Gibbards Crossing

Located 7 minutes north of the historic central Victorian township of Redesdale, Gibbards Crossing is a three-acre garden nestled within the undulating hills of the local landscape. Surrounded by a 40-acre olive grove and vineyard, with a remarkable one kilometre river frontage on the Campaspe, the property is named after the old bluestone river ford at the end of Gibbards Lane.

Owners Frederika and Mark Laurie stumbled across the property about eight years ago and set about renovating the original bluestone homestead and rejuvenating the property’s soil. Organic compost, mulch, fertiliser, and an advanced irrigation system have ensured a flourishing garden of established trees and striking mass plantings, set against locally sourced stacked stone walls.

Highlights include the kitchen garden with a stylised labyrinth, bursting with herbs and citrus trees, and a fully enclosed vegetable garden mass planted with garlic, chillies, and tomatoes, all for preserving. A nearby enclosed area for fruit trees also houses the chickens in a fun log cabin made from repurposed vineyard posts.

“The garden hums with diverse bird life and the busy buzz of bees,” says Frederika. “We encourage visitors to enjoy walks and picnics by the Campaspe River or at the Monticule Lookout. The panoramic view across the rolling hills is truly spectacular.”

Tickets are available online via TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1187841

Gibbards Crossing is located on the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people. Open Gardens Victoria wish to acknowledge the Traditional custodians of this land and we pay respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.