ABOUT

Ballarat is a city built on gold. From the grandeur of the well-preserved buildings to the wide tree-lined streetscapes,
the wealth of the gold rush era can still be seen in Ballarat today. Bishops Palace is one of the most opulent houses
of this era.

 

Bishops Palace was built in 1877 as the home for the first Bishop of Ballarat. The Palace was designed by
Melbourne architect, Joseph Reed, of Reed and Barnes, and built by George Broom at a cost of £6,000.

 

Reed and Barnes also designed Melbourne’s State Library, Ripponlea Estate and the Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building. The original heritage-listed gold lead stencilled paintwork that can be seen in the front entry and on the staircase walls at Bishops Palace was replicated in the Royal Exhibition Building.

 

The original property was 140 squares set on 11 acres of gardens and took up an entire block of Sturt Street.
This was on scale with the importance of Ballarat as a gold-mining centre at the time.

 

Bishops Palace has undergone a number of transformations in its lifetime, from the home of the first Bishop to a private residence, and today, as a luxurious accommodation venue. The grounds were subdivided over the years, and the property is now surrounded by four of the original 11 acres of gardens.

 

About the Building
Bishop's Palace is of architectural, aesthetic and historical significance to the State of Victoria.

The two-storey bluestone mansion is an impressive example of 19th-century Gothic architecture with an unusual design.
It retains many of its original features, including lead stencilled paintwork, cornices, ceiling roses, fixtures and fittings.

On the ground floor, you will find two suites, a library/billiards room, large dining room, parlour, kitchen and laundry.
A magnificent staircase leads to the additional four suites on the first floor.

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About the Gardens
The property is particularly notable for its four acres of impressive heritage-listed gardens. The survival of such a large garden in an urban context is unique within Victoria. The relationship between the grandeur of the front garden and
the Sturt Street streetscape, which is characterised by intact Victorian and Edwardian houses,
is unparalleled elsewhere in the state.

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Grand entrance gates open to a winding driveway, which leads through to the formally landscaped gardens and onto the house. A spa pavilion is located in the rear gardens, featuring an eight-person deluxe spa bath and sauna,
with an adjoining BBQ area.

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Bishops Palace today
In 2019, Bishops Palace opened its doors to the public in the form of an accommodation, wedding and event venue.

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The property has been meticulously renovated to provide luxury, relaxation and the ultimate in comfort
in a truly unique setting. There is no other property quite like it in Ballarat or Victoria.

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Whether you’re staying as a couple or group, planning a wedding or event, Bishops Palace can be experienced by booking a private suite, room or choosing to have exclusive use of the entire property.
View the luxurious accommodation options here

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Experience the grandeur and luxury of one of Australia’s most historic cities at Bishop’s Palace.