The mansion at Werribee Park
Just 30 minutes from Melbourne, the mansion at Werribee Park, trading as Sofitel Mansion & Spa, is testament to the opulence and success of early Australian pastoralists. Still regarded as the largest private residence in Victoria, the mansion was built between 1874 and 1877 in the ideal of an English country estate – complete with blacksmith, farmyards and manicured gardens. Today, visitors can tour much of the lavishly restored mansion, including the main bedrooms, and billiard and reception rooms. There are also audio-visual exhibits and costumed guides that provide an insight into the lives of nineteenth-century domestic staff. Vehicle tours of the estate’s extensive grounds are available, taking in the magnificent gardens, including the grotto and lake, and providing commentary on the park's history. While you’re in the area, make sure you visit the adjoining Victoria State Rose Garden, which features 4,500 rose varieties.
