Rippon Lea Estate — Attraction in Melbourne

Rippon Lea is one of those grand old English houses with sculptured gardens that dot Melbourne and it is an ideal place for a picnic on a sunny day. And if you're a resident of Glen Eira or Port Phillip, you have garden access for free (though making a donation is appreciated).

The gardens are interesting enough for about an hours amble, though note that not all the areas are wheelchair accessible. The landscape is textured and there are areas with quite different styles, though the theme is generally English countryside. With quite heavy rain this week, some of the paths had flooded and were closed off, but there was always an alternative and it did not detract from the enjoyment.

Given the lake, pool, and lots of spaces for them to hide, the gardens cannot be considered 'kid safe' in the sense that you could just let younger children roam free and easily watch them all the time. Apart from the large lawn, where many toddlers and slightly older siblings were rushing about, enjoying the grass.

Being in the middle of the suburbs, traffic, trains (the Brighton line runs close past a boundary), and planes are a constant background noise, but it is generally a hum rather than an intrusion.

Rippon Lea has toilet facilities but no onsite parking and street parking on a nice day is hit and miss. Ripponlea station is less than a ten minute walk and the 603 bus stops at the door. The nearest tram is the 67 route and the Coleridge St/Brighton Rd stop is less than a ten minute walk as well.

Take a rug, take a book, take a picnic...Rippon Lea is one of those historical gems that elevates a sunny day lazing on the lawn into the best feeling...

Came here for a high tea event recently and thought it was honestly really average - especially for the price ($100!) I've been to the Langham and Mary Eats Cake for the same price and had a far better experience.

Service was lacking - had to call over staff multiple times to ask for drinks. Some guests would get drinks and others would be forgotten. Surprising when the room was at half capacity. We had requested non alc sparkling when making the booking for the pregnant guest of honour and when we arrived they didn't have it. When guests asked for coffee, they were served black coffee in a silver urn. No option for a barista made coffee. We also had some dietary requirements and there wasn't any reassurance on the day provided to us about whether the food contained any ingredients/allergies etc. We had to keep asking and double checking. The food was also lacking flavour and wasn't too exciting.

The location was lovely and relaxing, but inside left a bit to be desired. It felt a bit cheap and tacky, with cups and saucers you can buy from Myer - nothing special.

Overall, I expected to be a bit spoiled like I have been at the Langham, especially given the price and the beautiful pics on the website.

I don't normally write reviews like this, but thought it would be helpful to let others know given how expensive it is! Wish I had known before I went. Nice for a walk around the garden, would skip...

Rippon Lea Estate is a historic and enchanting destination. This grand mansion and its surrounding gardens offer a captivating glimpse into the past and provide a unique experience for visitors.

The centerpiece of Rippon Lea Estate is the stunning Victorian-era mansion, which showcases exquisite architecture and opulent interiors. Exploring the rooms and hallways of this well-preserved estate allows visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the elegance and charm of the Victorian era.

The meticulously manicured gardens surrounding the mansion are a true delight for nature enthusiasts. With their vibrant flowers, tranquil ponds, and winding pathways, the gardens offer a serene and picturesque setting for leisurely walks or picnics.

In addition to its architectural and natural beauty, Rippon Lea Estate hosts a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year. These events provide an opportunity to further immerse oneself in the rich history and culture of the estate.

Overall, Rippon Lea Estate is a captivating destination that combines history, nature, and cultural experiences. Whether you're interested in exploring the mansion, strolling through the gardens, or attending one of the estate's events, a visit to Rippon Lea Estate is sure to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for its...