West Melbourne and Beyond

Bringalbit Open Garden Macedon

Bringalbit Open Garden Kyneton

My recent visit to Bringalbit Open Gardens near Kyneton was nothing short of a magical journey through time and nature. Nestled in the heart of the Macedon Ranges, this historical gem beautifully encapsulates the essence of 19th-century Australian rural life with its 1870s stone homestead, woolshed, stables, and other quaint outbuildings. Bringalbit Open Garden is nestled in rolling granite hills and is known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

As I wandered through the sprawling parklands, I was greeted by a stunning array of old trees, each telling its own story, and a charming ornamental lake that served as a tranquil centerpiece to the gardens. The variety and vibrancy of the flora were a feast for the eyes, especially during the spring and autumn seasons when the garden truly comes alive with color.

One of the highlights of my visit was a peaceful picnic under an old oak tree beside the lake, offering a picturesque view that seemed straight out of a painting. The presence of wildlife added a delightful touch, making me feel closer to nature.

What sets Bringalbit apart is not just its natural beauty but also its accessibility and affordability. Open on weekends from 10 am to 5 pm, and available for weekday visits by appointment, the garden provides a flexible visiting schedule. The entrance fee of $5 per adult (with children entering for free) is a small price to pay for such an enriching experience.

Farm Animals

At Bringalbit Open Garden you will encounter a few farm animals to brighten up your visit. These animals will certainly help entertain any little kids.

When we encountered the peacock it was quite the surprise for both of us. It was totally stationary and sitting down and looked more like statue. A little startled it sprung to life as we got closer and showed us it beautiful peacock feathers with their spectacular colours.

There are also quinea fowl about and the rooster definitely made us notice it with its rooster call.

It was certainly funny having the rooster follow us around the gardens.

Some of the best things about Bringalbit Open Garden

Historic Setting: The property has a rich heritage dating back to the 19th century, featuring an extensive stone house and structures made from locally quarried granite.
Diverse Flora: The garden comprises various plantings, from mature conifers and oaks set in an English park-like environment to vibrant crab-apple walks, perennial borders, and Mediterranean plants.
Seasonal Beauty: The garden boasts a range of seasonal blooms, from gentle spring shades to summer's bright colors.
Scenic Walks: Visitors can enjoy walks around the lake and through different themed areas, including a Quince Walk and areas lined with roses, lavender, and agapanthus.
Natural Protection: Surrounding old conifers and trees, many planted in the 19th century, offer a sense of seclusion and protection.
Historical Buildings: The 1870s stone homestead, woolshed, stables, and other outbuildings add to the historical charm of the place.

Bringalbit Open Garden is a unique part of Australia’s rural history, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting ideal for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.

History of Bringalbit Open Garden Kyneton

The history of Bringalbit, a property encompassing an open garden, stretches back to the mid-19th century. The 1,263-acre land was initially purchased by John Apperley in 1858. The granite homestead on the property was built in stages starting from this time. John Lang and his family, who lived there from 1866 to 1877, began constructing the house as it is seen today.

William Fysh, who resided there from 1887 to 1908, is credited with landscaping the lake and planting many exotic trees. During and after World War II, the Gardiner family leased the property, adding more trees. William Runting, owner from 1955 to 1962, further developed the garden, building a stone wall around it and undertaking other projects.

The Fox family purchased Bringalbit in 1990 and undertook significant restoration, including developing new areas. They cleared dead trees and undergrowth and thinned willows on the lake. The garden, known for its harsh climate with hot summers and cold winters, includes features like a creek, dams, a garden lake, and fertile granite soil enriched by humus from massive oaks and other deciduous trees.

By 1991, there were no actual garden beds, and it appears that flowers were not a significant feature historically. The area north of the house has since been transformed into a garden with various elements like a quince and crabapple walk, shrub and perennial borders, vegetable gardens, an olive grove, and an orchard.

Bringalbit Open Garden isn't really about having a perfectly manicured garden. If that is what you are expecting or want this then Bringalbit probably isn't the garden for you. I would describe the garden as more down to earth and even a bit ramshackle but in a nice way.

A few of the seats are a bit in disrepair but other than that everything is in good working condition. However I believe the garden definitely suits those people who like the eclectic side of life and don't expect perfection. If you are an open person and can appreciate what's right in front of you you'll probably get more out of your experience at Bringalbit.

Accommodation

We did not stay the night at Bringalbit so won't provide detailed commentary on the accommmodation. However we were kindly given a tour of one of the cottages so we provide you with some of the photo's here so you can at least get an idea of what's on offer.

All photo's are from the Woolshed Hill House .

Much of the wooden furniture is bespoke and custom made by one of the former owners. The cottage has a consistent design throughout with cream walls and brown tones from all the wooden furniture.

The general furnishings and kitchen equipment is neither super new nor overwhelmingly old. Some people probably would like the cottage to be more modern and akin to their own home. However I think a weekend away shouldn't just replicate home so I am perfectly fine with how the cottage is fitted out. Everyone has there own expectations and wants so we'll let you be the judge.

Of course two of the main areas people are always interested in on a stay away are the bedrooms and the bathroom.

The photos above and below give you an idea of what to expect.

Location

The Bringalbit Open Garden near Kyneton and Macedon is located at 512 Sidonia Road, Sidonia Via Kyneton 3444, Victoria, Australia. The drive is approx. 1 hour 15 minutes from Flinders Street Station.

When

Open on weekends from 10 am to 5 pm, and available for weekday visits by appointment, the garden provides a flexible visiting schedule.

Fees

The entrance fee of $5 per adult (with children entering for free)

In A Nutshell

In conclusion, Bringalbit Open Gardens is a destination for anyone looking for a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Its blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and peaceful ambiance makes it an ideal spot for garden enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone in need of a quiet retreat. Whether you're strolling through the gardens, enjoying a picnic, or simply soaking in the scenery, Bringalbit promises a memorable experience for all.

The lovely host Sue is well worth chatting with if she is available and will certainly elevate your visit to the next level. This garden will especially reward those who enjoy things a bit more down to earth.

Tips

Insider tips:

Bring your own picnic basket or food to treat yourself and enjoy the gardens.
If you have the opportunity ask Sue politely if she will provide you with a quick tour of her home. It's very eclectic, full of curios and Sue is such a nice host and personality.
Keep your expectations in check. This is a down to earth country garden that doesn't aim for 100% total perfection. It's certainly tidy and pretty and has its own charm but it is not manicured in a way you might expect in a Hollywood movie.