Billilla Historic Mansion

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders — past, present and future.

Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.

Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.

Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community.

Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse.

About

Incorporating a formal garden and historic house, Brighton’s Billilla Mansion is undoubtedly one of Bayside’s most iconic buildings. It is a historically significant site which is listed on the National Trust Register, and has been a local landmark for more than one hundred years. Billilla is also significant to Brighton because of its distinctive Edwardian rather than Victorian appearance.

Nicholas Were originally owned the block of land bound by Hampton, Halifax and Dendy streets in Brighton in 1872. The land was subdivided and records show that successful miner Robert Wright built, owned and occupied the thirteen-room residence from 1878. The property passed through a number of hands over the next ten years, but in 1888 it was purchased by pastoralist William Weatherly who named the property Billilla. Mr Weatherly remodelled the house and made alterations and extensions to the building in the typical Art Noveau style.

Brighton City Council (now known as Bayside City Council) acquired the property on April 4, 1973 on behalf of the local citizens and reserved it for “public purposes”. Although the property is now leased by Xavier College, it is open to the general public who have access to the gardens year round.

Opening hours

Monday - Friday: 8:30am to 5:00pm

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