Wander the lawns of the beautiful old gardens of Werribee Mansion.otted with rare trees and discover the picturesque lake and the hidden gem of an authentic Victorian era shell encrusted grotto.
Werribee mansion needed an impressive park and at the time that meant an English style garden of gently rolling lawns set against groves of trees, usually including a lake and picturesque features such as the grotto. All designed to recreate an idyllic pastoral scene, in the manner of English landscape design during the 18th & 19th century.
THE GREAT LAWN
From the Mansion, the view is framed on either side by garden beds, and the eye directed out towards the rolling lawns, dotted with magnificent and rare specimen trees. The farm and any utilitarian buildings are kept out of sight.
THE TREES
The trees planted at Werribee Park were planted with the future in mind. There was a particular emphasis on conifers. Today the trees are mature and some are rare or exotic, and many are on The National Tree Register.
THE LAKE
Below this rich parkland can be seen a small lake, with its own miniature island. It can host an array of waterbirds including Pacific Black and Shoveler Ducks, Dusky Moorhens, Coots, Large Egrets and White-faced Herons.
THE GROTTO
A small raised promontory intrudes into the lake and it is here that you will find a romantic gothic style grotto. A winding path leads to the entrance and to the Grotto’s interior, a cave like circular space, encrusted all over in decorative swirling patterns made with delicate seashells, pebbles, and animal teeth. The floor is circular and decorated with more circular patterns. A ray of light beams in from a discreet window in the ceiling, penetrating the gloomy interior and illuminating the patterns within. Today, you can't enter the interior but you can look in through a glass door. The grotto was built in 1877. It’s a truly special place, but it’s not in good condition and needs some maintenance. But none the less it has to be one of the best example to be found in Australia.