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.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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4.5
375 reviews
Excellent
203
Very good
142
Average
15
Poor
6
Terrible
9
ozztravellers987
11 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.
Paul L
Hallam, Australia940 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Solo
Australia has a paucity of genuinely old buildings. As in basically none in comparison with other parts of the world however there are some lovely old stately homes from the earlier years preserved in different places.
Rippon Lea Estate is one of them and is located a little south of the centre of Melbourne. It has some lovely gardens that must have been somewhat of a folly in days gone by. The grounds are well kept by the staff and there is a small gift shop at the entrance. You cannot go into the main building unless you are go via a guided tour so check their website and coordinate your visit to be around one of the tour times.
Rippon Lea Estate is one of them and is located a little south of the centre of Melbourne. It has some lovely gardens that must have been somewhat of a folly in days gone by. The grounds are well kept by the staff and there is a small gift shop at the entrance. You cannot go into the main building unless you are go via a guided tour so check their website and coordinate your visit to be around one of the tour times.
Written 16 July 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.
Cool kid in the... s
Melbourne, Australia20 contributions
May 2023
Our guide Lisa was amazing and we learned so much
Beautiful gardens exquisite mansion definitely worth a visit (with Lisa as a guide)
Beautiful gardens exquisite mansion definitely worth a visit (with Lisa as a guide)
Written 5 June 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.
Suedaytripper
Prospect, Australia21 contributions
Mar. 2023 • Friends
The Rippon Lea Estate is amazing, and very reasonably priced. We did the house tour, and also looked around the extensive gardens. The house guide was knowledgeable and interesting. Both the house and gardens are beautifully maintained. It is such a beautiful setting, a very relaxing place to visit.
Written 8 April 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.
Simon M
17 contributions
Jan. 2023
As a child, I had always been enchanted by the decorative lake, the waterfall pouring over the grotto, the lookout, peering over the majestic gardens, the gazebos, the boathouse, the archery lodge,the larger fernery, the expansive orchards, the pool that reminded me of a Hollywood movie and of course the mansion. On a recent visit, however, I discovered new pleasures that I never appreciated as a child--such as the kitchen, scullery, pantry, and cool room below the house--and the interesting stories about the previous owners, including the Sargoods, Nathans, and Jones. I feel the tour guide, although very informed and knowledgeable, could perhaps have relayed even more tales and insights about the estate--but had perhaps curtailed his talks to cater to people with limited interest.
Written 8 January 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.
Jan P
2 contributions
Dec. 2022 • Friends
Hot tea from a pot at the table instead of waiting staff with lukewarm tea and coffee, they regular milk had "run out". Fruit scones were like rock cakes served with jam and cream?
Written 14 December 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.
KandNAustralia
Australia111 contributions
Aug. 2022
We had a fabulous tour guided by Rose and her colleague - she had so much knowledge and answered all of our questions with interesting facts and anecdotes. It was our first National Trust tour since we moved to Melbourne and we will be doing more - our two friends who joined us loved the tour too - thank you!
Written 7 August 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.
Mike255100
Melbourne, Australia248 contributions
Jun. 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.
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia15,743 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.
eytanin
New York City, NY287 contributions
Mar. 2022
An old estate with nice gardens. A High-Tea is a must!
A visit to the gardens is very pleasant!
A visit to the house is interesting.
A visit to the gardens is very pleasant!
A visit to the house is interesting.
Written 4 April 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.
Pam G
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Hi there,
What is the quickest way to walk from Ripponlea station (coming from Sandringham) to Ripponlea Estate.
Pam
Peter S
Rome, Italy3,944 contributions
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
Does Rippon Lea offer tour & meal packages for Xmas office breakups
Greggggg123
125 contributions
Why don’t you call them?
Jodi M
Port Saint Lucie, FL26 contributions
How would you get here from Melbourne ? Coming from the cruise port . Thank you
jennifersusan54
Melbourne, Australia229 contributions
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.
Magpie
Sydney, Australia48 contributions
Are there guided tours, if there are what times and what cost?
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
Magpie
Sydney, Australia48 contributions
Are there guided tours, if there are what times and what cost?
Traveller88Melbourne
Melbourne721 contributions
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.
Are dogs allowed?
Kay A
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia44 contributions
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.
Joan1616
Brisbane, Australia40 contributions
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
George K
Melbourne, Australia155 contributions
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.
KoalaSydney
Sydney, Australia17 contributions
I would like to visit the garden only. Is there a charge? I am not a National Trust member.
franny55
Melbourne, Australia129 contributions
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.
這個地方入場需要門票嗎？
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
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Claim your listingRippon Lea Estate: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Rippon Lea Estate
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