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.
October Open Day: Heritage Trades Festival
A special open day celebrating 50 years of National Trust care and stewardship of Gulf Station is taking place on Sunday 25 October.
Discover traditional trades, tools and rural skills through live demonstrations from blacksmiths, lacemakers, wool spinners, rope makers, coopers, basket weavers, spoon carvers and more. Explore steam machinery displays, heritage craft demonstrations, seedling and plant sales, and learn about the future of heritage conservation through the Heritage Futures Project.
This family-friendly event will feature live music, food vendors, coffee, and fun, family-friendly activities within the historic surrounds of Gulf Station.
Gulf Station Open Days
First Thursday & Last Sunday of the Month
Please note: to book tickets to the next open day taking place on Sunday 25 October, CLICK HERE.
All other open day tickets can be purchased HERE.
Step into the rhythm of 19th-century farm life at Gulf Station, one of Victoria’s oldest and most authentic working farm complexes.
On Open Days, families can join a guided tour at 11.30am or explore at their own pace — wandering through the homestead, gardens, old schoolhouse and historic outbuildings. Meet the resident Clydesdales, and explore the barns and farm buildings where generations once worked the land.
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawn and experience the domestic world of a colonial farming family, where resilience, resourcefulness and hard work shaped daily life.
