Looking for things to do in Brisbane? Wolston farmhouse may just be the answer. As Brisbane’s oldest surviving residential farmhouse, it offers something different to do on a weekend.
Where is Wolston Farmhouse?
Technically, Wolston Farmhouse is just slightly outside of Brisbane but it is still only a 30-minute drive away from the city. Situated in Wacol, Queensland, it sits in a somewhat rural spot by the Brisbane River, behind a correctional facility and prison of all places!
Don’t let that deter you though, the setting is just lovely from the farm, and you will likely see some kangaroos too!
What’s there to do at Wolston Farmhouse?
There are two reasons to visit Wolston Farmhouse, one; the history of the place, and two; the high tea.
If you are a British expat like me, you will enjoy the English feel of the place, and may just get a little taste of home. It’s winter here in Brisbane at the moment, so the weather is just that bit cooler (which I love!).
To visit, you have to pay an entry fee (or free if a National Trust member), which gives you a guided tour of the old farmhouse. You can choose the guided tour, or just to wander around on your own. I would highly recommend the guided tour as you learn a lot about the house and its history, that you wouldn’t otherwise have known. The tour guide who showed us around was a volunteer so obviously very enthusiastic about the place and he really knew his stuff.
The tour takes you through the six rooms, which are all set up with how it would have looked in the 19th century. There are some fascinating objects, which the guide will talk you through, and you can really get a feel for how the family lived during the time.
After the tour, you can head to the pretty veranda for some tea and scones. Wolston Farmhouse do packages, the popular one being the high tea, which is basically ‘afternoon tea’ as the English would know it. This includes tea or coffee, sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and of course, delicious scones. You need to book in advance for this though, so check their website, as well as Groupon as they do discounts sometimes.
The scones are delicious, and the tea served in lovely teapots and cups, and the setting is beautiful, especially when the sun is shining. They also occasionally do other activities at the farmhouse, such as old lawn games, art classes, paranormal investigations, and days where you and the kids can dress up in the old clothes.
What are the opening times and prices?
The farmhouse is only open on weekends from 10am to 2pm. Be sure to check the website beforehand though.
At the time of writing (June 2022) the price is $12 entry fee or $10 concession. This is just for the tour. If you want a Devonshire cream tea separately, it’s another $10.
The website seemed to be playing up when I was trying to book, and the prices are not on the site, but I think just the scones and tour together as a package costs around $20. The high tea and tour was going for $29 on Groupon, but I’m not sure what price it usually is. It may be worth ringing first!
Hope you enjoyed this post, and its given you some ideas on things to do in Brisbane this weekend!
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