By Ann Marie Angebrandt
THE new manager of the Point Cook Homestead has plans to put the historic property firmly on the tourist map.
The 150-year-old homestead is somewhat a victim of its isolation on the rocky coast of Port Phillip, and is regarded by tourists as a poor cousin to its more illustrious relative, the Mansion at Werribee Park.
Emma Sutcliffe, who assumed management of the Parks Victoria property late last year, said the Point Cook site was overdue for promotion.
“There is so much potential for such a beautiful site,” she said.
“We have our regulars who have coffee here, but so much more can be done.”
Thomas Chirnside, a wealthy pastoralist from Scotland, built the homestead in 1857.
A few years later, he and his brother, Andrew, constructed their elaborate Italianate mansion at Werribee South.
The brothers developed the Point Cook property as a thoroughbred stud and sporting area for their fellow colonial gentry, adding formal gardens, rabbit, fox and deer.
The stables over the years have been home to Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup winners – even Phar Lap is believed to have stayed here.
The property passed from the Chirnside family in 1920, but had fallen into the hands of vandals and squatters by the 1970s.
Many of its antique fixtures were stolen during this time, and it became overrun with weeds and vermin.
The State Government rescued it in 1978, and a painstaking process to reform it was started by Parks Victoria ranger Norm Lawler.
Now Ms Sutcliffe and Parks Victoria plan to continue that process and capitalise on the site’s history, its beautiful views across the bay to Melbourne, and the graceful Norfolk pines and abundant bird life.
In addition to holding more weddings and expanding on their cafe regulars, Ms Sutcliffe is adding an eclectic fare of activities such as art exhibitions, karaoke evenings, wine tastings and outdoor cinema evenings, as well as restoring rooms for possible bed-and-breakfast bookings.
She may even call on the services of the ghost of Thomas Chirnside – believed to still haunt the property – to participate in mystery tours.
The Point Cook Homestead is now open on weekends or by appointment.
It is at 1 Point Cook Homestead Rd. Call 9395-1213.
