Rippon Lea Estate
192 Hotham St., Elsternwick, Melbourne, Victoria, 3185
With sprawling grounds that include a lake, grotto, children’s garden, fernery, and orchard, the Rippon Lea Estate is a beautiful Victorian enclave, mansion, and farm created by the Sargood family. You can tour the elaborate home, stroll the gardens, have lunch in the tea room, and shop the nursery and gift shop.
The basics
A keen gardener and fern enthusiast, Frederic Sargood built the estate in 1851 and named it Rippon Lea, combining his mother’s maiden name (Rippon) and the English word for “meadow.” Sargood made his money selling goods to miners on Australia’s gold fields, and he spent his fortune creating a lavish estate with innovative watering systems, electricity, and plumbing.
Rippon Lea Estate is now run by the National Trust so that visitors can enjoy a leisurely day in the setting of an ornate—and unique—Victorian creation.
Things to know before you go
Strollers are not allowed in the mansion but can be left on the front door steps.
To enter the mansion, you must take a guided tour.
Tickets can only be purchased from the ticket box at the estate. Admission is free for National Trust members and residents of Glen Eira and Port Phillip and reduced prices are available for children and families.
Download the C My Trees app to learn about and identify 200 specimens of trees at Rippon Lea Estate.
How to get there
The Rippon Lea Estate is located at 192 Hotham Street in Elsternwick, Victoria, a southeastern suburb of Melbourne. It’s reachable by car and public transit. By train from Flinders Station, head to Rippon Lea Station on the Sandringham Line, or take the 216 or 219 Bus and get off at the Rippon Lea Estate stop. If driving a car, parking must be found locally as there is no parking lot at the estate.
When to get there
Rippon Lea Estate is open daily, except Good Friday and Christmas Day. Doors typically open at 10am, with closing and last entry times that vary throughout the year. To see the mansion interiors, sign on for a guided tour, held throughout the day typically until 2pm. On select Sundays of the month, shop artisanal goods and handmade art and design at the The Trust Makers’ Market held on the estate lawns.
Relax with the sounds of the fernery
Frederic Sargood loved ferns and built a fernery on the estate for them to prosper. Today, it represents the largest covered fernery in the southern hemisphere. Inside, you are welcome to immerse yourself in the greenery, warm air, and peaceful soundscape. If you cannot visit, check out the online Rippon Lea Estate “sound immersion experience” that is inspired by the space.
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