190 years of history. A bold new future. On Saturday 11 April, the National Trust ACT is hosting a special Open Day at Gungahlin Homestead as part of the 2026 Canberra and Region Heritage Festival.
For the first time in decades, the community is invited to experience Gungahlin Homestead up close. Walk the grounds of this remarkable Georgian-Victorian pastoral estate, explore the heritage buildings, and see firsthand the vision for one of Australia's most exciting retirement living projects.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a future resident, or simply curious about what's been happening behind the heritage gates in Crace — this is your chance to see it all.
The Open Day runs from 10:00am to 2:30pm and there's plenty to see and do:
• Guided tours of the Homestead and heritage precinct
• Meet the Crace Holdings team and project advisers
• Learn about the regenerative masterplan and Design for Country approach
• Hear from heritage and cultural experts shaping the project's future
• Enjoy a relaxed BBQ and coffee on the grounds
This Open Day is hosted by the National Trust ACT as an official event of the 43rd Canberra and Region Heritage Festival, running from 11 April to 10 May 2026. This year's festival theme is Mid-Century: Innovation, Change and Optimism, exploring the ideas and designs that shaped Canberra into the city it is today.
The National Trust will also be launching their Instagram presence from the event using the hashtag #AccessHeritage — making it a landmark day for heritage in the capital.
ACT Minister for Heritage Chris Steel has championed the festival's role in celebrating the region's heritage, and the Open Day promises to be a highlight of the program's opening weekend.
View the official event listing on the ACT Heritage Festival website →
Gungahlin Homestead is one of the oldest heritage properties in the ACT. Built in two major stages — a rendered brick Georgian house in 1862–65 and a grand sandstone Victorian addition by Edward Crace in 1883 — the estate served as a pastoral property before becoming the CSIRO's national wildlife research station for 70 years. Crace Holdings purchased the 36-hectare estate in 2023 and is now progressing plans to conserve the Homestead and create a vibrant retirement living community on the grounds.
Gungahlin Homestead is located on the corner of Gungahlin Drive and Barton Highway, in the Canberra suburb of Crace — just 15 minutes from Civic. Parking is available on site.
Saturday 11 April 2026, 10am–2:30pm. Hosted by the National Trust ACT.
We look forward to welcoming you.
