Carrick Hill bushland is particularly special as it supports remnant patches of indigenous plant communities. We are fully committed to conserving this native bushland, and considerable efforts are being made to restore degraded sections.
Our volunteer bushland team is vital in supporting this progress so if you think you could help, please get in touch.
The outer grounds at Carrick Hill were modelled on the English country park. Explore with the family, relax with a picnic or get hiking - there's something for everyone!
Carrick Hill bushland has survived the impact of land clearing, grazing, pest plants and animals. Plants of note include South Australian Blue Gum, Sheoak and a wide range of native grasses, orchids and other understory flowering plants.
To preserve the bushland and protect the wildlife in the area no dogs or bikes are permitted in this area.
Visitors today can discover an allee of oak and cedar running to the north west, a Sculpture Park and a Heritage Apple and Pear orchard. The area is also rich in native bird and animal species.
The Pétanque Terrain and children’s Storybook Trail are especially popular with families.
The outer grounds at Carrick Hill originally featured groves of trees including hawthorns, quinces, medlars and nut trees. Commercial citrus orchards were sheltered by stands of pines and gums. A grove of olives still grows along the west perimeter and on the other slopes grew crepe myrtles, Irish strawberries and a Moreton Bay fig.
Since the 1980s several major changes have occurred. This is when the citrus groves were removed and the Sculpture Park was created. Today as you explore the grounds, you'll discover treasures created by artists including Arthur Boyd, Jacob Epstein, Lyn Moore, Greg Johns, Neil Cranney and Kempo Okamoto.
Now you can follow the impressive formal oak and cedar allee down to the Storybook Trail and then onto the pedestrian boundary gate situated on Rectory Walk.
Located on the downward slopes beyond the house to the north corner is the apple and pear orchard where over 60 varieties and hybrids grow. The orchard was established to preserve the National collection using root stock from Rippon Lea House in Melbourne. Most of these varieties were first bred in the 1700s and were primarily used for preserving, cooking and making apple and pear wines and ciders.
The Pétanque Court (or Terrain to aficionados) is located to the south west of the house just beyond the cypress hedges where large pistachio trees provide shade for picnicking. Pétanque, a game similar to Bocce, can be played any time the grounds are open to the public and there is no cost. Anyone wishing to play Pétanque may borrow a set of boules from the attendant at reception. Bocce rules available from this website.
Carrick Hill invites all visitors to explore the trails through the grounds, and also welcomes those walking the Yurrebilla Trail and the Max Holbrook Trail. Find out gate opening times here.
To preserve the bushland and protect the wildlife in the area no dogs or bikes are permitted in the bushland.
Carrick Hill has a strong commitment to the conservation of its native bushland. There are 20 hectares of natural Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) woodland at Carrick Hill. Some of the older trees are over 200 years old, and this remnant woodland plays a valuable role as a continuation of the vegetation corridor that includes Waite Institute reserve to the north-east and Brownhill Creek Conservation Park to the south-east.
The maintenance of this large exotic garden and outer grounds requires substantial amounts of water, however the use of dams, bores, tanks, rainwater harvesting, automated irrigation systems and heavy mulching all contribute to Carrick Hill’s long term strategy of becoming self-sustaining. A water management plan has been in place since 2007.
Discover all kinds of wonderful places to have a picnic at Carrick Hill around the grounds at the back and side of the house, on the stables lawn and on the Storybook Trail.
