Rippon Lea Estate | House & Gardens

Located only 20 minutes from Melbourne's CBD, Rippon Lea Estate is one of the last of Australia's grand suburban estates.

National Heritage listed, a visit to this treasure takes you on a journey back in time and offers a unique glimpse into the lifestyles of the wealthiest Australians of the era.

Come and spend an afternoon meandering through the mansion, relaxing on the lawns, climb the lookout tower, take a boat ride on the lake, or enjoy a coffee in the Gate House.

Rippon Lea Estate consists of an urban mansion, a large garden, orchard and associated outbuildings (including the stable complex, the lodge, the conservatory and glasshouses, the fernery, the porte-cochere, the 1930s swimming pool, and the 1930s ballroom). The place has integrity as an uncommonly large and intact suburban estate.

In 1868, Marian and Frederick Sargood bought 11.3 hectares (23 acres) of scrub land at Elsternwick, naming it after Frederick's mother Emma Rippon (Lea is an old English word for meadow). Frederick had arrived in the colony as a 15 year old, first working for the Public Works Department and then joining his father's expanding clothing and drapery importing firm which supplied softgoods to the diggers.
Getting There
The property can be easily accessed by train with a 5 minute walk from Rippon Lea Station.

Catch Tram Route 67 Stop 42 Tram Tracker ID 2042 (to Carnegie) - Tracker Stop ID 1042 (to Melbourne University) tramTRACKER: For real-time tram information visit: yarratrams.com.au

The 216 or 219 Bus departs from Queen Street in the City on the south east corner of Queen and Collins Streets. Depending on traffic the journey takes 30 - 45 minutes. There is a stop directly outside Rippon Lea Estate. Ask the driver to set you down at the first stop after Glen Eira Road.

Alternatively parking is available locally should you wish to drive (Mel ref 67 F2).