McCrae Homestead

A beautiful, well presented and well maintained doorway to our local historic bygone era. Informative and knowledgeable guides.

McCrae Homestead is one of Victoria's oldest homesteads and is a physical reminder of the early pioneering life.Built in 1844 by lawyer Andrew McCrae and his artist wife Georgiana, the Homestead is a rare example of drop slab construction. Made using local materials such as messmate, stringybark and wattle it was sold the homestead to the National Trust in 1970 by Georgiana’s great-great-great grandson.The Homestead is one of Victoria’s oldest, original existing houses, and was built on a large lease in the Port Phillip colony, Arthur’s Seat Run, comprising 33 square miles or 20,500 acres (8,296ha). The building was designed by Georgiana McCrae who was the illegitimate daughter of the 5th Duke of Gordon, a talented artist and dedicated diarist. The McCrae family were one of the first six pioneer families to establish properties on the Mornington Peninsula.The Burrell family lived at the homestead for eighty years and were a dedicated farming family who made a significant contribution to the Mornington Peninsula.The Visitor’s Centre, located on the property, features t galleries which showcase the McCrae’s art and memorabilia and the photography, artefacts and objects from the Burrell-Twycross family who lived at McCrae Homestead from 1851 to 1926.

Well worth a visit. To see how people lived back in the day" is VERY interesting."

As locals we have been meaning to visit this homestead and learn more about the area. Really lovely experience made better by Trudy who welcomed us warmly, and gave us a tour filled with fascinating information.

Absolutely amazing! Sally and Malcolm were so informative and friendly.

Beautiful museum. Homestead small but lovely. Very informative really worth a visit.

Wonderful staff, very informative. Have been there more than one occasion. Although was a hot day, they stayed to accommodate us. I strongly advice you take your child to step back in history! Thank you ladies!

Great story, fabulous collection of paintings and stories in the museum. Well done National Trust

Have zero consideration for people who live in close vicinity of the homestead and their environmental impact both in terms of noise and diesel engine fumes . Ongoing issue with school buses idling their engines for excessive amounts of time for absolutely no reason. Today bus was idled from 1.03pm until 1.32pm yet no children have boarded the bus. Weather today is overcast and 19 degrees not exactly hot or cold for that matter. Have discussed with the homestead and council yet still continues to be an issue. Will contact the EPA and councillors at the shire.

Snapshot of homestead as it was in 1845 - restored faithfully to its original state with even the same furniture, paintings, books, pots and pans used by the original homestead owners - McCrae. It is also a fitting tribute to pioneer Georgiana McCrae nee Gordon from Scotland. With a informative museum with original artwork and paraphernalia from that era & subsequent owners - Burrell Twycross families.