Barwon Grange

The only survivor of a fashionable and picturesque mid-nineteenth century villa built along the Barwon River in Geelong.

With the Barwon River as the vista, the house was built for successful merchant and banker Jonathon Porter O’Brien and his wife Ann. 

They filled their Gothic Revival style home with ‘elegant and modern’ furnishings. Today you can see these recreated interiors, including many decorative and domestic objects from the late 1850s, including a rare Minton ceramic chandelier.  

The cellar was stocked with wine and spirits, the conservatory filled with plants, sculptures, a collection of coral and two canaries in brass cages. The couple kept an extensive library which featured a Cyclopaedia of Medicine and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.  

The O’Briens lived in the house for only a year but, over 170 years later, the villa’s unique features continue to reflect the lifestyle of the 1850s and the prosperous merchants of Geelong, whose wealth grew after the discovery of gold in the Colony. 

 

 

Place Details

Opening Times

September to May
Sunday
1:00pm-4:00pm.

June, July & August
Last Sunday of the Month
1:00pm-4:00pm.

Admission

Adult: $15
Concession: $10
Child: $5
Family (2A + 2C): $30

National Trust Members receive FREE general entry.

Tickets can be purchased on arrival.

Location

25 Fernleigh Street
Newtown, VIC 3220

Wadawurrung 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.

More Information

Plan your Visit

Barwon Grange

Address:

25 Fernleigh Street
Newtown, VIC 3220

Closed:

Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Anzac Day and other public holidays.

Entry Fees:

Adult: $15
Concession: $10
Child: $5
Family (2A + 2C): $30
National Trust Members: FREE

What we offer:

Related content