Gulf Station

Visit Gulf Station and learn what life was like for a family living on the land in nineteenth century Australia.

Gulf Station is an extraordinary survival of Victoria’s farming heritage, showcasing self-sufficiency and resilience.  

The farm buildings are all hand constructed using traditional techniques making use of the materials available. They show the development of the farm and its domestic uses.  

Scottish immigrants Agnes and William Bell colonised the land in the 1850s to run a farm. The practical and hardworking Bell family were generous, resourceful and kind. They ran the Station for 100 years. Mary Anne Bell was the matriarch and after her husband died, she continued to run the property. 

Hospitality was a matter of honour for the Bells, and no guest left without a hamper of farm produce. 

During the gold rushes, the family prospered feeding diggers heading to the gold fields. 

The National Trust acquired stewardship of the property in 1976 and restored its buildings and cottage garden. 


Gulf Station Open Days

First Thursday & Last Sunday of the Month

Families can choose a guided tour at 11:30 am or roam at their own pace, wandering through the homestead, old schoolhouse, and outbuildings. Meet the friendly Clydesdales, visit the sheep, and explore the sheds and barns where you can imagine life on a working farm.

Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn and immerse yourself in the domestic life of a colonial farming family, where a mother’s word was law and hard work was part of daily life.

 

 

Place Details

Opening Times

First Thursday of the month
10:00am-2:00pm

Last Sunday of the month
11:00am-3:00pm

House & Property tours run at 11.30am on Open Days.

Admission

Adult: $15
Concession: $10
Children: $5 (5-15)
Family: $30 (2 adults + 2 children)

*Prices may vary on special event days.

Location

1029 Melba Highway
Yarra Glen 3775 VIC

Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Country

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.

Book Tickets

Plan your Visit

Gulf Station

Address:

1029 Melba Highway
Yarra Glen 3775 VIC

Entry Fees:

Adult $15, Concession $10, Children (5-15) $5, Family $30 (2 adults + 2 children)

What we offer:

Group bookings for 10+ available by appointment. Groups must contact us at least four weeks prior to your planned visit date. Please email bookings@nattrust.com.au or call (03) 9656 9889.

Please note, Dogs are not permitted at the property at the request of the resident farm animals.

Related content section

Discover pioneer life

Gulf Station tells an exciting story about the daily life on a pioneer farm. Learn what life was like for a family living - and making a living - on the land in nineteenth century Australia.

Life without luxury

How did they clear and maintain the property without modern machinery? Keep food? Transport produce to market? Wash their clothes?

Before tractors, cars and electricity

Meet some of the farm animals which were vital to pioneer farmers, for both food and transport, like the friendly resident Clydesdale horses.

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