Explore
Coolart Historic Area
Coolart Historic Area features a magnificent late Victorian era historic farming property with diverse natural habitats including significant wetlands.
The Homestead dates from 1895 and other historic farmyard buildings include Barracks, a Meat House and Buttery. The formal gardens were designed in 1938. Visitors can learn more about the area by visiting the historic collections in the Homestead.
Sweeping views of the wetlands through the one-way glass windows of the Observatory are a perfect hideaway for spotting ducks, swans, swamphens, grebes, Marsh Harriers and many other bird species. It's possible for dedicated birdwatchers to spot over 60 species, including Yellow Robins, Superb Fairy-wrens and Honeyeaters. Make use of the wetland ‘hides’ to catch a glimpse of these delightful locals, and keep an eye out on the Woodland Walks. These loop tracks start at the Visitor Centre and vary from a quick 30 minute stroll to a 2 hour exploration of the wetlands and Luxton Lagoon.
On warm days, you might find Blue-tongue Lizards and Longnecked Tortoises basking in the sun. The mammals at Coolart are mostly nocturnal and usually become active at night, but you may be lucky enough to spot a koala, Swamp rat, echidna or even a Ringtail possum.
The Homestead lawns are perfect for a leisurely picnic, with free electric barbecues available.
Learn more about the history and conservation of this historic area and how you can help at the Friends of Coolart website.
Parks Victoria invites schools to get into nature by taking part in an exciting new excursion offering - learn more about ranger-led excursions (PDF).
Things To Do
Discover the Homestead history
Explore the grounds and gardens
The Farmyard
Picnic on the lawn
Luxton Lagoon and Wetlands
Birdwatching
Guided Park Walks
Coolart Wetlands and Homestead
Trees from all around the world can be found in the Homestead gardens including the exotic Gingko from China and the majestic Blue Atlas Cedar from Algeria and Morocco.
Ducks, swans, swamphens, grebes, Marsh Harriers, Yellow Robins, Superb Fairy-wrens and Honeyeaters. Blue-tongue Lizards and Longnecked Tortoises, Koalas, Swamp rats, echidnas and Ringtail possums are also found in the park. Keep an eye out for:
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
Coolart Historic Area
Coolart Historic Area is 80km south-east of Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula, located on Lord Somers Road near Somers. To reach Coolart via the Peninsula Link, follow EastLink (M3) to Peninsula Link (M11), take the Balnarring exit (C784). Follow signs from Balnarring to Somers. To reach Coolart via Westernport Highway, follow the Monash Freeway (M1) to the South Gippsland exit, then continue along the Westernport Highway (A780) to Hastings. Follow signs from Hastings to Flinders/Somers. To reach Coolart by public transport, take the Frankston line to Frankston Railway Station, then Bus Route 782 or 783.
The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Need to know
Coolart Historic Area
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Coolart Homestead and Wetlands was assessed for accessibility in July 2021, providing information and photos about the accessibility of the visitor centre, homestead, hides, viewing areas, toilets, picnic areas and gardens.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Coolart Homestead (Coolart Historic Area)
Coolart Homestead closed for renovations
Coolart Homestead will remain closed for renovations until further notice. The remainder of the park is still open to visitors. We apologise for any inconvenience. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Coolart Fox Control Program
Parks Victoria are undertaking fox control in Coolart to relieve predation of vulnerable and threatened native fauna. Programs involve the use of soft jaw leg hold traps in strategic locations.Fox trapping will occur until June 2024.In accordance with Crown Land Regulations, dogs and cats are prohibited from Coolart Historic Reserve.Coolart Fox Control
Parks Victoria are undertaking fox control in Coolart to relieve predation of vulnerable and threatened native fauna. Programs involve the use of soft jaw leg hold traps in strategic locations through to June 2024.In accordance with Crown Land Regulations, dogs and cats are prohibited from Coolart Historic Reserve.
How we keep it special
Coolart Homestead is heritage listed. At times, the Homestead is closed for ongoing maintenance to ensure the longevity of this significant building.
Want to volunteer to help Coolart? You can join the Coolart Wetlands and Homestead Friends Group and help care for this special place.