Heronswood

Heronswood is a heritage-listed Gothic Revival estate and garden located at Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. Built in 1871 for pastoralist William Brassey to a design by Edward La Trobe Bateman, it overlooks Port Phillip Bay. Now operated by The Diggers Club, it features restored historic house, extensive ornamental and productive gardens, nursery and cafe, and is noted for its plant conservation and Victorian garden design.

Visitors can explore a restored 1871 Gothic Revival mansion set within extensive heritage gardens overlooking Port Phillip Bay. The site includes formal ornamental gardens, productive vegetable and flower gardens, heritage orchard, nursery and garden shop, and a cafe in the historic outbuildings. Paths wind through terraced beds, lawns and woodland areas with bay views. Guided garden tours, seasonal displays and plant sales are available, with interpretation of Victorian garden design and plant conservation work.

Built in 1871 for Captain William Edward Brassey, Heronswood was designed by artist and garden designer Edward La Trobe Bateman in Gothic Revival style. It is a notable example of a 19th-century marine villa and Victorian garden on the Mornington Peninsula. The property is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and later became the headquarters and demonstration garden for The Diggers Club, known for conserving heirloom plants.

Heronswood is significant as a preserved Victorian estate illustrating 19th-century architectural and garden design tastes, and for its ongoing role in heirloom plant conservation and horticultural education through The Diggers Club. The gardens demonstrate historic planting styles and sustainable gardening practices.