Mooramong

Hollywood comes to the homestead at this 1860s country house revamped for an Australian millionaire and his movie star wife.

Mooramong was a 21st birthday present for Donald ‘Scobie’ Mackinnon, heir to a legal and horseracing fortune. In 1937, Scobie married Hollywood star Claire Adams in London after a three-week whirlwind romance. The couple returned to Victoria after a long honeymoon.

Claire was a successful silent movie star, whose most famous leading man was German Shepherd Rin Tin Tin. As an accomplished horsewoman she starred in many Westerns, performing her own riding stunts.

The couple transformed the homestead into a fashionable Hollywood style retreat, with pool, cabana, games room and bar with moderne flourishes. Both were animal lovers, and Claire was devoted to her dogs and horses. Their legacy as advocates for nature and animals continues to this day through the wildlife reserve and MacKinnon Trust.

Mooramong continues to be a working farm, running sheep and producing crops. The estate also incorporates the Mackinnon Nature Reserve, home to the endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot and other Australian species including the Wedge-Tailed Eagle and Brolga.

Place Details

Available for accommodation bookings.

635 Mooramong Road
Skipton 3361 VIC
(Carranballac via Skipton)

Located on Wadawurrung Country

Apply to volunteer at Mooramong

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

More Information

Plan your visit

Mooramong

Address:

635 Mooramong Road
Skipton 3361 VIC
(Carranballac via Skipton)

Entry Fees:

Adult $15
Concession $12
Child (5-15) $9
Family (2A & 2C) $40
NT Member: FREE

What we offer:

Stay at Mooramong Estate

In partnership with Into the Wild Escapes, we offer three cosy tiny houses at the historic Mooramong Estate near Skipton.

Victorian National Trust Members receive 20%* off.

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The Hollywood Star

Claire Adams

The Sydney Morning Herald, December 1957

Despite a disastrous screen test Canadian born Claire Adams landed her first film role while still in her teens. "I couldn't have been worse. I fell down the stairs when I was supposed to walk gracefully. I shied away from the leading man's kisses, and when I saw the takes I burst into tears."

The Love Story

Claire & Scobie Mackinnon

The Sydney Morning Herald, April, 1937

"The moment Donald entered the room I fell in love with him. We have many interests in common, particularly our love of horses. We will stay a month or two in England after our marriage and will probably tour the Continent before going to Australia."

Hollywood style comes to country Victoria

Despite leaving Hollywood, Claire had a Hollywood-style mansion in country Victoria. The gardens feature a swimming pool and a range of exotic plants including the tropical South American Yellow Bird of Paradise.

The collection

Inside the Mackinnons decorated the homestead with superb examples of furniture, art and other objects including a collection of Lalique glassware.

Mooramong