A lovely morning tea on the patio
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Ormiston House

4.6
·122 reviews·Ormiston, Australia

A historic 1800s house with stunning gardens and bay views, now owned by a Carmelite Monastery.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Enjoy tea & history

CrowdMedium
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A lovely morning tea on the patio

Ormiston House

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Enjoy tea & history

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 1800s house with stunning gardens and bay views, now owned by a Carmelite Monastery.

4.6
(122 reviews)

"If you need time out, and need a place to restore energy and some peace of mind Ormiston House is a must visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Tours

Tours are 1 hour & volunteer-led. Arrive early to ensure you get a spot before closing! :clock1:

☕ Savor the Scones

Don't miss the delicious Devonshire tea with scones on the verandah. A must-try! :scone:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 122 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Ormiston House Tour

Historic Ormiston House Tour

The main house

Step back in time with knowledgeable volunteers guiding you through this 1800s settlement gem.

Stunning Gardens & Bay Views

Stunning Gardens & Bay Views

Grounds of Ormiston House

Breathtaking gardens and panoramic views overlooking Redland Bay, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Carmelite Monastery

Carmelite Monastery

Adjacent to Ormiston House

A serene and architecturally distinct church, offering a peaceful spiritual bonus to your visit.

Afternoon Tea Experience

Afternoon Tea Experience

Verandah of Ormiston House

Enjoy delightful scones and tea on the historic verandah, a perfect way to relax.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Ormiston House is only open on Sundays from 12 PM to 4 PM. Tours, which last about an hour, are based on volunteer availability, so arrive early to ensure you have enough time before the last tour. Consider visiting during special events like Jazz by the Bay or Christmas Carols for a unique experience.

Dress Code & Etiquette

While not strictly enforced, some visitors suggest dressing up to 'look the part' to avoid judgmental staff. The house is now owned by the Carmelite Monastery, so a respectful tone is appreciated. Be mindful that some artifacts are donated items, not original to the house.

Best Times

When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Enjoy tea & history
Crowd
Medium
When
Special event days
Why
Live music & festive vibes
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A day for the roof!#myhousebeautiful #myhomevibe #restorationproject #myhouseandhome #historichouse #landscapearchitecture #ormistonhouse #landscaping #landscapedesign
ormistonhousedesign
355 likes • 10K views

🎯 Arrive Early for Tours

Tours are 1 hour & volunteer-led. Arrive early to ensure you get a spot before closing! :clock1:

☕ Savor the Scones

Don't miss the delicious Devonshire tea with scones on the verandah. A must-try! :scone:

Ormiston house is one of our favourite sites. The location is epic and deserves a beautiful piece of architecture! Coming soon!!
littleboatprojects
16 likes • 466 views
Picnic. Sunshine. Smooth Jazz. 🌿🎷 Join us at Historic Ormiston House on Saturday, 4 October (3pm-5pm) for our annual Jazz by the Bay. BYO blanket, Besties and nibbles – we’ll bring the music. 🎶 Tickets in bio. #coppertopent #coppertopentertainment #ashleighdenning #weddings #corporate #redlandbay #redlandcity #ormistonhouse #livemusic #music #mustdobrisbane
coppertopentertainment
21 likes • 1.1K views

👗 Dress to Impress?

Some visitors suggest dressing up; be mindful of staff judgment. 👗

🌿 Explore the Grounds

The gardens and bay views are stunning and offer a peaceful escape. :evergreen_tree:

🎄🎶Christmas Carols at Historic Ormiston House under a beautiful summer sky. Spreading joy, cheer, peace and Christmas spirit.🕊 #redlandsanyday #redlands #redlandsqld #cleveland #family #families #brisbane #christmas #australianchristmas #birkdale #thorneside #wellingtonpoint #ormiston #thornlands #victoriapoint #alexandrahills #sheldon #mountcotton #redlandbay #stradbrokeisland #coochiemudlois...
josmitchellmayor
15 likes • 143 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Tours

Tours are 1 hour & volunteer-led. Arrive early to ensure you get a spot before closing! :clock1:

☕ Savor the Scones

Don't miss the delicious Devonshire tea with scones on the verandah. A must-try! :scone:

👗 Dress to Impress?

Some visitors suggest dressing up; be mindful of staff judgment. 👗

🌿 Explore the Grounds

The gardens and bay views are stunning and offer a peaceful escape. :evergreen_tree:

📅 Check for Events

Look out for special events like Jazz by the Bay or Christmas Carols! :musical_note:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(122 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ormiston House is praised for its stunning gardens, peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful bay views, making it a restorative place to visit. Visitors enjoy the historical tours led by knowledgeable volunteers and the delightful afternoon tea. However, some guests have encountered rude staff, and the availability of original artifacts is limited.

"If you need time out, and need a place to restore energy and some peace of mind Ormiston House is a must visit. The gardens, views overlooking Redland Bay are stunning, the church on the same property is a special bonus, it has a more recent (1960's) design, while maintaining the respectful tone of churches of bygone days"

Gina Christeson

"A fascinating history of early settlement. It is now owned by the Carmelite Monastery but open to the public. It has a lovely afternoon tea and scones to sit down and enjoy."

Cecilia Walsh

"The house is beautiful, the lawns are well maintained and the majority of the staff are great. There was one staff member there that was so rude to me I was in tears. If you go here make sure you dress up to look the part as she was as judgemental as."

Cath Kerr

What People Like

Beautiful gardens and bay views
Knowledgeable volunteer guides
Peaceful and restorative atmosphere

What People Dislike

Occasional rude staff
Limited original artifacts

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ormiston House is located in Ormiston, Queensland. If you have your own transport, it's a scenic drive from Brisbane's CBD. Public transport options might involve a train to Cleveland station followed by a bus or taxi to the house. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available on-site for visitors. It's generally ample, especially outside of major event days. TikTok

Absolutely! Ormiston House makes for a lovely day trip from the Gold Coast. The drive is manageable, and you can easily spend an afternoon exploring the house and grounds before heading back. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ormiston House is open to the public on Sundays only, from 12 PM to 4 PM. It's important to note that tours are based on volunteer availability, so arriving earlier in the afternoon is recommended. Reddit

The full tour of the house, built in the 1800s, costs approximately $8 per person. The afternoon tea with scones is an additional charge, also around $8 per person. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for regular Sunday visits. However, for special events like 'Jazz by the Bay' or 'Christmas Carols,' it's advisable to check their website or social media for ticketing information and to book in advance. Instagram+1

Yes, guided tours are available and are led by knowledgeable and patient volunteers. The duration of a full tour is approximately one hour. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors can take a guided tour of the historic house, explore the beautiful gardens with stunning views of Redland Bay, and visit the adjacent Carmelite Monastery. Many enjoy the afternoon tea experience on the verandah. TikTokReddit

Yes, families can enjoy a visit to Ormiston House. The grounds offer space to explore, and the historical aspect can be educational. Special events like Christmas Carols are particularly family-friendly. Instagram

Ormiston House has a fascinating history tied to early settlement in the region. It was built in the 1800s and now holds a significant place in local heritage. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted within the grounds and for general documentation of the house. However, always be respectful of the property and any ongoing religious services or private areas. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Ormiston House offers a lovely afternoon tea with scones on the verandah. This is a popular option for visitors looking to relax and enjoy the historic setting. Reddit

The Devonshire tea typically includes freshly baked scones served with jam and cream, accompanied by tea. It's a traditional and delightful treat enjoyed by many visitors. Reddit

While specific picnic areas aren't always highlighted, the beautiful grounds offer a pleasant setting. For events like 'Jazz by the Bay,' bringing your own nibbles and blankets is encouraged. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The gardens, the verandah overlooking Redland Bay, and the exterior of the historic house itself offer excellent photo opportunities. The Carmelite Monastery also provides unique architectural shots. TikTokInstagram

For professional photoshoots or events like weddings, it's best to contact Ormiston House directly to inquire about permissions, fees, and availability. Instagram

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