SITE PARTNER:  

Ormiston House

Ormiston

Heritage listed Ormiston House, overlooking Moreton Bay, is one of the finest examples of a colonial garden estate in Queensland as well as the birthplace of the Australian sugar industry.

One of the bayside’s most popular tourist attractions; this historic house is open to the public every Sunday from 12 to 4. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, take a tour of the house, have a picnic on the lawn or enjoy Devonshire Tea on the verandah.

Ormiston House

The house and surrounding gardens – lush with camellias, azaleas, magnolias and hibiscus - have been restored by dedicated volunteers keen on preserving the history and beauty of Ormiston Estate. 

Ormiston House

Captain Louis Hope, who named Ormiston after a village on his family estate in Scotland, built Ormiston House during the 1860’s. Hope was the first to grow and mill commercially produced sugar in Queensland and Ormiston Estate is recognised as the birthplace of the Australian sugar industry.

Ormiston House

The slab hut was the first building erected on the estate in the early 1850’s, to provide accommodation and kitchen for the workers. The main house was built in stages beginning in 1862. Simple yet elegant, the house boasts high ceilings, mahogany doors and cypress floors with wide verandahs. It was one of the first homes in Queensland to have a flushing toilet. 

Ormiston House

The drawing room, dining room, main bedroom, nursery, Mrs Hope’s morning room and Captain Hope’s study have been furnished to reflect the period. Some of the Hope’s personal belongings remain such as Mrs Hope’s tea kettle, Captain Hope’s brass telescope and ‘White Stockings’ the Hope children’s beloved rocking horse.

Ormiston House

The Hope family sold the home in 1913 to John Arthur Macartney, an explorer and prominent pastoralist. He made many improvements to the house, including the decorative pressed metal ceilings. One of the rooms has been named the Macartney Room in his memory. 

Ormiston House

In 1959, the Carmelite Nuns purchased Ormiston Estate to build a monastery. By then, the house was run down and gardens overgrown. Recognising the historical value of the house, the nuns decided to build their monastery to the north. 

Ormiston House

Restorations commenced in 1967, by a volunteer committee, and the first rooms were opened in 1968.  All restorations are funded by money raised by volunteers. This includes admission ($8 per adult/$5 per child*) and Devonshire Tea which includes a scone with jam and cream plus tea/coffee/or juice for $8.  

Ormiston House

Nice to know - Special events are held throughout the year including Mother’s Day High Tea and vintage car club days.

Ormiston House

Need to know - Weekday tours are available to coach, school and other groups by appointment.

By Deb Lidster

Ormiston House

277 Wellington St

Ormiston

Sun 12-4

A$8 Child (5-12yrs) $5

0457 675 137

Map

277 Wellington St Ormiston

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Don't miss Shake & Stir's adaptation of James and the Giant Peach
Embark on an exciting journey through the past & present
The Smile Station is an interactive space for all ages to enjoy
Things are heating up at Terraces Restaurant in April
A cult classic returns to La Boite Theatre
Experience an unforgettable evening with Ella Hooper
The Queensland Choir accompanied by a live orchestra
Queensland Symphony Orchestra bring Olivia's iconic hits to life
A modern fairy tale about kindness, bravery, friendship & burgers!
EDITOR'S PICK

Brisbane's Biggest Easter Weekend

Pop on your bunny ears and head to Victoria Park for a FREE four-day Easter celebration
Brisbane's Biggest Easter Weekend
MUST DO

Easter School Holidays 2024

From Easter-themed mini golf and fun activities, to must-see shows and a dedicated kids festival, here are 20+ egg-citing things to do
Easter School Holiday Guide 2024
THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Mar 29-Apr 1

From free outdoor Easter movies in the park, cutting edge theatre and Easter-themed mini golf to a Renaissance art immersive exhibition
This Weekend Mar 29-Apr 1
FAMILY HOLIDAY

Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

Have you booked in for the school holidays yet? This family holiday resort on the Gold Coast is a fun-filled adventure park where even furry family members are welcome
BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park
COMING UP

What's on in April in & around Brisbane

From a mega sunflower festival & five-week-long Brisbane Comedy Festival to an Olivia Newton-John tribute concert and canine comedians, some top things to do in April in and around Brisbane
What's On in April 2024 around Brisbane
FREE

Park Play

Kids can enjoy a world of wonder and excitement at this fantastic, free holiday program nestled in the heart of Victoria Park.
Park Play
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

Easter Movie Night

Enjoy an egg-cellent night out with family & friends at Victoria Park’s Easter Movie Night with 2 free movie screenings
Easter Movie Night
KIDS

Playtopia

Roma Street Parkland's newest kids event - where curiority meets fun, offering free activities for children these school holidays
Playtopia
La Boite's awe-inspiring 2024 season kicks off
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
ADVERTISEMENT