We're thrilled to be a part of Open House Melbourne again in 2024, taking place over the last weekend in July. This year's theme is RE/DISCOVER your city, encouraging people to seek out new places and to reconnect with old favourites - and what better way to do that than by visiting one of the National Trust's treasured places.
Entry to the properties is free of charge for this weekend.
Saturday 27 July
Tasma Terrace
2-6 Parliament Pl, East Melbourne
- Open access 10am-3pm with last entry at 2.30pm
- Tours run 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm + 2.30pm. Running for 30 minutes in groups of 20.
One of the finest examples of a 19th-century three-storey terrace house in Australia, Tasma Terrace was built in 1879 for wealthy merchant George Nipper as a stylish guest house and family home. Facing demolition and replacement with high-rise towers in 1970, the house was ultimately saved through the advocacy of the National Trust.
Used by the National Trust Australia (Victoria) as their head office, this terrace building is rarely opened to the public. Come and wander through the open areas of the property to get a sense of what life was like in these grand terrace houses, as well as seeing some of the inner workings of life at the National Trust Australia (Victoria). The event will be hosted by a range of NTAV staff and volunteers.
No bookings required. Tour group capacity is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Como House & Garden
Cnr Williams Rd and Lechlade Ave, South Yarra
- Open access 1pm-4.30pm
Built in 1847, Como House is an intriguing mix of Australian Regency and classic Italianate architecture, offering a glimpse into the privileged lifestyle of its former owners, the Armytage family. The Armytages were famous amongst Melbourne high society for their elegant dances, dinners and receptions.
Recent conservation works have uncovered new layers to the building’s exterior, and the gardens are a place of tranquility. Wander the halls of Como House, and get a glimpse into Melbourne’s past.
No bookings required, but capacity limits apply
Sunday 28 July
Portable Iron Houses
399 Coventry St, South Melbourne
- Open access 10am-3pm with last entry at 2.30pm
Get an insight into life during the Gold Rush era when you visit one of the few remaining pre-fabricated iron buildings in the world.
These three houses in South Melbourne are among the last 19th-century prefabricated iron buildings. With gold discovered in Victoria in 1851, accommodation was needed for the many migrants flocking to the colony. Iron houses met that need.
By 1855 South Melbourne comprised nearly 100 portable buildings, of which Patterson House is on its original site. Abercrombie House and Bellhouse House were relocated to their current sites from North Melbourne and Fitzroy.
No bookings required. As the property is very small, please be aware that there may be a wait to get inside.
La Trobe’s Cottage
Cnr of Birdwood Ave and Dallas Brooks Dr, The Domain, Melbourne
- Tours running every 15 minutes starting at 10am. Last tour departs at 2.30pm
- Tours run for 10 minutes in groups of 10.
The original home of Victoria’s first Lt. Governor, Charles Joseph La Trobe, from 1839 to 1854, La Trobe’s Cottage is arguably, partially, Melbourne’s oldest surviving building. According to the Heritage Council, the cottage has social significance because of its association with the early stages of heritage identification and protection in Australia.
Set in the beautiful gardens surrounding the Shrine of Remembrance, visitors can come and take a short tour around one of Melbourne’s oldest buildings and the home of Victoria’s very first governor, Charles Joseph La Trobe and his family.
The National Trust of Australia (Victoria)’s volunteer guides will be able to give a clear background of the importance of both the building and the personages who inhabited it.
No bookings required, but capacity limits apply