It’s easy to fall in love with Yarra Glen’s iconic pioneer homestead… just ask Louise Foxley.
By Kath Gannaway
WHEN Gulf Station re-opened its doors on 4 January, Louise Foxley was there in her distinctive red gumboots to put out the welcome mat.
The National Trust’s pioneer farm complex was closed for restoration in 2008 and the summer holiday opening is an opportunity to show people, especially locals, the progress made so far before re-opening full-time next year.
For Ms Foxley, an architecture and cultural heritage and conservation management graduate, the job of site co-ordinator is a dream come true.
Settled by pastoralist William Bell in the 1850s, the 25,000 acre run was originally known as the Gulf.
The homestead and outbuildings are the oldest and most intact pioneer farm buildings in Australia and potentially an important tourist and cultural attraction for the district.
Ms Foxley said she first visited Gulf Station about five years ago with a university group.
“I used to pass by regularly on the highway, always looking over the fence and thinking it was just incredible, but when I visited, I absolutely fell in love with the place.
“To get to come and work here is amazing,” she said pointing out some of the unique original features of the imported Croydon House which now serves as a visitor centre.
The house, a prefabricated building believed to have been built in the 1870s, has an intriguing history of its own.
It was acquired by the National Trust and moved to Gulf Station where it has been restored as part of the recent works.
The farm is currently home to Gulf Station’s family of Clydesdale working horses, Wilbur the Berkshire pig and a cackle of chooks.
Exploring the 160-year-old homestead and outbuildings, including the butcher’s shop, slaughter house, stables and school house, is a wonderful way to engage in the story of Yarra Glen’s early settlers
Picnic tables are dotted throughout the property and there are many picturesque spots to just throw down a rug and enjoy the peace and quiet of the farm.
A stroll along the new two-kilometre Farm Walk is the perfect way to build up an appetite, and justify a long, leisurely picnic.
Gulf Station, at 1029 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen, is open from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday, until 29 January.
Phone 0438 556 239 or visit www.gulfstation .com.au.
