Lanyon Homestead

Date: 15 August 2008 05:29:28

After a delicious breakfast with Semele and her BF, I realised I had a few hours before I needed to head up to Wombeyan Caves. In the end, I didn't end up going up there -- I decided to head to Bundanoon instead. I hope to get to the caves again soon.

Looking through a tourist brochure as I packed my bags at my hotel, I saw Lanyon Homestead and decided to take a short trip there. I thought I may spend 45 minutes or so there; I ended up being there for 2 hours. A truly fascinating place.

It was fairly quiet there that Sunday morning, so one of the staff was able to take me around on a guided tour of each of the rooms. It was fascinating to not only see a 1850s homestead, and the various pieces of furniture contained therein, but also to learn a bit of its history. The property itself is set in a beautiful area, practically at the base of the Brindabella Ranges:

The rooms inside were very richly decorated; whenever I walk through historic houses [not as historic as those my dear British / European / American readers may have, but historic for us], I always wonder if I have a rich long-lost relative somewhere who could put me in the lifestyle I would like to become accustomed to. :) From bedrooms to the dining room to the parlour and the office, each room was one I found fascinating, and had some very interesting objects and history as explained by my guide.

The other buildings on the homestead were also interesting to look at, from the pantry to the kitchen to the stables to a cook's bedroom, and many other places. Some beautiful paths to wander, as well as some more modern buildings such as a dairy and newer stables are also present.

A very pleasant, and informative and interesting, way to spend a few hours. I'll have to get to some more historic houses next time I am down in Canberra; and I should try and see those in Sydney too, that I haven't got around too.

On the way back you drive past the (currently-being-refubished) Sidney Nolan Gallery, famous for his Ned Kelly [a famous Australian bushranger] series, among others; this may go over-the-head of many international visitors, but I did particularly like the traffic sign near the gallery [seeing his armour may help somewhat], and here is a view of the beautiful scenery along the road to Lanyon and the Gallery.