Barwon Park
Barwon Park
4.5
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4.5
59 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
22
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Frog-Aus
Box Hill, Australia383 contributions
Mar 2022
The 2 hours guided tour by an an enthusiastic volunteer of this beautiful historical mansion was most interesting and educational. The staircase is magnificent, the formal dining room beutifully set out and the living area of the last 3 people living there very touching. I loved hearing all the stories linked with the mansion over the times .
Written 16 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.
ShannyPanny
Geelong, Australia4 contributions
Dec 2013
My family and I recently attended a function at the mansion, the local scouts carols by candle light. My family is familiar with the home and its beautiful features as we had my sister's wedding there five years ago and have been to the mansion several times over the past few years and are locally from the surrounding winchelsea area.
My sister and myself were so excited to take our children to see the mansion, we had talked it up for days prior to going. Our two girls were excited as we were waiting eagerly in the foyer for someone to help us. It was a busy evening so to pass the time while we waited to be served we walked over to the door way of the first room and looked in. The girls were so excited, pointing at the different furniture and fancy carpets when from behind us we heard a very curt voice tell us "come out of there!" I turned around and said to the lady, dressed in an old fashioned maids outfit "sorry we were just looking while we waited for someone to serve us"
We must have caught this lady on a bad day because there were no smiles just a very stern angry face. She proceeded to tell us in her rude hostile tone that "tours were not starting until 5:30, you will have to get out!" (Yes she said GET OUT!)
I looked at my watch it was 5:20. I was dumbfounded by how rude this lady was. I turned to her and said I won't be paying you any money for a tour when I get spoken to that way, I turned on my heal and headed to the door.
She continued dictating to my sister, saying if you read the flyer it said 5:30pm, tours starting, we were given no flyer, simply went by what the Internet had said- starting time 4pm! When she realised we were slightly upset she began to say you can come back at 5:30, but by then the damage had been done. My sister said, don't worry and we returned outside to the lawn for the carols. It was a matter of 10 minutes that we were early. It really ruined our evening as we had been looking forward to showing our girls the house. It's left a bad feeling now about the house we both enjoyed so much.
I have been in contact with the national trust, such an iconic part of our history should be run by the right people. It left my girls frightened by the 'cranky old lady at the house!' The mansion hosts weddings and I would hate for a happy bride to encounter this grouchy woman on what is supposed to be such a memorable day.
I will finish by saying the mansion itself is amazing and the beautiful sights it holds won't leave you disappointed in anyway. I just hope you don't have to encounter the same rude lady we did!
Since discussing this with other locals we have heard other similar stories about the same lady- how truly disappointing that someone
in customer service acts this way!
My sister and myself were so excited to take our children to see the mansion, we had talked it up for days prior to going. Our two girls were excited as we were waiting eagerly in the foyer for someone to help us. It was a busy evening so to pass the time while we waited to be served we walked over to the door way of the first room and looked in. The girls were so excited, pointing at the different furniture and fancy carpets when from behind us we heard a very curt voice tell us "come out of there!" I turned around and said to the lady, dressed in an old fashioned maids outfit "sorry we were just looking while we waited for someone to serve us"
We must have caught this lady on a bad day because there were no smiles just a very stern angry face. She proceeded to tell us in her rude hostile tone that "tours were not starting until 5:30, you will have to get out!" (Yes she said GET OUT!)
I looked at my watch it was 5:20. I was dumbfounded by how rude this lady was. I turned to her and said I won't be paying you any money for a tour when I get spoken to that way, I turned on my heal and headed to the door.
She continued dictating to my sister, saying if you read the flyer it said 5:30pm, tours starting, we were given no flyer, simply went by what the Internet had said- starting time 4pm! When she realised we were slightly upset she began to say you can come back at 5:30, but by then the damage had been done. My sister said, don't worry and we returned outside to the lawn for the carols. It was a matter of 10 minutes that we were early. It really ruined our evening as we had been looking forward to showing our girls the house. It's left a bad feeling now about the house we both enjoyed so much.
I have been in contact with the national trust, such an iconic part of our history should be run by the right people. It left my girls frightened by the 'cranky old lady at the house!' The mansion hosts weddings and I would hate for a happy bride to encounter this grouchy woman on what is supposed to be such a memorable day.
I will finish by saying the mansion itself is amazing and the beautiful sights it holds won't leave you disappointed in anyway. I just hope you don't have to encounter the same rude lady we did!
Since discussing this with other locals we have heard other similar stories about the same lady- how truly disappointing that someone
in customer service acts this way!
Written 8 December 2013
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.
Madeline B
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia15 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
We went with cameras in hand to check out the mansion and ended up spending several hours there. Great house, grand staircase, lovely furniture and ornaments. Beautiful place to give your camera a workout. Don't forget the huge stables out the back. Finish off your visit with tea and biccies from the kitchen and a browse in the gift shop. Lovely place and very friendly helpful staff and volunteers. Well worth the $10 admission.
Written 13 November 2014
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.
Victorianlad
Melbourne, Australia17,902 contributions
This is a beautiful National Trust property that I found enjoyable to visit.
However it is infamous as the site in Australia where rabbits were introduced to Australia some 150 years ago: a decision that all of us who love native animals have come to regret. Nonetheless, enjoy the property that is open on Wednesdays and Sundays.
However it is infamous as the site in Australia where rabbits were introduced to Australia some 150 years ago: a decision that all of us who love native animals have come to regret. Nonetheless, enjoy the property that is open on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Written 10 September 2010
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.
holidaydreamer066
Melbourne, Australia10 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
Grab a couple of friends and have a day in the country. We adored arriving at barwon park and exploring this wonderful example of another era. It was as if the walls were talking and sharing their secrets and the current exhibition Love, Desire and Riches finds an amazing backdrop in this gracious homestead. You can only marvel at the determination and tenacity that created such beauty in what must have been challenging pioneering conditions. The wedding dress exhibition is clever and beautiful and gives us insight into the hopes and personalities of many brides. There are light refreshments served by national trust volunteers and for $10 you get tea, coffee, a slice of quiche and biscuits. Surround yourself in all the deliciousness of the place.
Written 12 February 2015
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.
jgls
Melbourne, Australia573 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
This is a gorgeous estate not that far from inner Melbourne and a really worthwhile day trip, especially if you go via Bannockburn or Inverleigh. A lovely mansion surrounded by vineyards and plenty to explore, make a day of it, have a picnic or visit the Bannockburn pub, and find a little niche to settle in and enjoy the surrounds. Not too pricey. Worth a visit.
Written 28 May 2013
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.
mans60
Sunbury, Australia44 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
First time visitor to this mansion and was very impressed. Saw the current exhibition of Love, Desire and Riches, The Fashion of Weddings , perfect setting for showcasing a superb collection .
Written 5 February 2015
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.
Liane J
Portarlington, Australia31 contributions
Nov 2013 • Friends
This home is the icing on the cake. Interesting in his construction appearance and the history within. There is so much to discover and to see in in this beautiful old home, including Mrs. Austin's original mourning shawl, the beautiful tapestry that will wow you with its size, and so many other personal items. But think for moment of all the people who worked and lived within the walls and grounds of Barwon Park and the roles they played in keeping such a large house and farm lands functional. They too each have a story of their own but the major player in this property is Mrs Elizabeth Austin- a lady who was stoic and determined to do good for those less fortunate than herself. She lost her husband Thomas six months after they built this Bluestone mansion as a place fit to entertain royalty, and fell into deep mourning. People react with grief in so many ways and at first Mrs Austin became almost a recluse, angry and unable to see past her grief. Enlightenment changed her whole path one day when her cook became ill with TB and she saw firsthand that there was no where for those without money to go and be nursed except the prison hospital or an asylum. She stepped up and determined began the grand plan for the building of the Austin hospital in Heidelberg, Victoria as a hospital for all incurables. Mrs Austin cared deeply for those she considered were less fortunate than herself and built homes in Geelong for women who had been servants and were now retired and for women left widowed who needed homes. These are amongst so many other projects to aid the community she lived in. Mrs Austin became a house hold name and was seen as a great benefactress. She is buried in the Geelong Cemetary. If you love history and to see how our pioneers have shaped Australia then Barwon Park is rich with history. It is a wonderful place for picnics with families, weddings and to be a part of the many events they hold during the year. Now don't get me started on all the beautiful architecture and furniture inside the house it is amazing - so glad I didn't have to do the housework. I chose 2-3 hrs if you want to picnic and play with kids in grounds. Wheelchair access is at ground level only.
Written 17 October 2014
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.
Judave
Tauranga, New Zealand539 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
We literally stumbled over this while in the area and were delighted we took the time to investigate. The National Trust have done a great job in restoration and upkeep of this property. We were able to see majority of the mansion in a tour and it was amazing to see and learn more about the history of this property and an idea of life in its earlier times. Well worth a visit, sorry we weren’t able to afternoon tea in the cafe, recommend a visit
Written 15 March 2018
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.
KerryR290
Indented Head, Australia343 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
This was our second visit to the homestead. Our first visit t the home had all the furniture and history within in it. This time had the clothing exaction from the movies "The Dressmaker" simpl it's a must see!,,,
Written 5 January 2016
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.
How do I get there from Geelong. There are not many trains from Geelong.Any coaches from Melbourne to get there?.
Written 16 January 2016
Can you walk your dog in the gardens of Barwon Park ? Is it free to walk in the gardens only ?
Written 16 July 2015
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