Beleura is a historic house and garden on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, where the home, collections and gardens tell the story of the Tallis family and the life of composer John Tallis.
Today, visitors can explore Beleura through guided tours, music and cultural events.
Capturing Light Exhibition
Professional artists John and Eugenie Rowell shared a lifelong passion for the Mornington Peninsula and purchased a block of land from Beleura's owner John Tallis in the 1950s.
This exhibition is a snapshot of their lifetime's work and shows a selection of their paintings of the Australian landscape, the nearby Mornington Peninsula and portraiture.
Take the opportunity to visit the exhibition as part of any tour or concert or event visit to Beleura.
The Beleura Story
Let me tell you a little about Beleura, a theatre of the past…
Beleura was built on the Mornington Peninsula in 1863 by Scottish immigrant and successful merchant James Butchart. Today Beleura and its splendid grounds, interiors and archival material reflect the life and legacy of the Tallis family.
Composer John Tallis lived here for 48 years and bequeathed Beleura to the people of Victoria. Beleura retains echoes of his late father, Sir George Tallis, the well-known theatre entrepreneur and Chairman of international entertainment company JC Williamson Ltd.
The House & Gardens
Over its 160 year history Beleura has been a farm, a family home, a school, a Governor’s residence and survived a developer’s subdivision. Sir George Tallis, Chairman of JC Williamson Ltd. purchased it for his family holiday home in 1916 and the house reflects the story of the Tallis family and composer John Tallis.
The Gardens have had a succession of designers and influences from Latrobe Bateman in the 1860s to Edna Walling and Desbroe Annear. They include original trees from 1863 as well as an Italian garden, an Asian garden and pavilion with a waterlily pond, a Temple of Ceres, a Floral Pavilion and a Hansel & Gretel garden.
Beleura’s Collections
Beleura includes an original collection belonging to the house reflecting the taste and interests of its successive owners. Countless homewares and household items in situ reveal how people lived in the past. These include a collection of automobiles, a commissioned piano by Stuart & Sons that pushes the boundaries of acoustic piano technology and the Klytie Pate Treasury containing Australia’s largest collection of ceramic work by 20th ceramicist Klytie Pate.
Visit Beleura
Experience Beleura on a guided tour of the House & Gardens, with morning or afternoon tea included. Full day tours also include lunch. Beleura is open to visitors by pre-booked tour only. Visit our Tours page to explore the different tour options and plan your visit.
Behind the Scenes
Meet our guides, staff and gardeners in our Behind the Scenes video series as well as current news.
Explore the 2026 Beleura program
Explore our 2026 program of House & Garden tours, concerts and special events, and start planning your visit.
