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Labassa: Twilight House and Garden tours

February 9 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, event navigation.

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Experience Labassa’s lavish architecture and companion garden at twilight. Labassa’s garden has undergone many changes in its 160-year history. From pleasure grounds for Marvellous Melbourne’s elite through to a communal garden for resident hippies, Labassa has seen it all. Although over 700 people have lived at the mansion, its 1890s interiors remain largely intact. See how the setting sun brings a warm glow to its opulent decorative features. The evening begins with light refreshments followed by guided tours of the house and garden. Your ticket includes light refreshments; guided tours of the house and garden, and, a copy of the National Trust’s 32-page souvenir booklet: Labassa: a Grand Victorian Mansion. Please advise any dietary requirements to [email protected] no later than 4pm Wednesday 7th February. No refunds from 4pm Thursday 8th February.

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Labassa - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Labassa Mansion

Things to do caulfield north , glen eira , victoria.

Labassa is one of Australia’s most outstanding 19th century mansions.

Designed by architect John Augustus Bernard Koch for millionaire Alexander Robertson, the house is a thirty-five roomed property with ornate interiors in the French Second Empire style.

Inside it is shrouded in gilt embossed wallpapers, mahogany timbers, ornate stained glass and a rare trompe l’oeil ceiling. Externally it features Corinthian columns, arcaded verandas, classical decoration and inset Italian marble panels.

Home to Melbourne’s elite until 1920, when divided into flats, Labassa has since held a fascinating succession of residents, including Hollywood’s first Australian silent film star. Visitors will discover a rich and dazzling history surrounding the eccentric lifestyles of the bohemians and artists who called Labassa home throughout the mid twentieth century.

Disabled Assistance

Accreditation

Adult $15 Concession $12 Child $9 Family (two adults and two children) $35 National Trust Members free

Please note, access to the tower is an additional gold coin donation

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Discover the Charming Heritage of Labassa Mansion in Caulfield North

A hassle-free guide for parents visiting labassa mansion in caulfield north.

Table of Contents

Welcome! Either you’re a parent rainy-day adventuring for your family, or mountain of local history that you want to introduce your kids to. Either way, I’m super thrilled to help you plan an amazing day out at the Labassa Mansion in Caulfield North.

What’s the big deal with Labassa Mansion?

Stepping into the Labassa Mansion feels like opening a postcard from the past — it’s one of the most stunning heritage sites around Caulfield North. Known for its fantastically opulent interiors and remarkable architectural detail, Labassa Mansion provides a fun, immersive way to learn about our local history and culture. Your family is going to absolutely love it!

A Peek into Labassa Mansion’s History

Constructed in the 1860s, and then further glammed up in the late 19th century, the Labassa Mansion is a mélange of Second Empire and Italianate architectural styles. With its grand staircase, beautifully drawn murals, and regal gold leaf embellishments, this mansion screams indulgence, opulence and history all at once. Keen to let your children explore the lives of the rich and famous from an era gone by? You’ve got your ticket!

Planning your visit: What to Know

Opening hours and tickets.

Labassa Mansion is open from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm on the third Sunday of every month. Remember, the sanctuary of history and old-world grandeur is most enjoyable when you aren’t rushed, so plan to spend at least a few hours here. Tickets can be bought at the door, but you can also book them online to skip the queue.

Where’s the fun for kids?

Good news! Labassa Mansion is not all about quiet tours and antique furniture. It caters well to its little guests as well. There’s a dedicated kids’ activity room where they can play and learn about history in a fun, interactive way.

We’re just getting started on how amazing the Labassa Mansion visit can be for your family. Continue reading to know about family-friendly amenities, nearby eateries to curb those little hunger pangs, and tips to make your visit memorable.

Credit: Google Maps

Family-friendly Amenities at Labassa Mansion

With plenty of open green spaces, the mansion also offers a fantastic spot for a family picnic. The manicured lawns provide enough room for kids to play while you relax in picturesque surroundings. If you’d rather stay indoors, there’s ample seating available inside as well.

Also, don’t worry about kid’s essential facilities. You’ll find bathrooms equipped with changing tables to ensure a comfortable visit with your wee ones.

Taking Care of Tummy Growls – Nearby Eateries

After all the exploring and fun, your kids are bound to get peckish. Luckily, there’s a delightful café right on the premises, serving delicious drinks, cakes, sandwiches and other treats. It’s a great spot to refuel before or after your mansion tour.

If you’re craving more substantial bites, there are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants and cafes just a short drive away from Labassa Mansion.

Tips for a Memorable visit

Teach them with fun.

Kids love stories! Prepare in advance with a few fun facts about Labassa Mansion to share with your little explorers. You don’t have to dive deep into architectural details – just narrate the story of who lived there, how they lived, what the rooms were used for etc., to bring the mansion alive for them.

Encourage Exploration

If your child shows an interest, let them lead the way. Let them direct the pace and order of the rooms you visit. This simple act can turn a dull trip into an adventure they’ll remember for years.

All Packed and Ready to Go!

There you have it – your complete and handy guide to exploring the incredible Labassa Mansion with your family. From its grandeur and history to kid-friendly activities and amenities, it’s a destination that’s bound to create delightful memories. Enjoy your day out, happy explorers!

Preparing For Your Visit to Labassa Mansion Caulfield North

1. understand the history.

Before you visit Labassa Mansion, understand its rich history. This majestic heritage building offers a unique glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Australian Victorian Age. Your children may benefit from a prior understanding of this historical period, making the visit more educational and intriguing.

2. Check the Opening Times

Ensure you are aware of the operating hours. Labassa Mansion Caulfield North is usually open for tours on the third Sunday of each month. However, operated by the National Trust, it may occasionally be shut due to private events or public holidays. So, it is essential to verify the schedule before your visit.

3. Plan Your Tour

Labassa Mansion features fantastic architectural wonders, stunning interiors, and massive grounds. Design a tour plan to cover all famous spots within the mansion and its lush surrounding gardens. It would be a good idea to factor in some downtime too, as young children may need breaks.

4. Dress for Comfort

Comfortable clothing and shoes are crucial for the tours due to the mansion’s vast size. Depending on the weather conditions, hats and sunscreen might come in handy, particularly if you plan to explore the house’s surrounding gardens.

5. Bring Snacks and Drinks

There aren’t any food outlets within the premises. So, bringing some snacks and drinks will be a smart idea especially if you are visiting with children.

Lastly, remember that a visit to the Labassa Mansion Caulfield North is not only an enjoyable outing but also an educational journey. Preparing your kids beforehand with some fun, historical facts about the place could make their experience even more exciting.

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Labassa Mansion

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This opulent 19th century mansion is open for tours on the third Sunday of every month.

National Trust members are free and bookings are essential.

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Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

LABASSA: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• (0.53 km) Kimberley Gardens Hotel & Serviced Apartments
• (0.62 km) Your Home away from Home
• (3.12 km) Quest Prahran
• (0.13 km) Large luxury home in great inner Melbourne location
• (3.57 km) Ovolo South Yarra
• (1.35 km) Attica
• (0.63 km) Frank and Ginger Cafe
• (0.63 km) Common Room Co Café
• (0.65 km) Common Room
• (0.61 km) Espresso Etc

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Labassa is a magnificent mansion located in Caulfield, Victoria, Australia. Built between 1863 and 1890, Labassa is a prime example of the French Second Empire style architecture, characterized by its mansard roof, ornate detailing, and grandeur. Originally known as “Sylliott Hill,” the mansion was designed by architect John Augustus Bernard Koch for Alexander Robertson, a wealthy Scottish immigrant. The estate was later renamed “Ontario” before being rebranded as Labassa in the 1900s.

Labassa’s interior is equally as impressive as its exterior, showcasing opulent Victorian and Art Nouveau design elements. Elaborate plasterwork, marble fireplaces, stained glass windows, and intricate wood paneling adorn the rooms. The mansion also features a striking central staircase and a stunning ballroom, which was a focal point for extravagant social events during Labassa’s heyday.

Today, Labassa stands as a testament to the historical and architectural heritage of Victoria. It is a preserved heritage site and is managed by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). Visitors have the opportunity to explore its lavishly decorated rooms and gardens, providing a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Melbourne’s elite in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The mansion serves as an important cultural and educational landmark, offering tours, events, and exhibitions to the public, making it a cherished piece of Victoria’s architectural legacy.

Labassa Mansion is located about 10km and a 30 minute drive or tram ride from the Melbourne CBD.

Labassa’s interiors are used in Series Two Episode One “Murder Most Scandalous” as the interior of the the Imperial Club.

Click and drag on the image above for a 360 degree view of the interior staircase, including the gorgeous ceiling and entranceway.

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Labassa Mansion

One of the most remarkable homes built in Australia during the 19th century is called Labassa .

The opulent interiors of this thirty-five-roomed property are decorated in the style of the French Second Empire. The mansion was designed by architect John Augustus Bernard Koch for a wealthy businessman named Alexander Robertson.

Inside, it has a remarkable trompe l’oeil ceiling, mahogany timbers, beautiful stained glass, and wallpapers with gold embossed designs. Corinthian columns, arcaded verandas, classical design, and inset Italian marble panels can be found on the exterior of the building.

Labassa was the residence of Melbourne’s elite until 1920, when it was subdivided into flats. Since then, it has been home to a fascinating sequence of inhabitants, including the first Australian silent cinema actor to make it big in Hollywood. Visitors will find a rich and fascinating history around the unusual lifestyles of the bohemians and artists who made Labassa home throughout the middle of the twentieth century. This history will be revealed to visitors in the form of spectacular historical artifacts.

The lavish architectural details of the Victorian era may be found throughout the magnificent estate known as Labassa. It was formerly known as “Sylliott Hill,” but in the 1880s it was renamed “Ontario” in honor of its new proprietor, Alexander William Robertson, who was of Canadian descent. He commissioned John A. B. Koch, a German-born architect, to redesign the mansion in the style of the French Second Empire. Koch transformed the house into a mansion with thirty-five rooms as a result of his work. The inside is exquisitely decorated with faux l’oeil ceilings, trompe l’oeil wallpapers with gilded embossed designs, and beautiful stained glass.

After being renamed Labassa in 1904, it served as the primary residence of Melbourne’s upper-class citizens until 1920, when it was converted into apartments. One of the tenants was the first Australian to star in a silent film in Hollywood, and there were also other colorful bohemians living there. All of the guests who come to Labassa are awestruck by the superbly renovated interiors of the principal rooms, which make the home the most opulent of the few nineteenth-century palaces that have survived.

In 2013, more than 135 previous residents, owners, and their descendants got together for a reunion, which resulted to the launch of an ongoing research project into the unique living history of Labassa over the past 143 years.

Between the years 1862 and 1920, the town of Labassa was home to a revolving door of industrious and successful families. After those prosperous years, the building was subdivided into apartments and began to house a succession of new people with progressively lower incomes. These new tenants included Jewish refugees, world war heroes, socialites, and bohemian artists.

Labassa Mansion is located close to Melbourne CBD & Ami Tour you can check below Google Maps.

We, At Ami Tours , specialize in Yarra Valley wineries tours and Mornington Peninsula wineries tours. We offer daily group wine tours, private, customized tours, and tours for large groups and corporations.

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Labassa Mansion Is The Scene Of A Murder And It’s Up To You To Solve The Case

New dates have been added to Melbourne's immersive Murder Mystery experience , interrogate suspects and search for clues in the case of the murdered playboy.

Built in the mid-1800s, Labassa Mansion has seen wealthy families, prominent socialites, world war heroes, refugees and artists, like the Australian-born star of Hollywood’s silent era Louise Lovely, call the 35-room residence home. But now it is home to an interactive and immersive Murder Mystery experience where players get to roam its rooms and search for clues in order to solve the crime. 

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Labassa Mansion

• What do we know so far...

Murder Mystery Reviews

Labassa is a Victorian-era mansion in Caulfield North complete with opulent architectural features like gilt embossed wallpapers, stained glass windows and a rare trompe l’oeil ceiling. It has survived name changes, transformations and more than 100 residents in its 150-plus-year history.

Since falling into decay, the interiors of the main rooms have been restored to their former glory. Now, Labassa is one of the few surviving nineteenth-century mansions in Victoria and the most lavish. It is the perfect setting for the immersive and interactive murder mystery experience in Melbourne  that has so far drawn hundreds of participants to its lavish lounges in the search for the truth.

What do we know so far…

A wealthy playboy and politician has met his untimely end in his lavish home. The circumstances of his death are shrouded in mystery , with the prime suspect being his trusted butler. However, as you delve deeper into the investigation, you will discover that there may be more to the story than meets the eye .

As a guest at the will reading, you will have the opportunity to explore the opulent mansion and search for clues that will help you piece together what really happened on the night of the murder. You will need to use your keen observation skills to examine the crime scene and gather evidence, interrogate the suspects to uncover their motives and alibis. Will you solve the mystery in time , or will an innocent man be convicted for murder?

Such a great night!! Very clever characters who were expertly portrayed. Would highly recommend! 🙂 – Siobhan Donovan-Jones My husband was sceptical when I told him what we were going to do. But we both had an absolute blast. I would recommend this, it is a fun interactive experience. – Simone Kelso Fantastic night. Would book again without any hesitation. The actors were hilarious, entertaining and inclusive. Loved it! – M Kes Absolutely fabulous evening. So much fun. The actors were terrific and the setting magnificent. Didn’t want the evening to end! Would highly recommend. – Samantha Leaver

Over the course of 90 minutes, you and your team will explore multiple rooms and interrogate suspects to solve the mystery because even the ugliest secrets can’t be hidden forever.

Do you have what it takes to put two and two together or will the true assassin/s escape justice?

TYPE IN YOUR SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER

Christmas at the Pabst Mansion tours are back, including mimosa tours

Tickets are on sale now for Christmas at the  Pabst Mansion  holiday tours, including mimosa tours, which begin Nov. 16.

The 20,000-square-foot historic mansion, built in 1892 as a home for beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst and his wife Maria, goes all out when it decorates for Christmas, including putting up dozens of Christmas trees. 

Here's what you need to know about the Pabst's holiday programs.

Get daily updates on the Packers during the season.

Where is the Pabst Mansion?

The Pabst is at 2000 W. Wisconsin Ave. Tours begin slightly west of the main entrance at the new Pabst Mansion Visitor Center, 2040 W. Wisconsin Ave. (The visitor center is also home to the mansion's gift shop.)

When are self-guided Christmas at the Pabst Mansion tours available?

Self-guided tours will be available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday (last entry at 3:15 p.m.) and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday Nov. 16 through Jan. 7 (check the  Pabst Mansion website  for holiday hours). Tickets are $20 for adults; $18 for students, seniors and military; $13 for children (ages 6-17); and free for children 5 and under and members. Tickets are for timed entry.

When are self-guided Twilight Tours at the Pabst available?

Self-guided Twilight Tours will be offered 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, Nov. 24 through Jan. 6, excluding holiday eves. Tickets are $26 for adults; $24 for students, seniors and military; $11 for members. Gluhwein (hot mulled wine) and other seasonal adult beverages will be on sale. A changing roster of musicians will perform during these tours.

When are the holiday mimosa tours at the Pabst Mansion?

Holiday mimosa tours will be available at 9:30 a.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sundays. Same prices as Twilight Tours; a mimosa is included with the ticket. The mimosa tours are the only guided tours offered through the holiday season.

When does Father Christmas visit the Pabst Mansion?

Family afternoons, including an appearance by Father Christmas, will be offered from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 17. These family tours are included with paid holiday season admission: $20 for adults, $18 student/senior/military, $13 children ages 6-17, $8 for children ages 3-5, free for younger children and members.

Besides Christmas decorations, what else can visitors see at the Pabst Mansion?

The Pabst Mansion is a year-round attraction for its Flemish Renaissance Revival architecture and design, including high-ceiling rooms, ornate woodwork and an extensive art collection.

How can I buy tickets for the Pabst Mansion?

Visit pabstmansion.com .

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Christmas at the Pabst Mansion tours are back, including mimosa tours

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Labassa: At home with the Watsons

17 Apr 2022 ‐

17 Apr 2022

10:00 am ‐ 4:15 pm

Concession: $12

Family (2A + 2C) $35

National Trust Member: FREE

17 April 2022

10am - 4.30pm (last entry at 3.30pm)

Located on Bunurong Country

The Watsons, who gave Labassa its name, were passionate collectors of fine furniture and porcelain.

The Watsons, who gave Labassa its name, were passionate collectors of fine furniture and porcelain. As beneficiaries of the will of gold-mining magnate John Boyd Watson I, they could afford all the comforts of a distinguished and wealthy family. View some of the many decorative pieces the Watsons acquired over successive generations. Guided house tours are available throughout the day.

• 10 am session: House tour at 10.45am
• 11:15am session : House tour at 12:00pm
• 12:30pm session : House tour at 1.15pm
• 1:45pm session: House tour at 2.30pm
• 3:00pm session: House tour at 3.45pm (Last entry at 3.30pm)

All tours are approximately 30 minutes duration. Please adhere to the correct times of tours according to the session you purchase.

Plan your visit

2 Manor Grove Caulfield North 3161 VIC

Third Sunday of the month. 10:30am - 4:00pm

Please note: Parking is not permitted on Manor Grove.

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From mansion to flats, Labassa has survived with its Victorian era decoration intact

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