Rise of the Regions: Mona Farm

An historic cattle station in rural NSW is probably not where you’d expect to find a trove of contemporary sculpture and art. But the 124-acre Mona Farm, first established in 1836, is an uncommon find.

Situated an hour west of Canberra, the farm was the home of ship’s surgeon Thomas Braidwood Wilson, who lent his name to the town that would grow beside it.

Walk through the elm forest and across swathes of lawn to discover 20 sculptures by Australian and international artists including US sculptor Peter Lundberg. Then step inside the homestead to admire works from contemporary artists including Fiona Hall, Bill Henson and Adam Cullen.

Even the livestock is stylish, with a herd of photogenic Scottish Highland cattle and Clydesdale horses on the property, while its gardens’ highlights include a ha-ha wall dating back to the 1830s, a rose garden, croquet lawn and carpets of bluebells and daffodils. “It’s got a mysterious secrecy to it,” says Belinda Pulver who owns the property with her husband, former rugby union boss Bill.

Stay in the 1850s homestead or turn-of-the-century coach house, while the stables, shearers’ quarters and another cottage – yet to be complete – will be the perfect house party venue for up to 44 guests.

The Coach House costs from $1050, sleeps 9, while the Homestead costs from $2500, sleeps 10 (midweek).
monafarm.com.au