At Home Hill go behind the scenes of the public lives of Australian Prime Minister Joseph Lyons and his wife Dame Enid Lyons. Joseph Lyons (1879-1939), a school teacher born in Stanley, was Tasmania’s Premier in 1923-28 and Australia’s 10th Prime Minister 1932-39. Dame Enid Lyons (1897-1981) was the first woman elected to Federal Parliament, as a Member of the House of Representatives in 1943. She was also the first woman to serve in federal cabinet as part of the Menzies Government in 1949-1951. Home Hill was built in 1916 and was extended over the years to house the Lyons’ eleven surviving children. It survives with a large collection of original contents and provides an unexpected insight into Australian political and family life during the mid-20th century.
Home Hill was the centrepiece of a 4.5 hectare property, containing two hectares of apple orchard. Entered via the original drive, the now 2 hectare property retains the core of Dame Enid Lyons’ original garden, including roses and garden ‘rooms’ defined by hedges.
Situated only a five-minute drive from either the centre of Devonport or the Spirit of Tasmania dock, Home Hill is accessible by guided tour only. Bookings recommended.
Nearby attractions include City of Devonport Art Gallery, Bass Strait Maritime Museum, Don River Railway, Latrobe and Spreyton (historic towns).
