View of Gulf Station's burnt paddocks February 09 - (Image courtesy of a community volunteer)

We owe a debt of gratitude to the community and our Trust volunteers who fought ember attack and grass fires to ensure the safety of Gulf Station - Victoria s oldest intact farm complex. They worked into the early hours of the Sunday morning to protect this historic property which is so precious to our Victorian heritage. We also join in a real sense of loss for so many significant heritage buildings particularly in historic Marysville and other areas north of Yarra Valley, Gippsland and other parts of our state – memories that can never be replaced.

Our Trust Board, members and staff join with the whole Victorian community in expressing our deep sadness and our thoughts are with those families and friends who have lost loved ones and had their homes and communities devastated by bushfires.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Graeme Blackman – Chairman
Martin Purslow - CEO

Impact of the fires at Gulf Station

Des Thornton shows some of the impact of the recent fires at Gulf Station.

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Recent renovations at Gulf Station.

Take a tour of the farm with carpenter Matt Jeffrey to see all the changes and improvements to the buildings at Gulf Station including Shadow's new hoof!

Welcome to Gulf Station – the Yarra Valley’s pioneer working farm

Located less than an hour away from Melbourne’s CBD in the picturesque Yarra Valley, Gulf Station is one of the oldest and most intact timber farm complexes in Australia. Built in the 1850s, the historic homestead is the heart of Gulf Station. It is surrounded by many original outbuildings such as the barn, dairy, schoolhouse and butcher shop.

Currently the Station is open for group/ education bookings only as we complete our vital renovation projects at Gulf Station this year (see details below). Please phone (03) 8663 7262 to make a group or education booking.

Gulf Station Renovations

Gulf Station is currently undergoing a program of essential restoration works to conserve the significant heritage buildings at the site.

Conservation and reinterpretation of the homestead will take place and restoration of the school house (Yarra Glen's original school house from 1860) and a number of other buildings will occur. A feasibility study will also be undertaken to position Gulf Station as an important heritage site for the region.

In addition to the above, the National Trust is working with Heritage Victoria to save an 1870's prefabricated timber house from North Croydon which is of State significance and that was threatened by development. This important property will be relocated to Gulf Station to further develop facilities for visitors and educational groups.

With a focus on the welfare of Gulf Station's animals, the Trust has taken the decision to temporarily relocate them to more appropriate homes, including Mooramong Farm, another rural National Trust property, for the duration of the project.

Due to the extent of the restoration works, the property will be closed to general visitation however a series of open days are proposed throughout the period to allow visitors to learn about and experience the changing face of the property. The educational program will continue to run as normal with bookings essential.

The project is being supported by the State Government and Heritage Council.