The original inhabitants of Point Cook were the Kulin Nation. In the early 1800s Captain Hobson was exploring new land aboard his boat, the Rattlesnake. He caught sight of Point Cook and named it after the first mate on the vessel- John Cooke. 

 

However, the family that really made their mark on this area were the Chirnsides.

 

In 1839 24 year old Scotsmen Thomas Chirnside arrived in Sydney, Australia with nothing but the Bible given to him by his mother, a few hundred pounds from his father and boundless optimism. Thomas roamed Australia buying and selling cattle between Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Hobart and pretty soon had made a small fortune. His brohter, Andrew,  joined him and the pair  went on to build a large pastoral empire. 

 

The Chirnsides later established Werribee Mansion and set-up runs at Carranballac, Mount William and Curnong.

 

Point Cook is one of Victorias earliest pastoral homestead complexes. 'The oldest building dates back to1849 while the main homestead was built 1857.

 

The Chirnsides were very Haricot who won the 1874 Melbourne Cup, Tom Kirk who won the 1880 Caulfield Cup and Newminster who won the 1878 Geelong Cup and the 1879 Caulfield Cup. 

 

The Homestead has seen many transformations over the years.