136 Australian Country HOMES
the very reasonable tariff s. They can
also tour the rose garden, which was
established in 2001 on the site of the former
apple orchard. Covering 1.5ha, the garden
contains more than 5000 specimens
ranging from the earliest European and
Chinese roses through to contemporary
varieties. The central parterre garden is
known as the George Adams Memorial
Garden and is named after the founder of
Tattersalls, a major sponsor. An 80 metre-
long rose arbour, planted to 75 Westerland
climbing roses, is the apricot-hued jewel in
the garden’s crown, particularly in spring.
Each November, a rose festival attracts
thousands of visitors.
Tourism is the lifeblood of Woolmers
these days, supplemented by grants for
specifi c updates such as museum-quality
lighting and humidifi ers. As house-keeping
offi cer Kim Gatenby explains it, the wish
list for Woolmers is never ending. “There’s
always something that needs fi xing or
restoring and we can always do with more
volunteers,” she says. “From dusting to
dead-heading the roses, there’s always
something to do.” ACH
For more information on Woolmers visit
These pages: Woolmers is also home to the beautiful rose garden, which contains more than 5000 woolmers.com.au.
specimens ranging from early European and Chinese specimens through to contemporary varieties.