Mooramong

Place VIC

Hollywood comes to the homestead at this 1860s country house revamped for an Australian millionaire and his movie star wife.

Mooramong was a 21st birthday present for Donald ‘Scobie’ Mackinnon who remodelled it in 1938 for his movie star wife Claire Adams.

Now Mooramong recaptures the life and times of the Mackinnons from the 1930s to the 1960s. The house features their photographs, curios and objects d’art.

The property is on a working farm of 4,000 acres running sheep and producing crops. The estate also incorporates the Mackinnon Nature Reserve which is home to the endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot and other Australian species including the Wedge-Tailed Eagle and Brolga.

The homestead is available for group tours.

Accommodation is also offered in refurbished cottages on the property.

Mooramong - Planning your visit

Address:

635 Mooramong Road
Skipton 3361 VIC
(Carranballac via Skipton)

Open:

Group tours by appointment.

Phone:

Bookings Office on 03 9656 9889 Mon-Fri

Email:

bookings@nattrust.com.au

What we offer:

Scobie and Claire Mackinnon in their later years

The Hollywood star

Despite a disastrous screen test Canadian born Claire Adams landed her first film role while still in her teens.
"I couldn't have been worse. I fell down the stairs when I was supposed to walk gracefully. I shied away from the leading man's kisses, and when I saw the takes I burst into tears."
The Sydney Morning Herald, December 1957

The love story

Adams gave up her film career after marrying Donald Mackinnon. "The moment Donald entered the room I fell in love with him. We have many interests in common, particularly our love of horses. We will stay a month or two in England after our marriage and will probably tour the Continent before going to Australia."
The Sydney Morning Herald, April, 1937

Hollywood style comes to country Victoria

Despite leaving Hollywood, Claire had a Hollywood-style mansion in country Victoria. The gardens feature a swimming pool and a range of exotic plants including the tropical South American Yellow Bird of Paradise.

The collection

Inside the Mackinnons decorated the homestead with superb examples of furniture, art and other objects including a collection of Lalique glassware.

Stay at Mooramong

Imagine yourself as a guest of Claire and Donald Mackinnon when you stay at one of the refurbished guest houses at Mooramong. Accommodation is available in the Stockman's Cottage and Overseers Cottage. The Shearer's Quarters has also been converted for group accommodation.

Accommodation at Mooramong

Hollywood comes to the homestead with this rural Victorian era house redecorated in the 1930s as a country retreat for a film star! Mooramong's beautiful poolside gardens lend a mix of sophistication and rural charm to any wedding or social occasion. The renovated cottages on the estate are also available for anyone wanting a country holiday with a difference.