Barwon Grange

Wadawurrung Country / Geelong & Region

The only survivor of a fashionable and picturesque mid-nineteenth century villa built along the Barwon River in Geelong.

With the Barwon River as the vista, the house was built for successful merchant and banker Jonathon Porter O’Brien and his wife Ann.

They filled their Gothic Revival style home with ‘elegant and modern’ furnishings. Today you can see these recreated interiors, including many decorative and domestic objects from the late 1850s, including a rare Minton ceramic chandelier.

The cellar was stocked with wine and spirits, the conservatory filled with plants, sculptures, a collection of coral and two canaries in brass cages. The couple kept an extensive library which featured a Cyclopaedia of Medicine and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

The O’Briens lived in the house for only a year but, over 170 years later, the villa’s unique features continue to reflect the lifestyle of the 1850s and the prosperous merchants of Geelong, whose wealth grew after the discovery of gold in the Colony.

Barwon Grange is pleased to host Group Bookings, Guided Tours, and Open Days within it’s house and gardens.

Barwon Grange interior

Plan your visit

Opening Times
June, July & August
Last Sunday of the Month
11:00am-4:00pm

September to May
Sundays, 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Entry to the House is by guided tour only. Tours run at 1.00pm, 2.00pm & 3.00pm.

Admission
Adult: $15
Concession: $10
Child: $5
Family (2A + 2C): $30

National Trust Members receive FREE general entry.

Location
25 Fernleigh Street, Newtown, VIC 3220
Wadawurrung Country

Closed:
Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Anzac Day and other public holidays.

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