Como House and Garden Melbourne
Explore a grand 1840s mansion and its stunning formal gardens, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Victorian opulence.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
House tours available
Como House and Garden Melbourne
Best Time
House tours available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a grand 1840s mansion and its stunning formal gardens, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Victorian opulence.
"A peaceful escape close to the city, with beautiful gardens and a fascinating historic home."
🎟️ House Tour Essential
Tickets are only needed for house tours; gardens are free to explore.
☕ Cafe Delights
Try the ricotta pancakes at Como Lane cafe for a fluffy treat!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Mansion Tour
Como House
Step back in time with original furnishings and stories of opulent Victorian life. A must-do for history buffs!
Formal Gardens
Como Gardens
Wander through manicured lawns, charming paths, and picturesque spots perfect for a picnic or quiet reflection.
Como Lane Cafe
Gardens of Como House
Enjoy European-inspired delights and excellent coffee in a dreamy cafe setting amidst the gardens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
House Tours vs. Garden Strolls
Cafe & Refurbishment Updates
+3Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ House Tour Essential
Tickets are only needed for house tours; gardens are free to explore. +1
☕ Cafe Delights
Try the ricotta pancakes at Como Lane cafe for a fluffy treat!
📸 Garden Photo Ops
The gardens offer stunning backdrops for photos, especially in the morning light.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Escape
It's a surprisingly tranquil spot close to the city for a relaxing walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ House Tour Essential
Tickets are only needed for house tours; gardens are free to explore. +1
☕ Cafe Delights
Try the ricotta pancakes at Como Lane cafe for a fluffy treat!
📸 Garden Photo Ops
The gardens offer stunning backdrops for photos, especially in the morning light.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Escape
It's a surprisingly tranquil spot close to the city for a relaxing walk.
📅 Check Tour Times
House tours are at select times, mainly on weekends. Plan accordingly!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Como House and Garden for its beautiful, well-maintained grounds and the fascinating historical insights offered by guided house tours. It's seen as a peaceful, accessible escape close to the city, with the Como Lane cafe adding a modern culinary appeal. Some find the house tours a bit brief, and the cafe's food can be hit-or-miss for some palates.
"A wonderful historic home. The grounds are free but you can only see the house as part of a guided tour. The tour of the house is well worth doing. Trish was an interesting guide with an excellent knowledge of the history of the house. Almost all furnishings are original - acquired by the National Trust along with the house.
If only the walls could talk - such an interesting and opulent history in its heyday. Thoroughly enjoyable."
Margaret H. Barrass
"If you just want to take a walk around, I think you don’t need to buy a ticket.
Tickets are only required if you want to visit inside the house.
Overall, the place is very well maintained.
While I was there, I could easily imagine how the nobles used to live — the beautiful surroundings really made it easy to get lost in such wonderful daydreams."
Kao
"It was a beautiful place to take a walk around and visit. It was smaller than what I expected, but the garden behind the building was amazing. I didn't buy the ticket to tour inside."
cherie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Como House is easily accessible by public transport. Take a tram along Toorak Road or Punt Road, or a train to South Yarra Station, followed by a short walk. Parking can be limited, so public transport is often recommended.
Limited parking is available on-site, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Consider alternative transport if possible.
The gardens are generally accessible, but the historic house may have limitations due to its age and structure. It's best to contact Como House directly for specific accessibility information.
Generally, pets are not permitted inside the house or formal gardens, though service animals are usually allowed. Check the National Trust website for the most current pet policy.
From the CBD, you can take a tram (e.g., routes 8, 72) along Punt Road or Toorak Road, or a train to South Yarra Station. The journey is typically around 15-20 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You do not need a ticket to wander through the beautiful gardens. Tickets are only required if you wish to take a guided tour of the historic Como House itself. +1
Entry to the gardens is free. Guided tours of Como House have a separate admission fee, which varies. Check the National Trust website for current pricing.
The gardens are typically open daily during daylight hours. Como House tours operate on select times, often on weekends. It's best to check the official National Trust website for the most up-to-date hours.
It's advisable to check availability and potentially book in advance, especially for weekend tours, as spots can be limited. You may be able to purchase tickets on the day, but booking ahead is recommended.
The National Trust often offers membership options that provide free entry to many of their properties, including Como House. Look out for special promotions or family passes.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can take a guided tour of the historic mansion, explore the beautiful formal gardens, enjoy a meal or coffee at Como Lane cafe, and browse the gift shop.
You can spend anywhere from an hour to half a day. An hour or two is sufficient for a garden stroll and a quick look around, while a house tour and leisurely cafe visit might take longer. +1
Yes, Como House offers guided tours that provide in-depth historical information and insights into the original furnishings. These are typically available on weekends.
The gardens are a lovely spot for a picnic. You can bring your own food and find a picturesque spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can find souvenirs and items related to the history of Como House and the National Trust.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Como Lane cafe is located within the gardens, offering a European-inspired menu with coffee, pastries, and light meals.
Como Lane cafe serves European-inspired dishes, including popular items like ricotta pancakes and pastries from Cobb Lane Bakery.
Absolutely! The gardens are a perfect place to enjoy a picnic. You can purchase items from the cafe or bring your own.
Como Lane cafe is generally open on weekdays and weekends, but it's always a good idea to check their specific opening hours before your visit.
South Yarra has a vibrant dining scene with many cafes and restaurants along Toorak Road and Chapel Street, just a short walk from Como House.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in the gardens. For the interior of the house, check with the tour guide or staff, as restrictions may apply to protect the historic furnishings.
The formal gardens offer numerous picturesque spots with manicured lawns, flower beds, and charming pathways. The facade of the house also makes for a grand backdrop.
Professional photoshoots may require special permission and fees. It's best to contact the National Trust directly to inquire about their policies for commercial or professional photography.
Morning light often provides soft, beautiful illumination for the gardens, while late afternoon can offer golden hour hues. Consider the weather for the best results.
The Regency-style architecture of the house, the intricate iron gates, and the variety of garden elements like mature trees and flowerbeds are all photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during school holidays when there might be special family-friendly events or activities organized by the National Trust. The Como Lane cafe also offers kid-friendly options, making it easy to manage meal times during your visit. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for walking around the grounds.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you wish to see the interior of the house, the guided tour has an admission fee. However, you can still get a great experience by simply enjoying the grounds and perhaps grabbing an affordable coffee or pastry from the Como Lane cafe. Look out for National Trust membership deals, which can offer great value if you plan to visit multiple heritage sites.
couples
+1 The elegant ambiance of the house itself, especially during a guided tour, can also provide a unique shared experience. Consider visiting during a special event, like a Christmas-themed activity, for an added touch of magic. The combination of a leisurely walk, a delicious meal, and a glimpse into a grand past makes for a memorable date.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Victorian Opulence
Visitors often remark on how well-maintained the house is, making it easy to imagine the grandeur of its heyday. The guided tours are frequently praised for their engaging guides who share rich historical anecdotes, bringing the house and its former inhabitants to life. It's a journey through time, showcasing the social customs, architectural styles, and domestic arrangements of a bygone era.
Tranquil Gardens for Every Season
The gardens are free to access, making them a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. They are particularly lovely during spring when flowers are in bloom, or in autumn when the foliage turns vibrant colors. The grounds are also a fantastic setting for photography, with numerous scenic vistas and architectural elements to capture.
+1Como Lane: A European Escape
+3Reviewers often highlight the cafe's picturesque location and its ability to transport visitors to a European setting, right in the heart of Melbourne. While the ambiance and coffee are frequently lauded, some reviews suggest that certain dishes might not hit the mark for everyone. Nevertheless, it remains a highly recommended spot for a delightful brunch or a coffee break amidst the beauty of Como House and its gardens.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit