Como House & Garden image

Como House & Garden

Tourist attraction Garden Wedding venue

Tours of an 1800s mansion with period furnishings & formal gardens with paths & picnic spots. People often mention house, gardens, garden, tour, Como, beautiful, nice, cafe, House, visit,


Address

Williams Rd &, Lechlade Ave, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia

Website

www.nationaltrust.org.au

Contact

+61 3 9656 9889

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (423 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: (Anzac Day/Anzac Day), Closed, Holiday hours
  • Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: house (32) gardens (24) garden (22) tour (20) Como (17) beautiful (16) nice (15) cafe (14) House (13) visit (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Kerbray 2 years ago on Google • 1549 reviews
    Lovely house and gardens behind the restaurant. The gardens were relatively small, but nice for a leisurely 20 minute walk around, with a few information boards talking about the history of the estate. It costs extra to go into the house, especially if an exhibit is on, and is a pleasant addition if attending the restaurant.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Donna P. 4 years ago on Google
    We went to Como House and Gardens today (with my mother, who had already driven 2 hours to get to Melbourne, my daughter and her friend). The gardens are delightful. The house has an interesting history but is in same state it was in when I went as a girl 30 years ago and urgently needs repair and restoration and redecoration. We got a takeaway picnic lunch, beautifully presented by lovely staff. The food was delicious but very expensive. Would not go back. Then we went on the House tour... the guide was rude, badly prepared and boring. I am embarrassed that I took guests, spent a large amount of money and feel the afternoon was utterly wasted. For the house, garden and other staff I would have given 4 stars. For the guide and expense I would not give any stars if it were possible.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carl C. 1 year ago on Google • 55 reviews
    Place is really nice. Had our company book the pavilion for an event and is very pleasant. It has a cafe as well with outdoor tables and chairs. Parking can be a bit challenging but you’ll be able to find 4P and 2Ps around the corner. There’s also a park nearby for more parking.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenny C. 1 year ago on Google
    Como House and Garden is owned by the National Trust. The garden is free to visit and there are paid tours of the house. The café seems to be the main drawcard (very busy) as such a lovely and peaceful setting. The garden consists of the heritage garden and a contemporary perennial border by Paul Bangay that edges the croquet lawn. It's interesting to compare the heritage garden with the contemporary.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Aaron S. 2 years ago on Google
    Como house is a nice little Sanctuary close to the city but you feel a world away in the ground at Como house. The grounds aren't as big as they promote and maybe not as well cared for as they once were. However you'll easily enjoy the history, house and find a nice patch of grass to enjoy a quiet picnic and forget the world around you. Worth a look, just don't expect exquisite or vast grounds
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steven H. 7 months ago on Google • 855 reviews
    An excellent tour led by Henrietta, who was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. It was very interesting to find out how Como was built and extended by three prosperous families, who also had the to be expected tragedy and financial misfortune. Well worth the visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 rebecca p. 1 year ago on Google • 96 reviews
    Went for a tour this week and was better than expected, being our first visit with our national trust membership 🥰 The tour guide was lovely and was happy to answer questions. Como itself has beautiful lush gardens, lots of amazing history and original furniture, all kept in immaculate condition. There's also facilitates to purchase food and ultra handy to the tram, so so worth the visit. Also a gift shop. The kid loved it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ankit Charles R. 2 years ago on Google • 65 reviews
    A very small but gorgeous estate. I was mainly there to explore the garden bit which I thoroughly enjoyed as there were a few winding paths through the different patches of shrubbery and a hidden pond. A lovely place to hang out on a sunny day with a Cafe as an added bonus.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Eglantine G. 4 years ago on Google
    I went to Como House with a class. It's a beautiful property: beautiful garden and a very nice house. The house is not accessible (stairs), the garden is though. As it was an organised visit, it was really nice and informative for the kids.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Will H. 4 years ago on Google
    I went here on an excursion as part of my job. The grounds were stunning but it is definitely more suited for kids and young families.. the students we took here all had a ball!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sambo Da C. 2 years ago on Google
    I came here for the Rose Street Market and there was many beautiful stalls. Had an amazing lunch sitting amongst the beautiful garden got some traditionally made oil perfume and hand made earings 🥰
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 karin p. 4 years ago on Google
    Really enjoyed walking around the gardens and looking at the beautiful old heritage home. Lovely to sit at the cafe , food was lovely. Great place to catch up with friends for a coffee and chat.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hamish John A. 10 months ago on Google
    Took my parter for a romantic roam around these sensual 'secret' gardens and lunched at the local cafe before a tour of the mansion. Well worth a visit - Bring a picnic basket on a fine day and enjoy a lazy afternoon in seclusion. - Hamish John Appleby
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 François-Xavier H. 5 years ago on Google
    Get lost in this tranquil garden off the South Yarra shopping district. Lovely French café and walking clues for family fun. The house is an architectural wonder too. A day-trip made for a sunny day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter B. 2 years ago on Google
    Como House and Garden looking splendid in spring.....
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ian W. 5 years ago on Google
    BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED NATIONAL TRUST PROPERTY Como House (and Gardens) is a brilliant example of a 1950's "Italianate" building set in lush gardens. It is operated by the National trust (with a small entry fee to support its upkeep). Very popular for weddings and other civic ceremonies.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hua C. 2 years ago on Google
    A nice place to visit. The miniature exhibition is fantastic.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andy M. 5 years ago on Google
    Absolutely stunning house, it's well worth a visit on the weekend. The national trust run tours that go through the house and give you fascinating insights. The stables have recently been converted into a cafe - the food is really great and reasonably priced.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John G. 5 months ago on Google • 30 reviews
    Thank you Trisha for a lovely tour. We gained a real insight into how the Melbourne elite used to live. Like a time capsule! The gardens are fairly small but there is a very good restaurant (or just have coffee if you like) on site.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Creonte D. 4 years ago on Google
    Spectacular. very nice place. thanks
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 EmMillie 4 years ago on Google
    I honestly could not exaggerate how wonderful the service, venue and food were – it was perfect! Maria (events team) honestly saved the day. I was starting to panic about the projector and she not only helped install it in the middle of the table (artfully hiding all of the cords) but also focused it for me etc which was going above and beyond and really helped keep the event on schedule. Staff were kind and courteous throughout and worked quietly in the background to ensure that everyone’s preferences and dietary requirements were met. Everyone loved the food, most particularly me and I come from a family of people who take our Devonshire teas very seriously ;) The staff at Como ensured our guests felt comfortable and were flexible with the pack down time, which meant a lot to the charity I work for and myself, considering this was a one off event for our long term supporters. thanks again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott S. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place for quiet stroll around gardens
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Li Y. 6 years ago on Google
    Walking pass everyday, I never knew there was such a beautiful garden in the middle of South Yarra. I would definitely recommend it to everyone I know.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arturo Gomez De C. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved the food, never tasted a better pasta in my life! Service was amazing (unlike in Santoni) and the staff were all very kind! 10/10 will definitely visit again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Seisia L. 3 years ago on Google
    Adore it here! Lovely for photography, picnics, or just a walk in general.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 The M. 1 month ago on Google • 316 reviews New
    A modern looking design for a colonial settlement grand home circa 1847 with double storey wrought iron federation lattice exterior. The iron decorative pillars also serve as hidden drainage downpipes must be another unique feature ahead of its time! The grand Ballroom downstairs is the centrepiece. Definitely join a guided tour as the stories of the early occupants are very entertaining. $12 adult includes guided tour - book ahead. Free timed street parking on Lechlade or Como Ave. Gardens are also worth a look see. Allow 2 hrs for guided tour, the gardens & perusing through the really nice gift shop attended by friendly volunteers. The current exhibition about the Ladies undergarments worn in the mid 1800s to early 1900s is "revealing"! Though how the women's business (period) was handled with such pristine white underthings is never addressed. Nor how the fine lacework trimmings were made manually & where the materials for fine muslin & cotton were sourced from - exploitation of Indian resources & slave labour cotton production!

  • 4/5 Paul I. 2 months ago on Google • 296 reviews New
    Grand old home. Took the tour and it was great. The tour guide was really informative and learnt lots on old Melbourne and how high society lived back in the 19th century. The rooms were all well decorated and while the home is old, it is being well preserved. The gardens are excellent and quite classical Australian.

  • 5/5 André E. 1 year ago on Google • 165 reviews
    A beautiful garden 🪴 not far from South Tara’s famous Chappell Street. The house and the garden are very spacious and you can either just walk through the park, have an Aussie breakfast 🍳 or afternoon tea 🫖 at the beautiful cafe. The pastry 🥐 and the sweet treats looked very tasty too.

  • 4/5 Elizabeth I. 1 month ago on Google • 122 reviews New
    Was a very hot day, visited with preschool children. We were the only ones on the tour, kids loved asking heaps of interesting questions. The guide did so well answering them all. It was so much bigger than expected and very interesting view into our recent Australian history. A bit Downton abbey. Having a national trust membership means we can see more like it too.

  • 5/5 Anima S. 10 months ago on Google • 113 reviews
    Beautifully maintained gardens and house, the house contains a lot of its original furnishings. Would definitely recommend joining one of the house tours to learn the history of the estate.

  • 5/5 Ratskrad N. 1 year ago on Google • 79 reviews
    Como House is a time machine, taking you back to the Victorian era Melbourne. Built a year after the death of Emily Bronte and when Abraham Lincoln was the US President, Como House offers a snapshot of basic life - albeit for a wealthy family - and forms part of the unique history of Melbourne. As well as ornate gardens, the house tour takes you into the day to day lives of the well to do. The house is under constant renovation and takes time and money. Please come and visit and consider supporting wonderful location.

  • 5/5 Martin S. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is amazing.so cool in the shade of the giant trees. Today's market is packed with great hand made artisan items.

  • 5/5 Audrey T. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a wonderful day spend with family, stunning house, beautiful gardens and tasty food at the cafe.

  • 4/5 Barbara C. 2 years ago on Google
    This a grand old house and garden which gives an insight into the lives of wealthy early Melbournians. I could see though that it is a real struggle for the Trust to keep the fabric of the building and interiors right up to the mark.

  • 5/5 Lithos M. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely lovely gardens and house. Such a nice place to visit

  • 5/5 Irena M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to spend a day from the magnificent grandeur that is so accessible to the public to the beautiful gardens and tasty food at the cafe.

  • 5/5 Sandra O. 2 years ago on Google
    Very pleasant day. The garden were nice and the outdoor area near the cafe had been extended since my last visit. Enjoyed our picnic lunch outside. House tour was very interesting.

  • 5/5 Elena L. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Pleasant surprise in the area. Something old well preserved and to be experienced (Original) Gradevole sorpresa in zona. Qualcosa di vecchio ben conservato e da vivere

  • 5/5 amanda B. 2 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous garden, huge old established trees. Two feature gardens by Edna Walling and Paul Bangay. On hot days locals seem to come to sit in the shade to read or chat. There was a cool breeze coming up from the Yarra. Entry to the gardens are free.

  • 1/5 Andy l. 2 years ago on Google
    Very mediocre dining experience today at the Como House Stables. Restoration tradies noisily grinding off brickwork without regard to patrons dining nearby, no pizzas or sparkling wine as they run down the menu prior to introducing a new one.

  • 4/5 Helena K. 5 years ago on Google
    Beautiful gardens to walk through, great place for a picnic 🧺 I keep going back

  • 5/5 Chloe P. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful house, tour guide was lovely and very knowledgeable. Very interesting and great experience. Would definitely recommend

  • 4/5 Rachel D. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely garden, unfortunately can't enter the house without a tour guide and tours are limited so we missed out. Cafe staff were unhelpful with house entrance, something you think they would know as lots of people would come in a different entrance to the main gate which lead to the cafe instead of the house.

  • 5/5 Ronald H. 4 years ago on Google
    a nice park secluded away from busy toorak/south yarra area.

  • 5/5 Bob 1 year ago on Google
    Como House is a historical house, with associated gardens in the City of Stonnington, Victoria, Australia. It was constructed in 1847 for Sir Edward Eyre Williams, and now serves as a tourist attraction under the custodianship of the National Trust of Australia. The gardens are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. The historic house is open for guided tours every Saturday and Sunday.

  • 5/5 Leo 5 years ago on Google
    Great for a day out in the park. Fresh air and lunch.

  • 4/5 Angelo G. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely place but didn't know you had to book tour to go inside..

  • 5/5 Hiromi 10 months ago on Google
    Beautiful house and garden. I met some volunteer staff and they were friendly. I was able to get helpful information.

  • 5/5 Sarah J. 5 years ago on Google
    What a wonderful venue for a wedding. Love this space and the interior ballroom for a wet weather back up.

  • 4/5 MURALI K. 4 years ago on Google
    Historic mansion to tour around with beautiful garden..

  • 5/5 Tanja R. 4 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous place

  • 5/5 김연주 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Quiet and small park (Original) 조용하고 아담한공원

  • 5/5 Dominic B. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful part of history for all to see

  • 1/5 Zoe A. 4 years ago on Google
    Needs major disability upgrades for accessibility of grounds. Even disabled WC has a step up to enter. Not wheelchair friendly at all

  • 5/5 greg b. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely gardens and setting

  • 5/5 Buyankhishig A. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful Historical house with beautiful garden.

  • 4/5 Tim F. 4 years ago on Google
    Relaxing Day

  • 5/5 Jack H. 4 years ago on Google
    Paris to Provence French festival was amazing.

  • 5/5 Danny W. 4 years ago on Google
    Spent a lovely Sunday here. Very nice place to see some history and have a nice lunch. The young lady volunteer who conducted the guided tour was excellent.

  • 5/5 Mike S. 4 years ago on Google
    Historial House

  • 5/5 Bec S. 4 years ago on Google
    Had a lovely and educational school excursion!

  • 4/5 Sean E. 4 years ago on Google
    Pleasant location for a quiet walk, very relaxing with a nice cafe.

  • 4/5 Benjamin N. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for functions. Food excellent and service great.

  • 5/5 Roman 4 years ago on Google
    Love the gardens!!!

  • 5/5 John S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great

  • 4/5 Dennis R. 4 years ago on Google
    Do the house tour...worth it for the history

  • 4/5 Esther T. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The environment is beautiful and casual, suitable for three or five friends to have a picnic. There is a small fresh cafe at the entrance. You can have a brunch and afternoon tea or two drinks, and a lovely small vegetable garden to easily spend a comfortable half-day. (Original) 环境优美休闲,适合三五好友一起野餐,入口出有一个小清新cafe,可以来个brunch和afternoon tea或小酌两杯,还有可爱的小菜园,轻易渡过惬意的半天。

  • 4/5 Don S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great Coffee at Stables

  • 5/5 Darren A. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place for a walk and café was lovely.

  • 5/5 paraskivie 3 years ago on Google
    Sops wonderful shops .

  • 4/5 Julzza C. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful grounds, beautiful food from the cafe.

  • 5/5 Bill E. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place for a catch up

  • 3/5 James S. 3 years ago on Google
    One of my favourite hidden place in Melbourne. I would rather take out coffee and scones and enjoy it in the grounds.

  • 5/5 Teana K. 3 years ago on Google
    Built in 1847, Como House + Garden in South Yarra is one of Melbourne most glamorous stately homes. The house and gardens are beautifully manicured and well kept. I was here for a fashion event in summer and it was stinking hot, despite that it was a fab day and I found the venue staff to be extra attentive and helpful, also friendly and accommodating. During normal non restrictions times Como usually hold ticketed tours.

  • 5/5 Gioconda W. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely stunning place to visit. Beautiful scenery and excellent coffee!!!

  • 5/5 CHRISTIINA N. 2 years ago on Google
    Homely historic place. With a beautiful garden cafe.

  • 5/5 Deep P. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place to have a morning coffee


Call +61 3 9656 9889 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance

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