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Bushfire Smart
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Coolart is a magnificent late Victorian mansion situated on the shores of Westernport. In the superb grounds are ever-changing wetlands that you can view from the observatory, and a lagoon where thousands of Australian white ibis nest every year.
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Things to Do
- Take a woodland walk and look for koalas.
- Go birdwatching. Birds can be seen everywhere at Coolart with different species found in each of the distinct habitats. Winter and spring are the most spectacular seasons when over 1000 Australian white ibis and other waterbirds congregate on the lagoon to breed.
- Picnic on the lawns or use the wood or electric barbeques. If the weather is cold or wet please enquire about the Stables picnic area.
- Explore the old out buildings and imagine what life was like when you had to make your own butter.
- Stroll through the beautiful gardens and discover unusual exotic plants or to the beach for views of Phillip Island and Westernport.
- Junior Ranger Certificate activities are available - these are parent-guided activities for children - just ask at the Visitor Centre for 'Let’s Go Around The Farm' and 'Let’s Go Beachcombing'.
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Facilities
- There is a visitors centre where you may hire binoculars or borrow a wheelchair.
- A slide show, 'Introducing Coolart', is shown each day in the Wetlands Observatory (1:30 PM weekdays and 2:00 PM weekends)
- Wood and electric barbeques, picnic tables and hot water are provided for your convenience.
- Baby changing facilities.
- An admission fee applies: $8.00 adult; $6.00 concession; $4.50 children; $19.00 (2 adults, 2 children), $13.00 (1 adult, 2 children) family .
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Heritage
The original inhabitants of Coolart were the Bunurong tribe of Aborigines and it is from the word "Colourt" or "Callert" - their name for nearby Sandy Point - that the present name of Coolart is derived. In 1895, Frederick Sheppard Grimwade bought the estate and built the imposing homestead as the family's country retreat. Between 1907 and 1937 Coolart was held at different times by Thomas Armstrong, James Balmain and John Sylvester Feehan. The late Tom Luxton purchased the property in 1937 and immediately had the property declared a sanctuary for native wildlife and embarked upon a program of habitat development. The 87 hectare nucleus of the Coolart area was purchased by the Victorian State Government in 1977 and it was proclaimed as a reserve for "Conservation and Education Purposes". Aboriginal Traditional Owners Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria
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Fauna
Coolart has a large diversity of wildlife despite its relatively small size. It has nine species of frog, including the increasingly rare Growling Grass Frog. Thirteen species of mammal ranging in size from the tiny, mouse-sized Agile Antechinus to the large Swamp Wallaby. There are eleven species of reptile including the Common Long-necked Tortoise, Blue-tongue Lizard, Copperhead, White-lipped Snake and several species of skinks. Birds are the most numerous of the larger wildlife and 177 species have been recorded. Eight species of fish and four crustaceans have been found in the waterways.
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Vegetation
The varied vegetation is the key to the wildlife diversity at Coolart. The property consists of different plant communities including manna gum/banksia woodland, grassland, paperbark swamps and wetlands of sedges, reeds and rushes.
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Looking After the Park
- No fires, including barbeques, may be lit on a day of Total Fire Ban.
- Dogs and other pets are not permitted.
- All native plants and animals and historic features are protected.
- Leave the park as you find it.
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How to Get There
Coolart is open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily except Christmas Day, New Years Day and Good Friday. Access is via Lord Somers Road, Somers. Melways ref: 193 J9.
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Special Needs Access
Entrance and Homestead
Access at Coolart is generally good. There are some ramps in place to improve access and also designated accessible toilets, although of outdated design. The Visitor Centre is very accessible. The ground floor of the Mansion is accessible through a side door - ask staff for directions. Bird Hides
Boardwalks leading to the viewing areas at Coolart are wide and have wire netting to improve grip. There is a wheelchair accessible hide, and the observatory caters for all viewing levels.
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Nearby Parks
- Arthurs Seat State Park
- Cardinia Reservoir Park
- Collins Settlement Historic Site
- Mornington Peninsula National Park
- French Island National Park
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Guided Activities
1. Birdwatching (A1)
2. Bushwalking (A2)
3. Coach/Bus Tours (J1)
4. Coastal Walking (A4)
5. Sea Kayaking (B5)
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Special Places
1. Coolart Homestead
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Volunteers
1. Friends of Coolart
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Publications
Brochures 1.
A new guide to Victoria's Parks: Parks Discovery
Park Notes / Maps 1.
Coolart Wetlands & Homestead - Visitor Guide
Management Plans & Strategies 1.
Coolart Wetlands and Homestead (116KB)
Books & DVDs 1.
Victoria's National Parks
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Melbourne's Great Outdoors
Permits & Licences 1.
Mornington Peninsula District - Wedding Ceremony Permits and Prices
Victoria's Heritage Stories 1.
Coolart Wetlands and Homestead
2.
Somers - A Walk on the Wildside
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