Saumarez Homestead

Saumarez Homestead is a beautifully preserved 30-room Edwardian farmhouse and outbuilding complex, offering a captivating glimpse into rural life in early 20th-century Australia. Set on 7 hectares of gardens and farmland just outside Port Macquarie, this National Trust property feels like stepping into a living museum, where you can explore the homestead, stables, shearing shed, and blacksmith’s workshop, all filled with original furnishings and agricultural equipment.

Highlights & What to See

• The Homestead – Wander through the grand main house with its intact Edwardian interiors, including the dining room, kitchen, and bedrooms, all furnished with period pieces and family heirlooms.
• Outbuildings – Explore the stables, hay shed, and coach house, plus the working blacksmith’s forge and shearing shed that showcase the property’s agricultural past.
• Gardens & Grounds – Stroll through the formal gardens, orchard, and paddocks; keep an eye out for heritage chickens and the resident alpacas.
• Guided Tours – Join a volunteer-led tour to hear stories of the White family, who lived here for four generations, and learn about daily life on a working farm.
• Seasonal Events – Check for open days with craft demonstrations, vintage car displays, and afternoon tea in the homestead garden.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the homestead, outbuildings, and gardens at a relaxed pace. If you’re a history buff or keen photographer, you could easily spend half a day. The site is self-guided with informative signage, but guided tours (available on select days) add valuable context. Combine with a visit to nearby Port Macquarie’s beaches or the Koala Hospital for a full day out.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – Just 10 minutes away, enjoy the town’s coastal walks, cafes, and the iconic Koala Hospital.
• Billabong Zoo – A wildlife park with koalas, crocodiles, and big cats, 15 minutes south.
• Sea Acres Rainforest Centre – A boardwalk through coastal rainforest with abundant birdlife, 15 minutes east.
• Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park – A serene bushland reserve with walking trails and a historic cemetery, 10 minutes away.
• Camden Haven – Charming villages, estuaries, and beaches about 30 minutes south, perfect for a scenic drive.

Please check official sources for current details.