The Heights

Visit one of the largest surviving prefabricated houses in Victoria, situated in a flourishing garden setting.

The Heights was home to the Whyte’s, a society couple who decorated their home in up-to-the minute 1930s style. The intact kitchen is a must see as are the floral garden beds when in bloom.

In 1854 a large, prefabricated house imported from Germany was assembled for businessman Charles Ibbotson – a well-known local businessman. Over the decades the house was modified and was extensively modernised in the 1930s by architect Harold Bartlett.

The villa’s garden retains its nineteenth century gardenesque charm with a rose arbour, formal bedding layout and carriage drive. The stables, water tower, groom’s cottage and dovecote are unique 19th outbuildings ready for you to explore.

Open Days

The Heights is open on Sundays between 11am and 4pm.
Entry is by guided tour, running at 11.00am, 12.00pm, 1.00pm, 2.00pm & 3.00pm.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Upcoming Exhibition: Le Langage Des Fleurs (The Language of Flowers) Exhibition

On open days between 1 November and 13 December, The Heights is hosting a special exhibition, Le Langage des Fleurs. Discover the hidden meanings of flowers through history, art and culture in this captivating exhibition.

Entry is by guided tour, running at 11.00am, 12.00pm, 1.00pm, 2.00pm & 3.00pm.

Tickets during these dates must be purchased here.

Le Festival Francais

There will be no open day on Sunday 25 October as the Heights will be hosting Le Festival Francais from Saturday 24 to Sunday 25 October. Jion us for a fun weekend of french food, music, language and culture.

Find out more

Place Details

Opening Times

September to 18 October,
Sunday: 11:00am-4:00pm.

November to 13 December,
Special Exhibition, Le Langage Des Fleurs,
Sunday: 11:00am-4:00pm.

January to May,
Sunday: 11:00am-4:00pm.

June, July & August
Last Sunday of the Month
11:00am-4:00pm.

Entry to the House is by guided tour only. Tours run at 11.00am, 12.00pm, 1.00pm, 2.00pm & 3.00pm.

Admission

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

National Trust Members receive FREE general entry.

Online booking fees apply.

Location

140 Aphrasia Street
Newtown 3220 VIC

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.

Purchase Tickets

More Information

Geelong & Region Branch

Safe and Responsible Travel

Plan your Visit

The Heights

Address:

140 Aphrasia Street
Newtown 3220 VIC

Entry Fees:

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

What we offer:

House

In 1883, The Heights passed to Ibbotson's daughter Minna who married sporting celebrity Louis Australia Whyte, winner of the first Australian amateur golf championship in 1894. In turn their son Louis Melville Whyte inherited The Heights. He renovated the house and garden and visitors can still see his merging of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Slate roofs meet floor to ceiling glazed windows and a formal Victorian dining room contrasts with a 1930s kitchen.

Stables

Louis Whyte enjoyed surfing and visited Hawaii in 1919 where he spent six months there learning to surf. He returned with redwood surfboards and is credited with introducing the sport into Victoria. Whyte also enjoyed collecting cars. Visit the stables and see his 1957 Daimler parked there!

Gardens

The beautifully maintained gardens stand as a tribute to Louis's wife Marnie. She was a keen gardener who transformed the garden as part of the couple's modernisation of The Heights in the 1930s.