McCrae Homestead

Bunurong / Boon Wurrung Country / Mornington Peninsula
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The McCrae Homestead, once home to artist Georgiana McCrae, offers an exceptional glimpse into domestic life in the 1840s.

The Homestead was built on Boonwurrung Country, on a large lease within the Arthur’s Seat Run, by the McCrae family one of the first six European families who occupied properties on the Mornington Peninsula.

When Georgiana McCrae arrived at Arthur’s Seat in 1845, together with a female servant and her smaller children, the house had not been completed, but the station did have a schoolhouse, kitchen, dairy and washhouse. It took a further 2 months for the homestead to be finished.

The plan for the house was drawn by Georgiana, applying her skill as an artist to the design. She had been a professional portraitist in Edinburgh but gave up her career to marry Andrew McCrae, who sought his professional fortune in the colonies. The couple arrived in Port Phillip in 1841.

After the McCrae’s attempt at sheep farming failed, they moved back to Melbourne and another family – the Burrells – purchased the land. They were a dedicated farming family, who lived at the homestead from 1851 to 1926. During this time, they made significant contributions to the broader Mornington Peninsula region.

The homestead also houses the Burrell Gallery, which chronicles the story of a family’s life on the Mornington Peninsula over 75 years.

Plan your visit

Opening Times
1st & 3rd Sunday of the Month
11.00am-4.00pm
(Last Entry 3.00pm)
Admission
Adult: $15
Concession: $10
Child: $5
Family (2A + 2C): $30

National Trust Members receive FREE general entry.

 

*Booking fees apply.

Location

11 Beverley Road, McCrae VIC 3938

Bunurong / Boon Wurrung Country

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