Come and explore the many attractions around Winchelsea
Barwon Park Mansion
Embarrassed by having to entertain the visiting Duke of Edinburgh at an undistinguished homestead, pioneer pastoralist Thomas Austin and his wife Elizabeth built this lavish 42 room mansion in 1871. Thomas Austin died just six months after it was completed, but Elizabeth lived at Barwon Park for many years and became a noted philanthropist. The house then passed into the hands of the Batson family who later bequeathed it to the National Trust.
Visitors still marvel at the magnificent entrance hall and impressive room. The restored mansion and stables are also an ideal venue for weddings, photography and group functions.
Country Dahlias
You are very welcome to inspect our Dahlias during March and April. Country Dahlias is situated five kilometres south of Winchelsea. On the Geelong side of Winchelsea, just before entering the township, turn left into McConachy Street (signs on highway). Continue to cemetery corner and turn left into Atkins Road, then right into Mathison Road. You will find Country Dahlia's is the third property on the left. Signs are on the entrance. Country Dahlias has Australia's largest collection with two acres of dahlia garden, with over 20,000 bushes (approx 2,250 different one's).
Some are not available as they are in short supply but there is plenty to choose from. If there is one that you are particularly looking for, just ask as I might have it. Each year I will change varieties in the catalogue but if there is a variety that you want from an old catalogue please ask, as I will most likely still have it.
Mt Duneed Estate
Mt Duneed Estate has proudly staged the iconic A Day On The Green concert series since February 2013. In 2015, Fleetwood Mac played to a sold out crowd, and Sir Elton John showed us all why he is considered one of the true greats.
We have rocked to some of the 90’s greatest rock bands in 2016, and welcomed Don Henley, Jewel and Richard Clapton in March 2017. 2018 brings us the ultimate Bryan Adams, Robbie Williams and a 90’s rock line up to really entertain us! Florence + The Machine played to a sell out crowd of 20,000 in January 2019 and The Red Hot Chili Pepper were scorching on a 40 degree day to 20,000 fans.
Our 2020 season was a sellout with Sir Elton John for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in December, and Cold Chisel featuring Paul Kelly and Birds of Tokyo in January. Midnight Oil rocked with us in March 2021, and we are about to get underway for our 2022 season! Stay tuned for more announcements to come!
Otway National Park
Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay, along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland. Discover windswept coastlines and breathtaking waterfalls in tall mountain forests, walk the iconic Great Ocean Walk, immerse yourself in the Otway Lightstation's history, or surf some of the best breaks in Australia.
Enjoy the great outdoors and explore the wonders of the Great Otway National Park. See the stunning coast between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles by foot on the Great Ocean Walk, where nature unfolds at every step. Do the whole walk in eight days or tackle it in sections on weekends away. Immerse yourself in nature by walking the Surf Coast Walk over 44km from Torquay to Aireys Inlet. Or drive the iconic Great Ocean Road. Built by soldiers recently returned from World War 1, it is the world’s longest war memorial.