This spring, find space to breathe, play, explore, and connect—with the people and places that matter most.

Whether you’re looking to recharge, reconnect or simply enjoy the season, National Trust places offer space to breathe, reflect and rediscover what matters.

Step away from your screen and into story-filled landscapes—wander through century-old gardens, explore historic homesteads, or sit quietly under the canopy of ancient trees. The uplifting benefits of heritage and nature await.

Make this the season you deepen your connection to nature and heritage. Sign up for National Trust Membership during your next visit and we’ll waive the $40 joining fee—so you can keep exploring, discovering, and blooming all year round.

Places for Wellness

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Forest Bathing

14 September & 7 October

Rippon Lea Estate

Slow down and tune into your senses with a guided Forest Bathing walk through the peaceful 14-acre gardens of Rippon Lea. Rediscover stillness and clarity as nature and heritage work together to calm your mind and restore balance.

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Nature Journalling

5 November & 18 January

Rippon Lea Estate

Take a mindful stroll through Rippon Lea’s grand gardens, then capture your observations in your own nature journal. Whether through drawing, words or numbers, let heritage and the natural world inspire reflection and creativity.

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Off-Grid Escape to Mooramong Estate

Book your Escape

Skipton

Nestled among sweeping plains, Mooramong’s stylish cottages and tiny homes offer a digital detox in nature. Gather by the fire, explore the countryside, and reconnect with yourself in this hidden National Trust retreat.

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Places for the Family

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Gulf Station Open Day

First Thursday & Last Sunday Monthly

Yarra Glen

Experience farm life from the 1800s with hands-on heritage at Gulf Station. Kids will love meeting the animals, exploring the grounds, and seeing traditional skills in action—fun for the whole family in the great outdoors.

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Elm & Willow Trail

Self-Guided

Elsternwick

Wander Rippon Lea’s historic gardens with Elm and Willow, two adventurous bears ready to guide young imaginations. With ducks, windmills, and story moments along the way, it’s nature play meets make-believe magic.

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Pirate Day aboard Polly Woodside

Third Sunday Monthly

South Wharf

Hoist the sails and join the crew! Kids become part of the adventure on this real 19th-century ship, with treasure hunts, pirate games and more. A heritage experience bursting with swashbuckling fun.

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Places to Enjoy Alone

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Endeavour Fern Gully

Open Daily

Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula

Wander a loop trail through one of Victoria’s last patches of original cool temperate rainforest. A peaceful walk amongst ferns, owls, and orchids, this is a free and soul-nourishing escape into nature and heritage.

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Rippon Lea Estate

Open Daily

Elsternwick

Find your favourite tree and settle in with a book, or stroll alone through winding paths and lakeside views. Rippon Lea’s serene gardens are a calming counterpoint to the busyness of modern life.

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Ikebana International Melbourne Exhibition

21 & 22 September

Labassa Mansion

Explore the art of Japanese floral design in the opulent setting of Labassa Mansion. This year’s spring-themed exhibition brings new life to a place where history, artistry and seasonal beauty bloom together.

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Places to Enjoy Together

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Como House Garden Tours

Weekly on Sundays

Como House

Step into 160 years of stories on a guided tour through Como’s gardens, rich with social history and botanical charm. Pair your visit with coffee or brunch at the café and soak in the seasonal blooms.

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Dine & Tour at Pentridge

Thursdays & Saturday Lunch

Pentridge Prison Tours

Enjoy a two-course chef’s menu at North&COMMON, then journey into H Division for a powerful exploration of prison history. A unique pairing of fine dining and deep storytelling in a heritage setting like no other.

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Melbourne to Otways Trail

Self-Guided Itinerary

Discover a curated trail of National Trust properties, forest walks, food and wine experiences, and boutique stays. It’s the perfect heritage escape—from city to coast, with every step steeped in stories.

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More Events this Spring

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Father’s and Dogs Day

Sunday 7 September

Rippon Lea Estate

One special Sunday each year, Rippon Lea welcomes dogs for a fun-filled family day. Join us for picnics, garden strolls, and dog dress-up competitions in a beautiful spring setting.

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Sound Healing in the Ballroom

Monday 8 September

Rippon Lea Estate

Journey into deep relaxation under the Full Moon in Pisces, Eclipse. This sound healing session takes place in the elegance of Rippon Lea’s heritage ballroom for an unforgettable evening of stillness and sound.

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Significant Tree Tour

9 September & 14 October

Rippon Lea Estate

Explore Rippon Lea’s remarkable trees—some over 140 years old—on a guided tour that uncovers the living legacy of the Estate and the care it takes to preserve these giants for future generations.

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La Trobe’s Cottage Spring Garden Day

Sunday 5 October

Domain Precinct

Celebrate spring in La Trobe’s re-created historic garden. Discover how Melbourne’s first Governor and his family lived, and explore plants popular in the 1840s–1850s.

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Guided Garden Tours

Select Weekdays

Rippon Lea Estate

Join our knowledgeable guides on a 45-minute walking tour of Rippon Lea’s gardens. Learn about the site's layered history, rare plantings, and the design behind this 14-acre botanical wonder.

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Trust Makers’ Market

Third Sunday of the Month

Rippon Lea Estate

Shop lovingly handmade art and design on the sprawling lawns of Rippon Lea Estate. It’s the perfect place for a fun day out with the family so bring a picnic rug and make a day of it.

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Bird Life Tour

Wednesdays & Thursdays

Rippon Lea Estate

Explore Rippon Lea’s rich biodiversity and spot a variety of native birds in this peaceful guided walk. Whether you’re a birding novice or expert, you’ll come away with fresh appreciation for this urban oasis.

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Gulf Station Heritage Festival

Sunday 26 October

Gulf Station

Experience heritage in action with traditional trades, local stories, and family fun. A spring celebration of history, community and countryside charm.

Tickets on Sale Soon!

Le Festival Français

25–26 October

The Heights, Geelong

Celebrate French food, wine, culture and language at this two-day garden festival at The Heights. With live music, market stalls and kids’ activities, it’s a slice of France in historic Geelong.

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