The homestead was constructed in 1843 using the 'saltbox' architectural style brought from England.
The Back Paddock enclosure covers 80 hectares specifically dedicated to the protection of Eastern Grey Kangaroos.
Gellibrand Hill contains the ruins of the historic 'Old Coach Road' which served as a transport corridor in the 19th century.
The park contains significant populations of the endangered Golden Sun Moth.
The 1840s homestead was originally built with imported prefabricated materials from England.
The landscape surrounding the homestead includes rare examples of ancient River Red Gums that are hundreds of years old.
The park acts as a noise buffer zone for the nearby Melbourne Airport.
Woodlands Historic Park is a 700-hectare conservation area located adjacent to Melbourne Airport. The site preserves Woodlands Homestead, an 1840s white-weatherboard residence built by British pioneer William Pomeroy Greene. The landscape serves as a remnant of the pre-European volcanic plains, featuring large stands of native River Red Gums. A primary feature is the Back Paddock, a fenced conservation area that protects a population of Eastern Grey Kangaroos from urban encroachment. Hikers can access the summit of Gellibrand Hill, which provides panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline and the Great Dividing Range. The park maintains an extensive network of walking tracks, including sections of the historical route used by settlers. The area functions as a vital habitat for indigenous bird species and reptiles. The park is managed by Parks Victoria to balance heritage preservation with ecological restoration. It remains one of the few locations in the northern suburbs where visitors can observe native wildlife in a natural grassland setting.
The veranda of the Woodlands Homestead facing the manicured gardens.
Bring binoculars to observe kangaroos in the Back Paddock, as they are often distant from the walking trails.
Apply insect repellent during warmer months, as the native grasslands support a high population of flies and mosquitoes.
Carry adequate drinking water, as there are limited facilities once you move away from the main homestead area.
Attempting to walk to the park from the airport terminals, as there are no pedestrian-safe thoroughfares.
The internal gates to the homestead area may have restricted access compared to the broader park walking trails.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive grassland habitats and do not feed the local wildlife.
