A mechanics' institute was established in 1858 and accumulated a library, though it was forced to share space with the Presbyterian school until its own building was erected in 1870.

[7] The Farmers' Arms Hotel operated at the Avondale homestead around 1870, and a Cobb and Co. coach station was also located there.

Among many concerts held there during this period, Spray Farm hosted the major Day on the Green music festival for nine years.

The property was bought for A$7.5 million in 2010 by horsebreeder Rick Jamieson, and subsequently renovated and returned to being a private house.

It was sold again in March 2014 to Australia and New Zealand Banking Group CEO Mike Smith for an undisclosed amount; the property had been advertised at A$12 million.