Rippon Lea Estate
Rippon Lea Estate
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Rippon Lea is a large nineteenth century mansion surrounded by 7 hectares of Victorian pleasure gardens. It is listed on the National Heritage Register because it is one of the finest examples of an original suburban estate in Australia.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
375 reviews
Excellent
203
Very good
141
Average
16
Poor
6
Terrible
9
vivieneu
Lake Cathie, Australia167 contributions
Mar 2022
This house is part of Melbourne history and it is a fabulous house when we visited we had a lovely lady give us a tour of the house and her knowledge was excellent. The house itself has wonderful wallpaper, some of the original furnishings,paintings and the stain glass windows were fabulous. The gardens have some wonderful plants and flowering shrubs with huge fig trees when we were there the dahlias were in bloom and made a wonderful display. All in all we had a wonderful experience and highly recommend a visit to all who are interested in historical places.
Written 29 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia17,552 contributions
May 2022
After driving from our house for 30 minutes, my wife and I arrived here at 9:55 am on a weekday. Although the opening time is stated as 10 am, the gate was opened, so we walked in and bought our tickets.
The Mansion Tour was at 10: 30 am, so we walked in various parts of the very large garden before that Tour. We also walked to the windmill and walked up the stairs to the viewing platform to see the gardens from above.
The Mansion Tour (around 45 minutes in total) was excellent. The Tour Guide, Peter, did an excellent presentation. We saw various rooms inside the Mansion and also walked along the Balcony.
After that tour, we spent another 45 minutes walking across all the parts of the Garden (including the lake, the lookout, the Grotto, the Archery House, the swimming pool, the boat house, the bridges and islands) to enjoy the exercise and the views. This is a magnificent Estate that is well worth the entry fee.
The Mansion Tour was at 10: 30 am, so we walked in various parts of the very large garden before that Tour. We also walked to the windmill and walked up the stairs to the viewing platform to see the gardens from above.
The Mansion Tour (around 45 minutes in total) was excellent. The Tour Guide, Peter, did an excellent presentation. We saw various rooms inside the Mansion and also walked along the Balcony.
After that tour, we spent another 45 minutes walking across all the parts of the Garden (including the lake, the lookout, the Grotto, the Archery House, the swimming pool, the boat house, the bridges and islands) to enjoy the exercise and the views. This is a magnificent Estate that is well worth the entry fee.
Written 5 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana P
Cairns, Australia37 contributions
Feb 2020
I recently traveled to Melbourne and decided to pay a visit to the Beautiful Rippon Lea Estate. What a wonderful surprise. This is one of those hidden gems for anyone who loves beautiful old Victorian buildings The grounds are massive and you could easily spend a day getting lost. The tour is very informative and covers all the periods of the mansion from Victorian to the 1940's period. Most of the furniture is original to the building which is wonderful to see and the tours are small groups and very intimate. The staff were very passionate about the history of the building too which was very helpful. A stunning place and definately worth a visit. They also have outdoor movies and a Miss Fisher exhibition coming up if you are a fan of the series and books. There is a cafe or take a picnic by the lake.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ozztravellers987
13 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
My previous visit some years ago was OK but this time in 2023 was a total disappointment.
First the "tripping hazard" of the paths and the driveway - someone may sue them one day after they fall from tripping on exposed bumpy roots on the driveway and walk ways.
the entry little building where you pay was full of nicely dressed "volunteer staff" all chatting away. But the lady at the till seemed not well versed in how to do her job. So five different visitors had to get out cash as the lady could not get the machine to take cards to work.
Once I started looking at the garden I could see Clivia plants cluttered with weeds and the Clivia in desperate need of being dug up and divided. And better compost added to enrich the soil.
RipponLea needs to source100 willing regular energetic volunteer skilled gardeners NOT more "ladies who lunch" in the little building at the front.
The shrubs need pruning. The bigger trees need some qualified arborists to properly thin out the trees (NOT remove the trees) to let more light in.
The National Trust needs to remedy the situation. The horrible amount of weeds throughout the garden made it apparent that the garden is neglected and IF there are any garden volunteers clearly they are over-whelmed and or not up to the job.
We were going to look at the mansion inside but as a mark of our disgust at the neglect outside in the garden we chose to leave.
Until we hear that the National Trust has sourced some funds to get some real CARE applied to improve the woeful state of the garden we will NOT be returning to RipponLea.
It was a very disappointing visit
First the "tripping hazard" of the paths and the driveway - someone may sue them one day after they fall from tripping on exposed bumpy roots on the driveway and walk ways.
the entry little building where you pay was full of nicely dressed "volunteer staff" all chatting away. But the lady at the till seemed not well versed in how to do her job. So five different visitors had to get out cash as the lady could not get the machine to take cards to work.
Once I started looking at the garden I could see Clivia plants cluttered with weeds and the Clivia in desperate need of being dug up and divided. And better compost added to enrich the soil.
RipponLea needs to source100 willing regular energetic volunteer skilled gardeners NOT more "ladies who lunch" in the little building at the front.
The shrubs need pruning. The bigger trees need some qualified arborists to properly thin out the trees (NOT remove the trees) to let more light in.
The National Trust needs to remedy the situation. The horrible amount of weeds throughout the garden made it apparent that the garden is neglected and IF there are any garden volunteers clearly they are over-whelmed and or not up to the job.
We were going to look at the mansion inside but as a mark of our disgust at the neglect outside in the garden we chose to leave.
Until we hear that the National Trust has sourced some funds to get some real CARE applied to improve the woeful state of the garden we will NOT be returning to RipponLea.
It was a very disappointing visit
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fran H
3 contributions
Jan 2020
We planned to visit the house and garden and duly paid our admission fee. At the house there was a sign stating that there were no more tours for the day. We were not advised of this at entry, and would not have gone in if we had known as the grounds alone were not of sufficient interest to our party or four. The staff were disinterested and unhelpful, would recommend you check what you are paying for on entry. The gardens are nice but for us not worth the admission price on their own.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael-4551
Caloundra, Australia5,518 contributions
Feb 2020
Visited on Wednesday 12th February, we are NT members so entry was free for us. We checked out the grounds while we waited for our guided tour of the house. Overall spent about 2 hours there. It pays to check their website before going as the house is sometimes closed for special events and you have to pay extra even if you only want to view the house and not the exhibits.
Written 12 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,699 contributions
June 2021
Rippon Lea Estate is one of the finest surviving grand mansions of the Victorian era in a suburban location. The Mansion dates from the 19th century. It is surrounded by 14 acres (6 hectares) of manicured gardens. Rippon Lea is 7 km (4 miles) from the Melbourne CBD. Tours are held of the mansion and the gardens. A market is heldin the grounds on the first Sunday of every month. By the way, activities are held for children in the gardens. Rippon Lea is on the register of the National Trust.
Written 26 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DDSWM
Kurri Kurri, Australia402 contributions
Mar 2020
Should have checked before we went... the house was closed to the Public in March 2020 as they were preparing it for the Miss Fisher Crypt of Tears exhibition. Visited on 6 March and the exhibition starts on 20 March 2020 (until 19 July 2020). Still worthwhile exploring the grounds and we were able to explore the kitchen and laundry below the house. The gate house staff were very friendly and helpful. Used our National Trust pass which gives free entry... and a discount for the exhibition. Only a short walk from the Rippon Lea Station.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ronniesmum2018
Melbourne, Australia98 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We attended the Barefoot Cinema at Rippon Lea. We’ve been before with our own chairs but this time decided on the deluxe package and had chairs provided. There were beanbags, too. The food and drink available was good quality. There happened to be a French person giving samples of her lollies and pate also.
Rippon Lea looked beautiful as the sun went down. It’s always a pleasure to wander the grounds.
Rippon Lea looked beautiful as the sun went down. It’s always a pleasure to wander the grounds.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike255100
Melbourne, Australia244 contributions
June 2022
There is a new kitchen tour available and we quite enjoyed it. We had just seen the new Downton Abbey film and so upstairs-downstairs was very much on our mind.
Though a grand house by Australian standards, it only had seven regular servants. They would bring in extras for big events. We decided we would not have enjoyed working there. The kitchen would have been hard work with a wood-coal stove in which to cook.
The owners moved the kitchen upstairs in the early 1900s and so the basement version was left much as it was in the late 1800s.
The "butler" who was the tour guide provided a range of stories which really made our visit interesting. It was just by chance that a tour of the house was starting when we had finished. So, we had a chance to be upstairs as well.
It is impressive and we enjoyed having the opportunity. We did not do the garden tour this time but have done so in the past. It is also worth doing.
Though a grand house by Australian standards, it only had seven regular servants. They would bring in extras for big events. We decided we would not have enjoyed working there. The kitchen would have been hard work with a wood-coal stove in which to cook.
The owners moved the kitchen upstairs in the early 1900s and so the basement version was left much as it was in the late 1800s.
The "butler" who was the tour guide provided a range of stories which really made our visit interesting. It was just by chance that a tour of the house was starting when we had finished. So, we had a chance to be upstairs as well.
It is impressive and we enjoyed having the opportunity. We did not do the garden tour this time but have done so in the past. It is also worth doing.
Written 7 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
What is the quickest way to walk from Ripponlea station (coming from Sandringham) to Ripponlea Estate.
Pam
Written 25 January 2020
Pam, You've all you need in the answers from 3boyz and the Estate people. It's a cinch (assuming you're good on your feet). Make sure you get there in sufficient time to enjoy one of those guided tours around the house/buildings. Salute. Peter Steele 27Jan20
Written 27 January 2020
Does Rippon Lea offer tour & meal packages for Xmas office breakups
Written 5 November 2019
How would you get here from Melbourne ? Coming from the cruise port . Thank you
Written 30 October 2018
We caught the Carnegie tram number 67 from outside Flinders Street Station, down Swanson Street, get off tram at Elstenwick Station and it's a 7 minute walk. At the present time they have a 70's clothing display so it to me takes the beauty away from the magnificent home. Most of the furniture has been removed for the display.
Written 30 October 2018
Are there guided tours, if there are what times and what cost?
Written 13 September 2017
NatTrustVic
Melbourne, Australia
Hi There,
Guided tours of the beautiful mansion run throughout the day starting at 10.30am, subject to volunteer guide availability.
From September 27, we will also be offering tours of the stunning 14 acre gardens every Wednesday - Friday.
Garden entry prices are:
$10 Adult
$7 Concession
$4 Children (4-15 years)
$20 Family (2 adults + 2 children)
Each tour of the house and / or garden is only an extra $5 per person.
We hope to see you soon!
The Rippon Lea Team
Written 17 September 2017
Are there guided tours, if there are what times and what cost?
Written 13 September 2017
Visit their website and click on 'Visit & Contact'. You will find tour details, opening hours, cost etc. It does say 'subject to volunteer availability'. So if you are travelling from afar - email or contact them first to be sure.
Written 21 September 2017
Hi, I certainly did not see any but there is no way they would be allowed in the house as it is full of beautiful displays and furniture. The grounds too are very well cared for so I doubt it. Not all dog owners would take appropriate care I am afraid.
Written 28 February 2016
Hi can you get to Rippon Lea House on public transport from the Melbourne CBD. If so could someone give me details. I live in Queensland so am not familiar with Melbourne public transport. Thank you
Written 29 August 2015
Yes you can and it is very straightforward. Just catch a Sandringham line train from Flinders St Station. As you exit the station there are two cafes over the road. Turn left at the main road, walk up to first set of traffic lights and turn right. Entrance to Ripponlea is just down the road on the left hand side. About 5 mins walk.
Written 30 August 2015
I would like to visit the garden only. Is there a charge? I am not a National Trust member.
Written 25 June 2015
Yes there is a charge ,but best to give them a call as there are functions held there.
03 5923 6095
Its a fabulous place to visit.
Written 31 August 2015
Eugena1992
Melbourne, Australia
不需要,免费的。但是如果你想要参观豪宅内部,因为现在有Miss Fisher展,所以需要门票,门票是20刀
Written 30 August 2015
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