ACT Historic Places

Lanyon Homestead

Tharwa Drive, Tharwa ACT 2620

Lanyon Homestead, at the foot of the Brindabellas on the Murrumbidgee River, is the most intact colonial property in the Canberra region. The homestead and surrounding landscape are rich with natural, Aboriginal and pastoral heritage. Located within the ‘Lanyon Bowl’, this area has supported human occupation for thousands of years, with evidence of Aboriginal land use, convict era outbuildings, an 1850s pastoral homestead and productive kitchen gardens. Learning programs offer immersive, site specific experiences that include sustainability and Aboriginal perspectives, convict role play, artefact studies, crafts and games.

Calthorpes' House 

24 Mugga Way, Red Hill ACT 2603

Calthorpes’ House is a window into life in Canberra as the new Federal Capital. Built in 1927, the intact collection of furnishings and personal objects reflect the domestic life and social history of the Calthorpe family and the young capital city. This treasure trove provides an immersive learning experience of family life when Harry and Dell Calthorpe and their daughters, Del and Dawn lived in the house. Students will enjoy exploring HASS curriculum learning through this historic portal into the emerging National Capital and the changing landscape of a growing city.

Mugga-Mugga Cottage

129 Narrabundah Lane, Symonston ACT 2603

Mugga Mugga Cottage is set amidst native temperate grasslands within the heart of urban Canberra. The natural environment includes endangered plants, animals and ecosystems, with archaeological evidence of Aboriginal occupation. The 1830s cottage was built as a shepherd’s outlook as part of the Duntroon Estate, one of the first colonial estates of the Limestone Plains.

With the opening of Canberra as the new Federal Capital, the Curley family moved into Mugga Mugga Cottage in 1913. The intact domestic collection reflects the life of the Curley family over 70 years.

Learning programs explore sustainability and Aboriginal perspectives, the influence of different land management practices, changing landscapes and the social histories of different families who lived here.