Mount William Homestead

Mount William is a historic pastoral property located near Willaura in western Victoria, Australia, approximately 15 kilometres from the township. Established in 1842, it became one of the largest sheep and wool-growing stations in the Western District and has played an important role in the pastoral, agricultural and settlement history of the region. The property is particularly associated with the Chirnside family, among the most prominent pastoralists in colonial Victoria, and later with the Barr Smith family, who have owned the homestead block since 1919. Mount William is also noted for its historic woolshed and extensive homestead gardens.

History

Mount William was first settled in 1842 by brothers Thomas and Andrew Chirnside, who recognised the pastoral potential of the country east of Mount William in the Grampians region. The Chirnsides initially established simple accommodation before constructing a more substantial six-bedroom bluestone homestead on what later became known as the Mount William Pre-emptive Right. The property formed part of the extensive pastoral empire developed by the family across western Victoria during the nineteenth century.

Initially held under pastoral lease, Mount William carried both fine-wool Merino sheep and cattle. Following the granting of freehold ownership by the colonial government in 1862, the Chirnside brothers invested heavily in permanent infrastructure, including the construction of a twenty-stand bluestone woolshed. The station expanded significantly during the second half of the nineteenth century and by 1880 the freehold estate covered almost 57,000 acres (23,000 ha), having grown from an original leasehold area of approximately 38,000 acres.