The mansion was constructed using bluestone sourced from local volcanic deposits.
During World War II, the mansion was repurposed as a residential college for the United States Army.
The interior contains a significant collection of original furnishings, including items owned by the Chirnside family.
The estate's 5,000-square-metre parterre garden is one of the largest of its kind in Australia.
The Catholic Church utilized the property as the Corpus Christi College for fifty years.
Werribee Park Mansion is a sprawling 60-room Italianate residence completed in 1877 for the Chirnside family, wealthy sheep station owners. The estate features formal gardens designed in the Victorian style, including a grotto, a parterre, and an ornamental lake. The interior reflects the lifestyles of the wealthy squattocracy in 19th-century colonial Victoria through period-accurate furnishings. The surrounding grounds comprise ten hectares of landscaped gardens managed by Parks Victoria. The site is part of the larger Werribee Park precinct, which also houses the Victoria State Rose Garden. The mansion served as a seminary for the Catholic Church from 1923 to 1973 before being acquired by the Victorian state government. Its architecture is characterized by elaborate towers, wide verandas, and heavy bluestone masonry. Visitors can tour the mansion’s state rooms and private quarters independently.
The central fountain and formal parterre looking back toward the mansion's main facade.
Bring a picnic to utilize the open lawn areas surrounding the mansion.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the extensive formal garden paths.
Check the Victoria State Rose Garden adjacent to the mansion, as it holds thousands of individual rose bushes.
Attempting to walk between the mansion and the Werribee Open Range Zoo main entrance, as they are separated by significant, non-pedestrian terrain.
The mansion interior may close for private events or weddings; check the Parks Victoria website before visiting.
Maintain quiet conduct inside the mansion; flash photography is prohibited in certain interior rooms to protect antique textiles.
