Barwon Park Mansion — Attraction in Winchelsea

This was a great tour, I love wandering around historic houses, but rarely do they make me feel sad for the occupants. Barwon Park Mansion did, and not just because the exterior seems reminiscent of Pentridge Prison.

The family's story was one of great wealth - a giant house in the middle of nowhere speaks to that - overlaid with the deprivations that living 150 years ago brought. And that's not just commodes and children sleeping on the veranda year round. Our tour guide conveyed this and more in ninety minutes, and it was never boring.

I'm glad we made the detour to see Barwon Park. It is a surprising part of our colonial history with two - to me - surprising facts about imports...

I was the very first bride to be married here, October 7th, 1974 the marriage took place ( by celebrant Eva Death :-/), at the foot of the staircase, as I descended in my beautiful gown made by my mother Amy Jean Campbell (nee Bennett) and long train & veil, the reception dinner was held in the grand dining room to the left of the entrance then the wedding reception dance was held in the grand room to right of the entrance. The groom and groomsmen dressed in the top left of upstairs bedroom and the bride and bridal party in the top right rooms. Above those rooms. My sister Kathy married there also, some years later, and Many weddings were to...

An interesting estate that has been restored to a great extent. The mansion is listed with the National Trust and has been furnished with many period pieces to complement some original items from the home. There is a function space that is used for weddings, etc. It would be great to see further restoration projects to continue to preserve the integrity of the structure. The guided tour provides insight into the fascinating history of the past residents and their contributions to the development of the region. It's great to see that a book has been published about this mansion. Guided tours run on the hour. Stairs may be challenging to...