Strathdon House & Orchard Precinct

Our vision is to create a vibrant precinct that celebrates Whitehorse’s rich history and empowers a healthy and sustainable future for our community.

Strathdon House provides opportunities for our community to relax, enjoy and play in nature. We also offer a program of workshops and events focusing on environmental sustainability, health, and wellbeing. The venue has indoor and outdoor areas, a nature play area, and a Kitchen Garden with several vegetable garden beds.

History 
Built in 1893 by Walter Fankhauser, Strathdon is a 6-acre site that includes the original cottage and orchard from one of Whitehorse’s early settlements.

The property was purchased by the Matheson family in 1914 and developed over time. At its height, the Strathdon Orchard was 37.78 acres in size and grew apples, pears, cherries, apricots, and plums. Fruit varieties no longer grown were also planted, such as Josephine apples, Winter Coles, and Winter Nelis pears. It operated as an orchard until the 1930s and was acquired by Council during Bicentennial celebrations as an asset of historical and cultural significance.

Guided Tours
While there are interpretive signboards located in strategic areas on site for a self-guided visit, we welcome individuals and groups to come in for a personally guided tour. In this guided tour, we will bring visitors around the site while providing interesting historical information about the site and the past orchardist families.

Please contact us directly to arrange a booking. Tour groups of up to 12 people at a time. Tour times take approximately 30–45 minutes.

Opening hours
Thursday & Friday 10am – 4pm
Saturday & Sunday 10am – 3pm

Closed on public holidays

Location