Tag:heritage listed
Chinamans Bridge is a large timber bridge that crosses the Goulburn River, 2.7 kilometres west of the Goulburn Valley Highway. It is believed to have been built in 1891 and was initially known as Kerris Bridge. It is one of Victoria’s oldest “surviving” timber bridges. The bridge’s construction was funded through a grant from the joint Public Works and Water Supply Departments. It was designed by the Goulburn Shire Council Engineer and built by the contractor JB Parkinson for £4188 3s 6d. Chinaman’s Bridge was first built as a drawbridge to allow river traffic to pass through. It was the era of river steamboats, and transport preferred the river to bullock teams on unmade roads. When river transport ceased, Chinaman’s drawbridge was no longer needed.
Architectural Features
The Chinamans Bridge had a lift span allowing sawmill and recreation steamers to pass through the Goulburn River. During the 1890s, the Nagambie Sawmill steamer crossed the bridge six times a week. Initially, the bridge carried the Nagambie-Heathcote Road over the river. However, a new bridge was built nearby, and the road was rerouted to cross the river at the new location.
The bridge was named Chinamans Bridge because it was located on Chinamans Road, an area once inhabited by Chinese market gardeners until 1916. Nagambie-Heathcote Road was initially known as Chinamans Road. Constructed of timber girder with hand-hewn squared timber stringers, the bridge features timber corbels and a deck. Of the lift span, only the timber fenders remain. The former drawbridge span was replaced with a steel span around 1940.
Heritage Listed
Chinamans Bridge holds heritage significance for the State of Victoria. It is listed in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) as place number 869 and register number H1449.3.
The bridge is historically significant as one of Victoria’s earliest all-timber road bridges. It is notable for using hand-hewn timber in construction and design details. Despite losing much of its original mechanism, the bridge is a rare surviving example of a bridge with a vertical span. From a historical perspective, Chinaman’s Bridge holds a noteworthy connection to the expansion of Victoria’s infrastructure in the 1890s and its role in the development of transport systems.
The bridge is closely linked with the growth of the township of Nagambie. It represents the prosperous sawmilling industry in the district during the 1890s. Chinamans bridge holds historical significance with its link to the steamboat era in Victoria. During this era in the 1890s, rivers were the preferred mode of transportation for recreational and commercial purposes over roads.
Flood Damage
The decaying bridge timbers were further weakened during the 2022 floods, making it extremely fragile and at risk of collapsing at any moment. Due to the immediate danger of collapse, engineers have deemed the bridge beyond repair. An exclusion zone was declared, and boats have been prohibited from passing under it since then.
The Strathbogie Shire Council has since applied to Heritage Victoria to have the heritage listing removed, allowing the bridge to be demolished.
Located in the heart of Victoria’s far west region of the Wimmera is Murtoa, a quaint country town roughly halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide. Murtoa is primarily known for its history as well as its booming grain farming industry. The farming industry produces wheat, barley, chickpeas & lentils for domestic and export markets. Murtoa is also an essential part of the Silo Art Trail, which celebrates regional Australia in a modern and accessible artistic context.
Historical Roots
Like many other towns in the Wimmera region, Murtoa has a rich history deeply rooted in agriculture. The town is named after an aboriginal word meaning ‘home of the lizard’ and was established in 1873 during the gold rush era. The development of the railway network for grain transportation significantly influenced its progress. Over the years, Murtoa evolved into an essential hub for grain production.
Agriculture remains the cornerstone of Murtoa’s economy, with wheat and barley being the major crops cultivated in the surrounding farmlands. The town has kept up with modern agricultural practices by incorporating technology to enhance efficiency while preserving its rural character. The Murtoa Stick Shed Heritage Weekend is held annually in the first week of October. It celebrates the town’s significant agricultural heritage and pays homage to grain storage and processing history. It attracts locals and tourists interested in learning more about these aspects of the town’s past.
Natural Beauty
Murtoa is also a beautiful destination for nature enthusiasts as vast plains and picturesque lakes encompass it. In 2010 the Wimmera Mallee pipeline was finished; consequently, the lake was no longer used as a reservoir. A Committee of Management was established, and significant improvements have been made since then. The park and lake have become a sanctuary for bird life, and with its 1921 Memorial Arch, it has become the focal point for many of the town’s recreational activities.
Lake Marma is a beautiful spot where you can relax and unwind. It has a lovely 2km walking track lined with trees. The track passes a jetty, manicured lawns, and seating areas where you can enjoy the spectacular views. Murtoa Cabins are conveniently situated on the foreshore of Lake Marma and offer comfortable accommodation. The self-contained cabins also have verandahs where you can enjoy sunset views. They are also just a short walk from the town centre and other attractions.
museum Precinct
Significantly, Murtoa is home to three of Victoria’s heritage-listed sights. The first is the Stick Shed, an impressive grain store built in 1941 and often called the Cathedral of the Wimmera. The second is the Railway Water Tower, built in 1886.
The tower is an impressive 4-storey, 13-metre high tower and home to the Water Tower Museum. The museum hosts the unique James Hill Taxidermy Collection, which includes over 500 birds and other fauna, historical artefacts, memorabilia, and households. It also houses farming tools from the 1890s, the town’s most significant growth era. Visitors can climb up the spiral staircase to the top floor, which reveals the underbelly of the 40,000-gallon wrought iron tank that used to store water for steam locomotives. The third heritage-listed sight in Murtoa is the Kurrajong Tree Ave. It was established in 1901 and is the oldest native street planting in Victoria.
The Murtoa silo art
The wheat silo has recently been painted by the renowned street artist SMUG and digitally lit by Dave Jones’ Transience. The stunning mural of brightly coloured birds was inspired by James Hill’s taxidermy collection at the Murtoa Museum (in the water tower). This bird mural is a sight to behold, day and night. The mural also pays homage to Dr John Cade, a Murtoa native who discovered Lithium treatment for Bipolar disorder.
Concordia Cottage
Concordia Cottage is the last remaining building of the original Lutheran college, which was established in Murtoa from 1890 to 1904 as a male Lutheran seminary and teacher training college on the corner of Lake and Munro Streets. In 1905, Concordia College relocated to Adelaide, where it still exists.
The Concordia Cottage building was later moved to Cromie Street in 1934. The Salvation Army used it as a hall and house until 1940. It was then remodelled as a private home until it fell into disrepair by the 1990s. However, in 1997, the cottage was moved to its current home, near the old Water Tower. It was officially opened in October 1997 as part of the Museum precinct. Displays include War memorabilia, Coromby Band photos, the old Murtoa telephone switchboard, historical clothing and a research room.
The Murtoa Heritage Trails Brochure, available for download, provides visitors with a self-guided tour through the town. As you follow the Blue and Red Trails, you will discover the heritage buildings located in the town’s centre. The Murtoa Historic Precinct entry tickets and Murtoa Heritage Trails self-guided walking tour brochures are all available at the Water Tower Museum shop.
Admission is $9 Adult (Eftpos available). Children under 16 free
Como House is a charming and beautiful mansion that was the family home of the Armytage family. The interiors were designed according to the family’s tastes and style and reflected the changing times and trends. Significantly, it was the first house museum in Australia to be acquired by the National Trust with its original contents. This included furniture, domestic technology, and decorative arts, making it a treasure trove of historical artefacts. In addition to being a family home, Como also functioned as a workplace for its staff. Thankfully, the original servants’ quarters have been preserved, offering a fascinating glimpse into the mansion’s history.
Land beside the river
Como House, built in 1847, uniquely blends Australian Regency and classic Italianate architecture. The garden still showcases many elements of its original 1850s design. Como is situated on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples. These are two of the five language groups making up the Kulin Nations. Melbourne and the southern banks of the Birrurung (Yarra) are culturally significant as meeting places and hunting grounds for the Kulin Nations.
Colonisation significantly impacted the traditional way of life of Aborigines. The southern banks of the Birrurung became cattle runs by 1837. William Lonsdale, the Port Philip Police Magistrate, was responsible for making ‘Crown’ land available to squatters through licenses. His nephew George Langhorne was in charge of the Government Mission for Aboriginal People, which closed in 1839.
Lonsdale suggested selling the land, which his nephew Alfred (George’s brother) then purchased. Alfred then divided the land into lots, and in 1846, Edward Eyre Williams bought the lot where Como was built. Williams, a lawyer, later became a judge at the first Supreme Court of Victoria. He purchased land extending from the Yarra River to Toorak Road, using the proceeds from compensation paid to him after the abolition of slavery.
The Eyre Williams Years
Williams consequently commissioned the construction of a four-room residence with a separate kitchen and named it ‘Como’. The walls of the villa and kitchen were built from stones, mud, and rubble hauled up from the banks of the Birrurung. In 1852 Williams sold Como, which had a “noble frontage to the River Yarra” and “commanding views of the surrounding country” to Frederick Dalgety. Dalgety owned a firm supplying wool, gold, and settlers’ trades. However, Dalgety considered Como “infernally dull”. Within a year, he sold it to John Brown, a master builder who later became a wine and spirit merchant.
John Brown appointed William Sangster as head gardener and overseer in December 1855. Sangster, a garden designer, played a significant role in the early development of Melbourne. Sangster’s notable designs include Carlton Gardens in Carlton, Daylesford Public Garden, and Victoria Gardens in Prahran. He also designed Rupertswood in Sunbury, Rippon Lea Estate in Elsternwick, Stonington Mansion in Malvern, and Ard Choille at Mount Macedon, Victoria.
A picturesque Garden
Sangster supervised the design and development of the site, using the principles of picturesque garden design. The design included a detailed five-acre ornamental garden and a new carriageway from the main road (now Toorak Road). He also created several areas of orchards and vegetable gardens on the slopes leading down to the river. Along the southern boundary of the Yarra River, he planted willows, poplars, and Dutch elms. Many aspects of his design are still present, and the remaining trees are impressive specimens.
The house and the garden were developed simultaneously. Brown had the grounds landscaped while adding a second story to the original four-room villa. This included an upstairs ballroom overlooking the gardens. However, Brown overreached himself in his ambition to join Melbourne’s elite. Brown lost his fortune and was forced to sell his beloved Como.
The Armytage Family
Charles Armytage, a wealthy pastoralist, purchased Como for £14,000 in 1864. He and his wife Caroline lived with their eight children at Fulham Station, a large sheep holding just outside Geelong. Caroline was born in 1832 into a prosperous landowning family in Lechlade, UK. Arriving in the colony, she worked as a governess for the Austins of Barwon Park before marrying Charles, whom she had met at the local Winchelsea church.
Their hard work in the country, combined with Charles’ inheritance, had brought considerable wealth. The family began looking for a townhouse. Hearing Como was up for sale, Armytage decided it would be the ideal residence to solidify the family’s position in the growing Melbourne social scene. They spent the social season in Melbourne at Como and the rest of the year at their rural estates. The house was expanded in 1874 with the addition of a ballroom wing and an upstairs children’s wing.
The Grand Tour
After Charles passed away in 1876 at the age of fifty-two due to a pancreatic disorder, Caroline, who was 44 at the time, inherited the estate. Caroline decided it was the perfect time to travel. She wanted to ensure her children received a suitable education as members of Melbourne’s high society. On December 26, 1876, the servants packed trunks onto carriages at the front of Como House. Then, Caroline, her nine children, and a large retinue of servants, including two cows for fresh milk, boarded the sailing ship, the Assam, and embarked on a four-year ‘Grand Tour’ around the world.
Courtesy of the University of Melbourne Archives
Charles Norman was sent to study at Cambridge. Meanwhile, Caroline, the other children and servants, went to Egypt, India, China, Japan, Russia, and Europe. This journey was documented in a diary kept by Ada, Caroline’s eldest daughter. During this tour, Caroline sent crate-loads of mirrors, vases, chandeliers and furniture back to Como.
Courtesy of the University of Melbourne Archives
In 1878, ‘Mumma went to the Paris International Exhibition; she walked up to an exhibitor and bought a large ebonised door for the Drawing Room. He looked rather bemused when she asked to have it sent to Melbourne, Australia.’
Ada Armytage
A family home
When Caroline and her family returned to Melbourne in 1880, they made Como their permanent residence. The lifestyle of the Armytage family and Como was supported by a large group of servants who did all the day-to-day work. Caroline employed cooks, a laundress, a housemaid, a needlewoman, a “Tweeney” (a between-the-stairs maid whose bedroom was in the tower), a parlourmaid, a milkman, a messenger, two permanent gardeners, and a coachman.
Courtesy of the University of Melbourne Archives
Federation celebrations in 1901 saw a constant round of parties and musical evenings. During these, Constance met Captain Arthur Fitzpatrick, the aide-de-camp to the governor of Victoria. After a brief engagement, Constance and Arthur were married at St. John’s, Toorak, on May 9, 1906. The wedding was the social event of the season. The reception was held at Como and was attended by the cream of Melbourne society, including old friends such as the artists Arthur and Emma Minnie Boyd.
The bride and groom moved to England, but Fitzpatrick abandoned Constance and disappeared with the seventy-thousand-pound dowry, ending the marriage. From then on, Constance lived as a single woman.
Courtesy of the University of Melbourne Archives
World War I
At the outbreak of the WW1, Ada was 55 years old, Constance 43 and Leila 39. Leila joined the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) in England for the Red Cross and was sent to an Australian Military Hospital in Le Havre, France. By 1916, Constance was also living in Le Havre, where she worked side by side with Leila as an untrained nurse and ambulance driver, picking up the wounded and the dying soldiers from the battlefields.
While the sisters were away from Melbourne for eleven years, Laura, a delicate and artistic woman, remained at Como. When the sisters returned after the war, they found Como somewhat worn out, with its Edwardian grandeur fading away. Following Caroline’s death in 1909, the property, including the house, was divided and put up for auction. Her daughters Ada, Laura, Constance, and Leila bought the house and the surrounding 15 acres of gardens. In 1921, the Armytage family sold 35 acres of Como’s river frontage, leaving just over five acres of house and garden. Of the five sons, only two married, and of the four daughters, only Constance married. Ada died in 1939. Laura lived as a recluse at Como from the 1920s and died in 1956.
Film Location
Como House has been the location of many Australian shows, and The Seekers filmed the video for Morningtown Ride there in 1967
In 1959, the newly formed National Trust acquired Como and opened it to the public.
Como House is located at Corner Williams Rd & Lechlade Ave, South Yarra 3141 and is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Guided tours of the house are available on Wednesdays & Fridays at 1.30 pm Saturdays and Sundays at 11.00 am, 12.30 pm and 2 pm
Como House Tours
Adult: $15
Concession: $12
Child: $9
Family: $35 (2A + 2C)
National Trust Members: Free
Mount Wilson is a small village in the heritage-listed Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. It is known for its picturesque gardens, historic homes, and proximity to scenic hiking trails and national parks.
Autumn colours
During the autumn months, many trees undergo a process called leaf senescence, in which they lose their chlorophyll, and their leaves change colour before falling off the tree. The exact process that causes the leaves to change colour varies depending on the tree species, but it is usually caused by decreasing daylight hours and temperatures.
The most common colours in autumn leaves are red, orange and yellow. However, as the chlorophyll breaks down, other pigments in the leaves, such as carotenoids, which produce yellow and orange hues, and anthocyanins which produce red, purple and blue hues,, become more visible. This process creates a beautiful display of fall foliage lasting for several weeks. Some of the most popular trees known for their autumn leaves are maple, oak, aspen, and dogwood.
Spring
During the spring months, the gardens in Mount Wilson come to life with vibrant colours as the flowers bloom. The gardens in Mount Wilson offer a wide variety of flowering trees, shrubs and perennials, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. The village is also a popular destination for tourists during spring, as many visitors come to see the gardens in full bloom.
Autumn
The gardens in Mount Wilson also offer a different view during autumn, where the fall colours of the leaves and flowers are on full display, making it an ideal place for photography enthusiasts.
Private Gardens
All the gardens at Mount Wilson are private; consequently, not all are open year-round, nor do they offer free entry. The cost varies from garden to garden but on average, it’s around $10 pp.
Breenhold Gardens
One of the best gardens, if not the best, at Mount Wilson is the heritage-listed Breenhold Gardens. The garden was established in the early 1900s and covers an area of about 45 hectares. It is known for its extensive collection of azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias. The garden is also home to many other exotic and native plants, including an extensive collection of ferns, a rock garden, and a lily pond.
Breenhold Garden is open to the public during spring and autumn, when the garden is at its best and most plants bloom. The garden has won several awards for its beauty and has been featured in many gardening magazines. Breenhold Garden is also a well-known wedding venue in NSW.
An autumn favourite for us when we visited Breenhold was the Laburnum steps and the row of conifers near the entrance.
Featured on better homes and gardens show
29 The Avenue, Mount Wilson NSW 2786, open 10 am to 4 pm daily during autumn and spring
Autumn and spring gardens
Merry Garth: Along Davies Lane to Galwey Lane, Mount Wilson
Open Wednesdays and weekends during April
Nooroo: Church Lane, Mount Wilson
Sefton Cottage: 21 Church Lane, Mount Wilson
Yengo Sculpture Garden: 11 Queens Ave, Mount Wilson
Open most of the year is Bebeah (with the famous little red gate) at The Avenue, Mt Wilson and Windyridge in Queens Ave, Mt Wilson. The Cathedral Reserve is also worth a visit with rows of plane trees, limes, elms, beeches, liquid ambers and pink cherries.
Tahbilk Winery Established in 1860, is a historic winery with National Trust Certification. It is located 120km north of Melbourne in the Nagambie Lakes wine region, in a sub-region of the Goulburn Valley Wine Region. Significantly, Tahbilk is the oldest, family-owned winery and vineyard in Victoria. While other Victorian wineries can claim to be older, such as Gehrig Estate and Morris wines in Rutherglen, founded in 1858, Tahbilk has the longest, continuous family ownership. It is home to 5 generations of the Purbrick family.
Heritage Cellars
The original cellars were built in the 1860s and 1870s and are still in use today. They are also are part of the National Trust of Australia certification. By 1876 Tahbilk was producing 31,500 litres of wine a year and winning both national and international awards. It was also reported in The Argus that Queen Victoria had placed a wine order.
Originally the local indigenous named the area tabilk tabilk, meaning the place of many waterholes. However, with the construction of Goulburn Weir in 1889, this, turned the Goulburn River from the high flows of winter and dried up billabongs in summer, to a permanently flowing summer river.
Tahbilk is home to some 200 hectares of vineyards specialising in grape varietals from the Rhone including whites varietals: Marsanne, Viognier and Roussanne and red varietals Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre. Also growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdelho grapes.
Tahbilk Winery
Wetlands
In 2021 Tahbilk opened the indigenous Flora Trail Walk – an extension of the Tahbilk Wetlands and Wildlife Walk. Along the 6km trail are bird hides, bridges, boardwalks, flora and fauna. Definitely worth a walk on a nice day
Tahbilk Winery is at 254 O’Neils Road Tahbilk.
- Cellar Door & Eco Trails Weekdays 9am-5pm and weekends 10am-5pm
- Cafe 10-4 – (closed Tues and Wed)