Australian Capital Territory · Attraction
Lanyon Homestead
Colonial history in pastoral splendour
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Lanyon Homestead is one of the finest surviving examples of a nineteenth-century pastoral station in Australia, set amid rolling hills along the Murrumbidgee River south of Canberra. Managed by ACT Historic Places, the property includes a beautifully preserved homestead, farm buildings, and heritage gardens. Guided house tours reveal the lives of the families who shaped the early ACT region.
The homestead dates to the 1850s and contains an outstanding collection of colonial furniture, paintings, and decorative arts, displayed in rooms that have been carefully restored to reflect life on the station at its peak. Knowledgeable guides bring the history of the Lanyon and Cunningham families to life, and the property's setting overlooking the Murrumbidgee River valley is among the most picturesque in the territory. The gardens are open free of charge and make a lovely spot for a relaxed walk.
The on-site Homestead Cafe serves light lunches, house-made cakes, and coffee from Wednesday to Sunday, making Lanyon an ideal day trip from central Canberra. Photography is encouraged in the grounds, and the wide river flats and heritage trees provide a stunning backdrop year-round. The property also hosts seasonal events including stargazing evenings and heritage workshops.
Scenic views
