Werribee Park Mansion - Heritage Icons Project

Project status

The above timeline is a current projection and will be subject to assessments, permits, and on-ground and construction industry conditions. 
 
Current status: Heritage architects have undertaken condition assessments on the Mansion. A quantity surveyor has also been appointed to monitor costs throughout the project. The project is now in the detailed design phase, and tender documents are being prepared.

Last updated: May 2024

The project

This project is being delivered on the Traditional Lands of the Bunurong people.

Built in 1877 for a wealthy Scottish pastoralist family, the 60-room sandstone and basalt mansion is one of the largest and most opulent properties in Victoria. 

The heritage-listed building is made up of several wings which house reception rooms, a library, billiard room, dining room and even some of the furniture that belonged to the mansion’s original tenants.

The outside of the building features grands archways and a large clock tower that looks out onto the green lawns and colourful gardens that surround the property. 

Converted into a seminary in the 1920s, the mansion holds many important stories from Victoria’s past and has been managed by the Victorian State Government since 1977. 

The project will deliver important conservation works and repairs to the mansion’s ageing Welsh Slate roof and plumbing to protect the heritage-listed building and its contents from leaks and or future weather events.Repairs will also be undertaken to the mansion’s stonework which has disintegrated over time, as well as repairing the clock tower’s glass face.

The conservation project will restore the rich history of Werribee Park Mansion and help protect the building from risk of future damage, ensuring the site can continue to be enjoyed by visitors for many years to come.

Environmental and cultural management

Parks Victoria will undertake relevant assessments during this project to identify and protect environmental and cultural values. Necessary permits and approvals will be sought before any works commence.

Putting safety first 

Visitor safety is our number one priority when considering risk in parks. 

While nature will always be unpredictable, our projects and maintenance works help minimise risks and help people explore the great outdoors safely.

Parks Victoria is responsible for continuously managing and maintaining over 50,000 pieces of infrastructure across the state annually. 

We’re also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These are thoroughly planned and prepared to keep people and projects separate – and safe.

When visiting a park where projects are happening, especially during construction, it’s important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.

Who are we working with?

Tenants of Werribee Park, including ShadowFax Winery, The Mansion Hotel and Spa and The Refectory 
City of Wyndham
Heritage Victoria

Access changes

There are currently no access changes to the mansion. Due to the nature of the project, there will be some visual impacts across the park at varying times during works. Parks Victoria will provide ample notice of any impacts to stakeholders prior to construction commencing on site.

Related information

News August 2023: Historic lightstations, forts and mansion to get a new lease on life
Heritage Icons projectsHeritage Icons Projects
Werribee Park Mansion
Werribee Park