near Lexton - Melway reference 526:J2.
Mooramong
Built in the early 1870s and remodelled in 1938 to reflect the Hollywood style, this property elegantly echoes the lifestyle of the former owners, D.J.S. (Scobie) Mackinnon and his Hollywood screen star wife Claire Adams. The homestead feels like a lived in home with the photographs, furniture, curios and objects d'art as they were left by the Mackinnons invoking many memories of the 1930's, 40's 50's and 60's.
Two walled gardens, one with a swimming pool enhance this beautiful homestead. Extensive parklands adjacent to the homestead add a feeling of spaciousness to the property.
The Mackinnon legacy included the establishment of a 600acre nature reserve to maintain a sample of the native grasslands, vegetation and habitats of the western basalt plains. Blacks Creek and the Horseshoe Lagoon are also part of the nature reserve and provide a wetlands environment.
The reserve is also home to kangaroos, swamp wallabies and numerous birds. Many birds of prey including wedge tailed eagles can be seen.
The Mackinnon Nature Reserve has become one of the leading centres for the reestablishment of the endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot.
There are self-guided walks of the reserve for visitors.
Mooramong is a working farm of 3,854 acres in total and carries 5,000 merino sheep and produces a range of crops including wheat, barley, canola, lucerne and field peas.
It is the only working farm owned by the National Trust.
Located on the Glenelg Highway, Skipton.
Phone: 5340 6556 or 0438 406 558
Email: mooramong@bigpond.com