The McCrae Homestead, once home to artist Georgiana McCrae, offers an exceptional glimpse into domestic life in the 1840s. The homestead also houses the Burrell Gallery, which chronicles the story of a family's life on the Mornington Peninsula over 75 years.
The Homestead was built on Boonwurrung Country, on a large lease within the Arthur’s Seat Run, by the McCrae family one of the first six European families who occupied properties on the Mornington Peninsula.
When Georgiana McCrae arrived at Arthur’s Seat in 1845, together with a female servant and her smaller children, the house had not been completed, but the station did have a schoolhouse, kitchen, dairy and washhouse. It took a further 2 months for the homestead to be finished.
The plan for the house was drawn by Georgiana, applying her skill as an artist to the design. She had been a professional portraitist in Edinburgh but gave up her career to marry Andrew McCrae, who sought his professional fortune in the colonies. The couple arrived in Port Phillip in 1841.
After the McCrae’s attempt at sheep farming failed, they moved back to Melbourne and another family – the Burrells – purchased the land. They were a dedicated farming family, who lived at the homestead from 1851 to 1926. During this time, they made significant contributions to the broader Mornington Peninsula region.
The Visitor’s Centre, located on the property, features galleries showcasing the McCraes’ art and memorabilia, as well as photographs, artifacts, and personal items from the Burrell-Twycross family. The National Trust offers a Cross-Cultural Education Program at McCrae Homestead for school excursions.
