Visit Werribee Park Mansion 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 across the Western District of Victoria.
Werribee Park Mansion is one of the largest and most opulent properties in Victoria. With 60 rooms across several wings, the mansion is in a Renaissance Revival style, with a symmetrical two storey central block, dominant tower, and a ground level arcade on three sides of the block.
The fine interior includes some 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.
Despite the grandeur, expense, and status of the mansion, it remains a mystery as to who the designing architect was.
The mansion was converted into a seminary in the 1920s, and the entire estate was then purchased by the State Government in 1977.
You might recognise the striking exterior and opulent interiors of the Mansion as it has featured as a backdrop in some of Australia’s favourite film productions and television shows including Miss Fisher, Winchester, and Neighbours.
Hours of operation
Low season (7 April 2024 - 6 October 2024)
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 am - 4.00 pm (last entry 3.30 pm)
- Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm (last entry 4.30 pm)
High season (7 October 2024 - 6 April 2025)
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm (last entry 4.30 pm)
- Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm (last entry 4.30 pm)
Entry fees
Werribee Park Mansion - General Admission
- Adult $11.90
- Concession $8.50
- Child (4-15 years) $8.50
- Child (0-4 years) Free of charge
- Family (incl 2 adults & 2 children) $37.30
- Extra Family Child (4-15 years) $5.40
Entry to Werribee Park Gardens and Victoria State Rose Garden is free.
Chinese speaking tours
How to get there
Werribee Park Mansion
Heritage and conservation works
Werribee Park Mansion and the surrounding gardens are included on the Victorian Heritage Register, and are of architectural, historic, horticultural, archaeological, and aesthetic significance.
2020: With the support of $640,000 in funding from the Victorian Government’s Living Heritage Program, Werribee Mansion is undergoing conservation works to restore urns and chimneys using alternative sandstone.
Need to know
Werribee Park Mansion
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.
To make it easier for people with limited mobility to see the all abilities access and experiences on offer at Werribee Park and the Victoria State Rose Garden, Parks Victoria has released this video - produced and narrated by accessibility advocate Ryan Smith, who uses a wheelchair.
Parks Victoria's social script resources for children on the autism spectrum have been developed with the professional assistance of AMAZE to increase the accessibility of its parks for people on the autism spectrum.
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.
No prams allowed in the Mansion. No dogs allowed (other than assistance dogs) within the whole of Werribee Park, inclusive of the Mansion.
Guided tours at Werribee Park Mansion for people with low vision or blindness
Parks Victoria invites vision impaired groups to step back in time and join a guided tour at Werribee Park Mansion. Step back in time with our expert guides as they deliver a descriptive tour of the historic mansion.
As you move through the mansion your guide will give you the opportunity to touch objects from each room.
On completion of the tour, take the time to explore all that Werribee Park has to offer. Stroll through the mansion, the formal gardens, and The Victorian State Rose Garden at your leisure.
Bookings are essential. Email werribeebookings@parks.vic.gov.au to check prices and availability. Prices are per person and includes entry into the mansion and a 45-minute guided tour. Carers are free of charge.
When: Thursday and Friday (check availability) from 11.00 am – 11.45 am
Where: Werribee Park Mansion, Gate 2, K Road Werribee South
Bookings essential: werribeebookings@parks.vic.gov.au
Education Excursions
Werribee Mansion offers curriculum-aligned ranger-guided excursions for school students. Download Werribee Mansion's education program from the Ranger-led Learning Experiences page.
Step back in time to be educated and immerse yourself in the Victorian-era way of life. Explore aspects of daily life in the 19th century, understanding gender roles, expectations and limitations through interactive play. Historical perspective of education, daily life and a structured, regimented Victorian class system.
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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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Werribee Regional Park - No vehicle access & pedestrian bridge closed
The pedestrian bridge over Werribee River, which connects Werribee Park to Werribee Regional Park is closed.Flooding has caused significant damage to the footing of the bridge, and it is not safe to use. The work requires careful planning and design, with many site and environmental factors to be considered, to minimise impact on flora and fauna. Works are expected to take place in mid 2025.Werribee Mansion and Victoria State Rose Garden remain open. Access via gate 2, off K Road, Werribee SouthOpen House Melbourne
Parks Victoria will throw open the doors of the Mansion for free on 28 July 2024 as part of Open House Melbourne, with a range of fun things to do for all ages.The 60-room mansion is one of the most opulent historic homes in Australia, and this is a chance to explore and have fun, with free entry from 10am-4pm.Surprise musical performances and games will create a lively atmosphere inside the mansion and refreshments will be on offer from the café.Kids can sample life in the past with vintage toys and games in the children's room, while Parks Victoria rangers and volunteers will be free to chat about the history, art and architecture of the mansion.Outside, visitors can wander through the grounds and explore the gardens and outbuildings. The historic farm precinct will showcase 19th century life and work with demonstrations and other activities.The Refectory Cafe will also be serving Devonshire Teas, including two scones, homemade lemonade, and tea or coffee. Bookings are essential, and can be made here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1246400Open House Melbourne is one of the most popular cultural events on the city’s calendar. This year, it features 170 significant public and private buildings, including more than 60 that are included on the Victorian Heritage Register.The full open House Melbourne program and details can be found here: https://openhousemelbourne.org/ -
Werribee Park Mansion (Werribee Park)
Important Information
Please be advised that Werribee Mansion will be closing early at 3:00 PM on Saturday, 27 July. This early closure is to allow preparations for Open House Melbourne, which will take place on Sunday, 28 July.We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.Thank you.