Vaucluse House

Vaucluse House survives as one of Sydney's only 19th century harbourside estates with house, kitchen wing, stables and outbuildings and is still surrounded by ten hectares of formal gardens and grounds. Vaucluse House survives as one of Sydney's only 19th century harbourside estates with house, kitchen wing, stables and outbuildings and is still surrounded by ten hectares of formal gardens and grounds.

Built in 1803, Vaucluse House was once owned by William Charles Wentworth, father of the Australian Constitution, his wife Sarah and their immediate family of 10 children who lived in the house from 1827-1853 and again in 1861-1862.

This gothic style mansion includes both lavish entertaining rooms and functional 'downstairs' areas. Vaucluse House paints a picture of the social aspirations and lifestyles of the Wentworths and of the servants, both convict and free, who lived and worked there. The interiors include original Wentworth pieces together with furniture, furnishings and collections of the early to mid 19th century.

Guided tours are available on request for groups. Please contact the property to book a tour. There are often school groups at Vaucluse House. If you are visiting during the week and want to avoid these groups, then it is best to visit after 2pm.

Many people don't realise that the land on the harbour side of Wentworth Road is also part of the Vaucluse House estate including the small beach. Known as the beach paddock, the Historic Houses Trust has undertaken work in this area to reconstruct a small bridge and re-create the carriageway.

If you have difficulties walking then you can be dropped at the entrance of the house, on the carriage loop, by entering via Olola Avenue. Vaucluse House tearooms are the perfect place for lunch or afternoon tea, well worth a visit for a decadent Devonshire Tea.

See link to book your visit to Vaucluse House: mhnsw website