Gulf Station - Yarra Glen

Visit Gulf Station and learn what life was like for a family living on the land in nineteenth century Australia.

Gulf Station is an extraordinary survival of Victoria's farming heritage, showcasing self-sufficiency and resilience.

The farm buildings are all hand constructed using traditional techniques making use of the materials available. They show the development of the farm and its domestic uses.

Scottish immigrants Agnes and William Bell colonised the land in the 1850s to run a farm. The practical and hardworking Bell family were generous, resourceful and kind. They ran the Station for 100 years. Mary Anne Bell was the matriarch and after her husband died, she continued to run the property.

Hospitality was a matter of honour for the Bells, and no guest left without a hamper of farm produce.

During the gold rushes, the family prospered feeding diggers heading to the gold fields.

The National Trust acquired stewardship of the property in 1976 and restored its buildings and cottage garden.