Start typing for quick search or press enter for more detailed search results

Wolston Farmhouse - Wacol


Take a glimpse into Brisbane’s past…

Wolston Farmhouse, Brisbane’s oldest surviving residential farmhouse, is a nineteenth-century rural gem located a short drive Southwest of Brisbane CBD.

The historic landmark, previously known as Wolston House, is situated in a rural setting dating back to 1852. It was the first property to be taken care of by the National Trust of Australia (Queensland).

The beauty is evident in the oldest surviving residential farmhouse in the district, capturing the ambience of a traditional rural homestead and surrounded by stunning views which stretch down to the tree-lined riverbanks.

The Heritage-listed homestead has spacious verandas overlooking the lush green property and gardens. It has six rooms; each room displays a nineteenth-century rural lifestyle with artefacts such as sausage stuffers in the kitchen, silverware in the dining room, a pianola in the parlour and horsehair mattresses in the bedrooms.

The larder, a meat room, and the Maid’s quarters with a scullery are all in the cellars – the air is cooler down there, and noises can be heard along with the temperature change; there might be some paranormal activity!

Wolston Farmhouse is closed to the public but opens Monday through Friday as The Centre of Excellence for School Excursion Programs, a learning playground for future generations.

Weekends at Wolston Farmhouse can be reserved for private venue hire for unique events and weddings or special events hosted by Wolston Farmhouse.

Plan Your Visit


Address

223 Grindle Road, Wacol, Queensland, 4076

Open Hours

We are open for group and club bookings, weddings, special events, festivals, and regional and state tourism.

Monday to Friday, Wolston Farmhouse caters exclusively for our Education School Excursion Programs.

Saturdays & Sundays are reserved for unique and private events and weddings.

Phone

07 3088 8133

Email

wolstonmgr@nationaltrustqld.org

Entry Fees

For further information on events or should you wish to book, please contact Wolston Farmhouse Manager.

School Excursions


Learn More

Weddings and Events


Find Out More

Volunteer


Find Out More

5050_Full_Width_Desktop_920w_x_500h_WOLSTON_HISTORY.jpg5050_Full_Width_Mobile_400w_x_480h_WOLSTON_HISTORY.jpg


History


Dr Stephen Simpson initially purchased 640 acres (259 hectares) of land located on the banks of the Brisbane River, half way between Brisbane and Ipswich, where he commenced construction of Wolston Farmhouse in 1852. He established a horse and cattle station on the property and named it after his Warwickshire birthplace. A learned man, Dr Stephen Simpson was also a Justice of the Peace and a Police Magistrate. A member of the first Legislative Council of Queensland he had been appointed Crown Commissioner of Lands in the 1840s.

In 1860 the property was sold to Matthew Buscall Goggs, who continued to breed horses and cattle and raised a large family there. His son, also named Matthew Buscall Goggs, sold the Wolston estate to the Grindle family in 1906.

The Grindles introduced a dairy business, supplying milk to Brisbane suburbs into the 1930s before selling the land to farmer Bert Hurley in 1956. The Queensland Government resumed the property in 1960.

The then National Trust of Queensland acquired Wolston Farmhouse and a small parcel of land in 1963, and has worked hard to restore and conserve the property. Popular with visitors, Wolston Farmhouse features furnishings and artefacts dating back more than a century and is a much loved and valued property in the National Trust portfolio.

Location

Menu