Black Horse Park
Rural Retreat
Videos
Accommodation
The Homestead
The Homestead was originally built in the 1850's and was the Desmond family home for many years. It has been recently renovated to bring it back to it's old world charm.
Featuring it's original pressed tin walls and high ceilings, baltic pine floors and slow combustion wood heaters. The Homestead is a warm and cosy getaway for your family and friends. The homestead also features a large lawn area with an outside alfresco, BBQ, table and chairs.
The homestead sleeps a total of 12 people with four bedrooms.
The Homestead amenities:
-2 Queen size beds -2 Double beds
-5 Single bunk beds -2 Bathrooms
-2 Showers -1 Cast iron bath
-Wood fire -Fully furnished
-Laundry facilities -2 Reverse cycle air conditioners
-Large living/dining area and kitchen
Pin Oak Chapel
Currently up for holiday rental is the recently renovated and fully self contained Pin Oak Chapel, originally moved here in the 1940’s for use as a stable.
Its features include a drying area for your wet gear in snow season, reverse cycle air conditioner, full size fridge, 50″ smart TV, DVD player, washing machine and dryer, fully equipped kitchen and cooking facilities,( Includes all pots, pans, cutlery, crockery, utensils ) bed linen, towels, BBQ and an indoor and outdoor fireplace.
All linen, towels etc. are supplied.
Elm Cabin
The Elm Cabin is fully self contained and has its own completely enclosed yard in the front and rear.
The front yard is graced with an amazing 165 year old Elm tree which supplies an incredible umbrella for picnics and BBQs on those hot summer days and in winter it sheds its leaves to allow the warm snow season sun through and exposes its wonderful limbs and enjoy a nice warm fire by the outdoor fireplace.
Having just undergone a full renovation we're sure you will enjoy the warm and welcoming ambiance.
The Pioneer Hut
The Pioneer Hut is the original kitchen that was used back in the 1880s for the Desmond family who were the founders of the property and were amongst the first Europeans to settle in the district.
The building has been tastefully renovated to retain the historic feel of a bygone era and will give all who stay here a totally unique experience.
A rustic stone and cast iron fireplace is the centre piece of the building and will ensure you are kept warm and cosy.
With all the modern day creature comforts at your disposal and still retaining the unique old world charm you are sure to enjoy your time in this gorgeous hut.
The Hut sleeps two guests with one double bed and full en-suite, toilet, shower bath and vanity.
About Us
Black Horse Park is an historic property first settled in the 1850s by George and Arthur Desmond and located on 20 acres of gently undulating pasture in the prestigious Boorolite Valley of the Victorian High Country. Enriched with age old European Oaks, Elms, Poplars, Liquidambar and Pin Oaks, the property is also close to Mansfield State Forest.
The property was established in the 1850’s and the Black Horse Park Homestead is currently undergoing extensive renovations to restore its rich and fascinating history and is also available for holiday accommodation.
*We also have the recently renovated Pin Oak Chapel moved to Black Horse Park in the 1940s and used for stabling the horses and the Original 1850’s Pioneers Hut which was the Homesteads main kitchen and The Elm Cabin available for accommodation*
Black Horse Park is ideally, centrally located and only 15 minutes to Mansfield township, 20 mins to Mt Buller, 10 mins to Goughs Bay, 15 mins to Macs Cove, Howqua Inlet, Jamieson and Kevington just a little further on.
Learn More
Attractions
Mount Buller
Ski, snowboard, toboggan, play or relax and enjoy Victorias famous Mount Buller! Only a 20 minute drive to the entrance gates of Mount Buller from the property, with a shuttle bus available from Merrijig.
Great Victorian Rail Trail
Ride Australia’s longest continuous rail trail stretching from Mansfield to Tallarook with a spur line to Alexandra. Suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, you can tackle the entire 134km from end to end or pick a short section starting at one of the many towns or carparks that intersect the trail. Gentle gradients along much of the trail make it suitable for most fitness levels. Please carry food and water and don’t forget the sun screen.
Bike Buller
Mt Buller offers the ideal biking escape, no matter what you’re into! Tackle the 16km uphill road climb, ride the extensive cross-country trail network, hit the downhill trails with chairlift access, tackle the pump track, skills parks and more
Lake Eildon
Go fishing, boating, swimming or just cool off!
Lake Eildon is only a short 10 minutes drive from the property.
The area offers a licensed general store with fuel available and 5 accessible boat ramps.
If you have water transport, you could visit Jamieson Brewery, Jerusalem Creek, Cafe 501 or the Aqua Bar where you can simply tie up and walk in!
Campdraft
Campdraft – Mansfield Campdraft Club Inc hosts an annual Campdraft Competition to be held in April. Catering and bar facilities available all weekend.
Further information can be found at the Mountain Cattlemans Association Website, Mansfield Agricultural and Pastoral Society website or visit the Campdraft Australia Website.
Exploring and Four Wheel Driving
Explore the vast expanses and endless tracks of the Great Victorian High Country and discover countless old pioneer huts and cattlemans retreats.
Mansfield Paintball
Enjoy an adrenaline filled day at Mansfield Paintball! Mansfield Paintball caters for a variety of ages starting at just 10 Years Old! Offering Paintball for those over 18 Years of age – and Miniball for the juniors, 10 years and older.
Whitfield Wineries
Explore the best wineries Victoria has to offer! With Dal Zotto, Pizzini Estate, Christmont, Gracebrook Vineyards, King River Estate Wines all boasting fine wines and local produce.
Delatite River
Relax and swim at the beautiful Delatite river, or go fly fishing!
One of Victorias most majestic rivers, originating beyond Mount Sterling and meandering through Victorias high country and culminating at Lake Eildon.
Trail Riding
Take your horse on the holiday with you! Ride your horse through the many incredible tracks that the Great Victorian High Country has to offer. If you wish to bring your horse just contact Rob and we can accommodate them. Otherwise if you don't have a horse or you don't wish to bring your horse, we can put you in contact with some of the many trail riding companies in the area to arrange a memorable riding experience.
High Country Maze
The High Country Maze is a 'must~see' on your next High Country adventure! A labour of love has transformed this into an amazing space complete with two established mazes, labyrinth, beautiful walled gardens, giant topiaries & sculptures, lawn games and of course, a gnome hunt! Bring the kids and enjoy refreshments from our on~site cafe.
Powers Lookout
Harry Power, last of Australia’s infamous bushrangers, was captured at his hideout on 5 June 1870. Today it’s a popular spot to visit both for the superb view of the King Valley 300 metres or so below and for its part in Australian bushranger history and its connection with Ned Kelly, in particular. A perfect excuse to stretch the legs halfway between Mansfield and the wineries of the King Valley. Pack a picnic or take a thermos for a warm cup while you overlook the valley and imagine life as a bushranger.
Mansfield Zoo
Mansfield Zoo is located only a few minutes from the Black Horse Park property and is one of North East Victoria’s hidden secrets, with a large collection of exotic and native animals on 30 acres of picturesque parkland featuring lovely views across the Delatite Valley to Mt Buller. Hand or spade feed many of the animals as you wander. Bring along family, friends and a picnic lunch or have a BBQ in the undercover facilities.
The Social Bandit Brewery
The Social Bandit Brewery offers the best beer and pizza in town with a great atmosphere to go with it! If you're a beer lover this is one place you don't want to miss
Jamieson Brewery & Grill
The Jamieson Brewery has sat on the banks of the famous Goulburn river for over half a century. Being one of the first micro breweries in Victoria it has held a reputation for high quality ales and hospitable country charm. Have a beer and relax, or take a tour of the brewery and see how they do it!
Goughs Bay
Located only 10 minutes from Black Horse Park, Goughs Bay offers a boat club where you can dine in and have a drink overlooking the glorious Lake Eildon.
The Goughs Bay area also has five all year round boat ramps and licensed general store where you can buy provisions and fuel.