Wolston Farmhouse

Wolston Farmhouse – Wacol


Explore Brisbane’s bygone era…

Wolston Farmhouse opens its doors to the public on the first and third Sunday of each month. Weekdays are dedicated to School Excursion Programs, offering students a hands-on educational experience that brings history to life for future generations. Group visits of 10 or more are also welcome by appointment.

Step back in time at Wolston Farmhouse, the oldest surviving residential farmhouse in Brisbane, nestled just a short drive to the southwest of Brisbane’s bustling CBD.

This historic landmark, formerly known as Wolston House, boasts a rich rural history dating back to 1852. It holds the distinction of being the very first property entrusted to the care of the National Trust of Australia (Queensland).

This charming farmhouse exudes the authentic atmosphere of a traditional rural homestead and is surrounded by breathtaking views that stretch out towards the tree-lined riverbanks.

Listed as a heritage site, the homestead features expansive verandas that overlook the lush green property and gardens. It comprises six rooms, each of which transports you to a nineteenth-century rural lifestyle with its collection of period artifacts, including sausage stuffers in the kitchen, silverware in the dining room, a pianola in the parlour, and horsehair mattresses in the bedrooms. Below ground, you’ll find the larder, a meat room, and the Maid’s quarters with a scullery – a place where the temperature is naturally cooler, and where you might even hear some eerie noises or experience a touch of the paranormal!

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Plan Your Visit


Address

223 Grindle Road, Wacol, Queensland, 4076

Open Hours

Wolston Farmhouse is open on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, from 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Wolston Farmhouse times and days may change due to regional events throughout the year.

*Closed all calendar Public Holidays

Phone

07 3088 8133

Email

wolstonmgr@nationaltrustqld.org

Entry Fees

$12 Adults
$10 Concession
$5 Youth (3-17 years)
Infant Under 3 Free
Family (2 Adults up to 3 youth) – $32
NTAQ Member free

Wheelchair Accessible
Parking Available
Food/Cofe
Picnic Tables
Shop
Volunteers
Guided Tours
Group Bookings
Gardens
Performances
Animals
People dancing around a maypole in a garden with a large tree.
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Donate to Restore the Avenue of Trees

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School Excursions

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Volunteer

Upcoming Events


History


Uncover Wolston Farmhouse’s historical journey…

In 1852, Dr. Stephen Simpson began building Wolston Farmhouse on a 640-acre riverside property, situated between Brisbane and Ipswich. Dr. Simpson, a man of learning and prominence, also managed a horse and cattle station here, naming it after his Warwickshire birthplace. He held important positions, including Justice of the Peace, Police Magistrate, and a member of Queensland’s Legislative Council, with a significant role as Crown Commissioner of Lands in the 1840s.

In 1860, the property changed hands to Matthew Buscall Goggs, who continued to breed horses and cattle. The Grindle family took over in 1906 and introduced a dairy business, supplying milk to Brisbane suburbs until the 1930s. Bert Hurley took ownership in 1956, but the Queensland Government resumed the property in 1960.

In 1963, the National Trust of Queensland acquired Wolston Farmhouse and a small parcel of land, embarking on a journey to restore and preserve this historical treasure. Today, Wolston Farmhouse is a cherished part of the National Trust’s collection, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past.

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Location

Our Heritage Sites