In its heyday Rupertswood was one of Victoria’s grandest of the mansions.

So grand, in fact, that a thousand revelers gathered when its foundation stone was laid, back in 1874, and visitors have continued to arrive in droves.

Originally this country estate was built for Sir William Clarke, our first Australian-born baronet, and significant land owner. His holdings including most of Sunbury and its surrounds. The mansion would eventually be sold to Hugh Victor McKay, a wealthy industrialist credited with inventing the Sunshine Harvester. The pastoralist, William Naughton, became the next owner before the mansion and grounds became the property of the Salesian Society. Initially it was used as a boarding school for the college’s male students before they were all relocated to other premises.

Over the years, Rupertswood has become synonymous with many historical moments. The estate was once so large it actually opened its own private railway station. This was closed in 2004. Its grounds hosted the first Ashes and the inaugural urn was actually taken from inside the homestead. In March 2006, as part of the lead up to the Commonwealth Games, The Queen’s Baton Relay also travelled to the site where they re-enacted the Ashes handing over much to the delight of onlookers.