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Discover Bundoora's Three Hidden Gems: History, Wildlife, Farm
From a Queen Anne homestead with a surprising past to a wildlife sanctuary and a council-run animal farm, Bundoora offers three distinct experiences within tram distance.
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Bundoora locals and visitors have three very different ways to spend a day out, a guided history tour at an art centre housed in a 1900 Queen Anne mansion, a self-guided walk through a wildlife sanctuary, or a morning at a council-run animal farm. All three are accessible via Tram 86.
A homestead with two histories
Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, at Stop 63 on Tram 86, runs guided history tours on select dates. The 45-minute sessions, typically held at 11:30 AM, explore the building's 1900 Queen Anne architecture, and its less expected past as a psychiatric repatriation facility. The centre is fully wheelchair accessible and cashless, according to Darebin Council.
The homestead's dual identity, originally a grand residence, later a hospital for returned soldiers, gives the tour an unusual edge. It's a reminder that some of the suburb's most elegant buildings have hidden histories.
Wildlife on a gold coin donation
Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary, managed by La Trobe University, offers two self-guided walking trails and guided night or twilight tours for groups. Emus and kangaroos are among the native species visitors can see. Entry is by gold coin donation, and parking is free.
The sanctuary is a quieter alternative to the zoo, and the self-guided format means visitors can set their own pace. For those wanting a guide, the night tours require a group booking.
Farm animals, pony rides and tractor rides
Bundoora Park Farm, open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, is a council-run animal farm with scheduled feeding sessions, pony rides for children aged two to eight, and tractor rides. Adult tickets are about $12.70, though prices are subject to change. Animal experience sessions run in the morning and afternoon.
The farm, near Tram 86 Stop 61, also has emus and kangaroos. For families with young children, the combination of pony rides and animal feeding makes it an easy half-day outing.
All three venues are within a short tram ride of each other, making it possible to visit more than one in a single day. The homestead tours are held on select dates, so it's worth checking the Darebin Council website before heading out.