Emu Bottom Homestead Emu Bottom Homestead

The story of Emu Bottom Homestead begins on August 30 1835, when the schooner Enterprize sailed up Port Phillip Bay.

On board was the first party of settlers who built the huts of the banks of the Yarra from which the City of Melbourne then grew.

Among that group was George Evans, who after exploring the area, chose to settle 40kms from the city, in a picturesque valley. It was here, in 1836, that he built the handsome stone building now known as Emu Bottom Homestead.

George Evans named his homestead 'Emu Bottom' because he had settled in the low lying ground of the valley well frequented by large flocks of emus.

He was a bachelor of 51 years when he set about building his homestead of sandstone gathered from large rocky outcrops he found in the valley and timber cut from the surrounding countryside.

At this time there were five thousand sheep and well as other live stock grazed on the large parcel of land on which George Evans had claimed as his 'run'. Evans also became a successful breeder of draught horses.

It was a tough life for the early settlers but George Evans early efforts were rewarded and life flowed on successfully at Emu Bottom.

In 1843, when he was fifty eight, he married a young girl of eighteen called Anne Holden and in the ensuing years six children were born.

Towards the end of the fifties, Evans purchased the Royal Oak in Queen Street, Melbourne when his spacious squattage was reduced in size to surrounding estates and he was left with 640 acres, he found it too small for his old pursuit - that of grazier. He became licensee of the hotel from 1861 -1865 and after that time he lived next door until his death in 1876.

Nestled amid verdant countryside and surrounded by fertile valley pastures, Emu Bottom Homestead captures the magical spirit of Australia's pioneer past. The windows of the homestead look out upon unspoilt landscape and enchanting garden views. It's hard to believe that this secluded spot is just a short drive from the heart of bustling Melbourne.

Emu Bottom provides a captivating setting for that important get-together, with a choice of either the stylish Homestead Dining Room, the rustic Woolshed Restaurant or our intimate Slab Hut. Emu Bottom is superbly suited to all manner of functions, namely: Corporate Entertaining Conferences & Seminars Product Launches Theme Events, Wedding Receptions Celebrations As well as being available for functions, the Woolshed Restaurant is also open to individuals for Sunday lunch, and for 'Muster Nights'- fun nights featuring dinner and dancing.

The Epicurean Emu Bottom

The Epicurean Emu Bottom is the oldest homestead in Victoria est. 1836, and is located at the foot of the stunning Macedon Ranges, just half and hour from Melbourne's CBD. The Events Team at The Epicurean Group can create a truly memorable experience for your next event. Whether its a relaxed & rustic Engagement Party in the Woolshed, an intimate corporate dinner in the Homestead or, for an event of a grander scale, the Homestead Lawns lend themselves perfectly to 'festival' style occasions for up to 600 guests*.

❊ Address ❊

 ⊜  Homestead Way Sunbury 3429 View Map
 ✆ Telephone: (03) 5989 4000

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❊ Web Links ❊

➼ Emu Bottom Homestead 

❊ Also See... ❊

➼ The Epicurean Group






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