About Yambacoona House
Silent Witness
Ever since it’s construction in 1902, Yambacoona House has been a hub for people and their families thorough out the history of King Island. It was in the master bedroom (once the library), that Francis Stephenson read of the sinking of the Titanic, the outbreak of WW1, and informed his wife Jessie that he would be going to the Western Front in 1916.
Sir Sydney Kidman has walked the hall, turned the doorknobs along with governor generals, government officials and generations of King Island families. This house has been everything from a home for the lords of Yambacoona Estate, to a telephone exchange and shop.
Two world wars, the birth of powered flight – to moon landings, and through all the calamitious changes of the 20th century, Yambacoona House has stood witness to the families who lived within it, and the changes those people brought to the house. At one stage in the 1960s, the house became a vivid orange.
Restoration Australia
In its heyday, Yambacoona House hosted balls, and sporting events from the football league to tennis however by the time Gordon’s family purchased Yambacoona House, those times we’re long gone.
Yambacoona House had become derelict. A mere shaddow of its former self, but still a place that meant a lot of things to a lot of King Island people. It’s purchase by Gordon and his family kicked off a restoration like no other! Followed by the Restoration Australia film crew, Gordon and his team of King Islanders, Kiwis, and ‘mainlanders’ dragged Yambacoona House into the 21st century.
You can watch the restoration of Yambacoona House on ABC iview by clicking this link.
In the Heart of the North
Yambacoona House has been revived from the near dead – with a new role in a different world. Our vision for Yambacoona House is one filled with people. People who are seeking moments away from the world – away from the maddening crowd.
Yambacoona House is about people reconnecting with people and the natural world, in the heart of King Island country.
There is something special about this place, and we are looking to build on that unique quality. We aim to provide our guests with quality accommodation at a price that provides great value. We want our small corner of the world to be enjoyed by people who love it as much as we do – and will want to protect it. We aim to rewild our corner of Yambacoona while providing comfort and modern amenities with the charm of Australian rustic.
Staying with us, helps revive our corner of the world and saving this place for future generations.
Meet Your Host
Gordon McKenzie and his family are fourth generation King Islanders.
Yambacoona House has been part of our family story since 1918 when my great great uncle worked for Australia’s cattle king, Sydney Kidman.
Yambacoona House has always been a place that has resounded with the stories and lives of people. Our vision for Yambacoona House is to create a unique experience for people across Australia and the world to reconnect with their people, the natural world and recharge for another crack at the life.
We’re at the start of our journey to replant the gardens with bird-friendly natives, rewild our 17 acres and create a place for fun, celebrations and connection. We want people to experience the old world of country Australia, but have the convenience of everything needed for a fantastic experience at the fingertip.
We have big dreams for Yambacoona House and staying with us will be your contribution to our rewilding projects, conserving and keeping this piece of unique Australian heritage alive for our future generations to enjoy as much as we do.
Thank you for joining us in the rebirth of Yambacoona House. We can’t wait to welcome you and make you a part of the story.
What Our Visitors Say
We stayed at Yambacoona House and enjoyed it immensely. The house has so much space, it is tastefully presented, and the peace and quiet is an absolute blessing from the noise of the world.
The house has multiple fireplaces to create warmth which flows throughout the house, and two bathrooms make it easy to accommodate for large groups.
For our gourmet meals at Yambacoona House we sourced our King Island beef, cheese, crayfish and fresh organic vegetables from The Garden.
There is so much to see and do. Wildlife abounds around the property with interesting birds to be seen including peacocks, pheasants, turkeys, ducks, Cape Barren geese and swans, just to name a few. The resident wallabies are also a delight to watch.
Literally 5 minutes’ drive from Yambacoona House is one of the best beaches ever. Yellow Rock Beach has golden sand and faces a beautiful blue water bay. We fished and swam there almost daily.
Martha Lavinia, one of Australia’s best surf beaches, is on the east side of the island 15 minutes’ drive from away. While we don’t surf, it was great for walking and beachcombing.
Go north 15 minutes and you are at one of the most spectacular golf courses in Australia. Cape Wickham Links sits underneath the tallest lighthouse in the southern hemisphere. The lighthouse was made out of blocks of granite which were quarried just over the hill from where it stands.
Absolutely love this place and will be back!!
Ben Patton – Tasmania, Australia
