By Derek Schlennstedt
Take a step back in time, to the 1900’s, when pioneers worked, ploughed and made a living off the land.
Gulf station in Yarra Glen is one of the only original timber farms left in Australia; it’s charm and history make it a destination that can’t be missed.
The station owned by the National Trust is celebrating the Australian Heritage Festival that runs from Tuesday 18 to Friday 21 April, and is Australia’s biggest annual community-driven heritage festival.
To celebrate the event, Gulf station is having an open day on Sunday 23 April, and volunteer Mike Ridley invites everyone to come along and celebrate Australia’s and Gulf station’s rich history and heritage.
“It will be a great day, tours will be run, there will be tea and coffee, a barbecue, a Clydesdale harrowing display, rope making demonstrations, and ‘Italian extract’ will be doing pasta cooking and making, and there will be much much more,” says Mike.
The 2017 Australian Heritage Festival theme is ‘Having a Voice’ and the National Trust of Australia invite communities across Victoria to tell their stories through different voices, recognising the many narratives that have shaped Victoria.
Currently, the station is run and looked after by passionate volunteers who inform, educate and tell stories about the location’s vivid history with each house, room and building reflecting the rustic and 19th century atmosphere.
Speaking to the Mail while taking a tour of the station, Mike says the location holds a special place in his heart and that even after 20 years of volunteering, he still loves its charm and character.
“What I like about it? ‘The sheer magic of the place, it has so much character and history to it, everywhere has a story,’” he said.
Gulf station is located on 1029 Melba Highway, and visitors are invited to dress in 19th century costume to create a 19th century atmosphere.
The event will run from 10am to 4pm on 23 April, and visitors only need a gold coin donation.
With traditional homesteads, outbuildings, stables and various animals, visitors can spend the entire day exploring the property’s charms and be transported into the domestic life of a rural colonial family.
