Vaucluse House

A visit to Vaucluse House offers an escape from the city along with journey back in time

Front of Vaucluse House
Front of Vaucluse House cc licensed photo by Richard Scholz via Wikipedia

Vaucluse house is a historic 19th century estate located in the eastern suburb of Vaucluse which is named after the house. It is about a 30 minute bus ride from central Sydney. The property was acquired by the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales in 1981 at which point it underwent major refurbishing to restore both the interior and exterior of the house, outbuildings and grounds as close as possible to their original setting.

The first structure built on the location was a farm cottage built by Sir Henry Brown Hayes back in 1805 when the Governer insisted he live well out from the city due to his reputation as a troublemaker. The buildings you see today were constructed over a 25 year period beginning when wealthy statesman William Charles Wentworth purchased the property with his wife back in 1827. Vaucluse House was added onto at different times over the 25 years resulting in a mix of styles although the predominant architecture could be described as Gothic Revival. Wentworth also expanded the size of the estate to 515 acres.

In the 1850s the Wentworths travelled around the continent and acquired a collection of art and furniture, much of which is still on display in the house today.

In 1911 Vaucluse House and the immediate surroundings where purchased by the NSW government and a 28 acre park was created in honour of Wentworth. Beginning in 1920 the public was given access to the house and the grounds.

If you would like to explore a little bit of history and get a break from the busy city Vaucluse House is a great place to visit.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Vaucluse House Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Address: 69A Wentworth Rd, Vaucluse NSW 2030, Australia

Phone: (02) 9388 7922

Official Website: Vaucluse House

Vaucluse House Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Vaucluse House is definitely worth some time to discover. The 19th century mansion of Sarah and William Wentworth is beautiful and, with the help of the audio guide, recounts their story like if you jumped back in time. From the bedrooms to the advanced kitchen cooker for its time and the old washing machine, the attention to detail and the effort of conservation is impressive. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as we did! Kids will love it too 😊
Karine T - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Amazing place,wonderful and beautiful. Thanks the narrator introduced all the history for us.they are super nice and friendly. we are from Taiwan, my mom first time visit Australia, and she so happy and enjoys everything here. Highly recommend every travelers come here.
Liz Huang - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Photographer's review of this Sydney's little slice of 19th-century magic is here! I was lucky enough to capture the wedding here recently, and let me tell you, no wonder why this is one of the most popular venue for the wedding! The estate itself is like stepping into a time capsule. The mansion, surrounded by its gardens and sprawling grounds is all about elegance and heritage. As a photographer, this place is a dream! The heritage elements and the lush greenery, especially inside the museum building that makes me feel like I'm time travelling! The team have been absolutely professional and super friendly and kind! They DO understand the importance of every detail, ensuring that the shoot unfold seamlessly with this historic backdrop. Planning a wedding soon? Don't walk, just RUN! and GET YOUR DATE SECURED! (Thank me later hahaha)
Brandon - Studio Damum - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating This historic home and its grounds can be visited for free. It’s the former home of the Wentworths who originally owned a large area of the land in Vaucluse. If you visit here, make sure you walk through and enjoy the large yard. Access to the historic home is via an entry located at the rear of the property - near the stabling yards. There are toilets located at the rear of the property. There’s plenty of off-street and on-street parking located here. You’ll find a cafe / restaurant located near the home.
Brenden Wood - 5 months ago

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5 Star Rating Beautiful historical and architectural house. Very friendly staff and great tour guide. Really enjoyed to walk through the history. I love vintage furnishing and beautiful garden. Have free parking on site and Italian restaurant just near by, food very good, however very pricy. Access with pram and kids friendly place. However without pram would be better to walk through house. Thank you so much, would love to back in the future.
Rina Saha - 10 months ago

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Directions

Line Nearest Station Walking Time
L2, T1, T2, T3, T8 + BusTown Hall3 or 10 minutes
T4 + BusEdgecliff Station3 or 10 minutes

How to get to Vaucluse House by

By Train + Bus: Town Hall Station catch either a #324 or #325 bus from Stand A on York Street. If taking the #324 bus, get off at New South Head Road just past Petrarch Avenue and walk back to Petrarch Avenue and go right (north) to Hopetoun Avenue. Cross over and look for the stairway just to your left and go down the steps and through the pathway to Olola Avenue and follow it to your right until you get to Vaucluse House Park entrance (10 minutes). If taking the #325 bus, get off at Wentworth Road and Olola Avenue and go right (south) down Olola Avenue to the park entrance (3 minutes). Alternatively, you can take a T4 train to Edgecliff Station and transfer to the #325 bus there. This may be quicker depending on where you are starting and the timing of your connections.

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