Vaucluse House
A visit to Vaucluse House offers an escape from the city along with journey back in time
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: YesVaucluse 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 out of 5
I didn’t know about this place, I was just walking around, so it call our attention and we asked if it was open for the public and what a surprise it is entry free!!
This place looks incredible it has a lot of history is kind of a small museum the gardens are very well maintained and the house is pretty well preserved.
The staff were very friendly.
Carlos Fernandez - 2 months ago
Excellent customer service.
They provide an audio guide to discover the story behind every room.
There is a bathroom near the stables.
Entry is free.
Nice plan for a rainy Sunday like today.
Natalia Borsella - a month ago
Beautiful Historic Home and Lovely Restaurant set in the gorgeous gardens.
My Mother and I shared an amazing full breakfast complete with bacon, eggs, sausages and home made baked beans. Lovely elegant bone China cups and vintage silverware.
Natasha - 3 months ago
A historic estate located in the harborside suburb of Vaucluse. It has beautiful gardens, elegant architecture, and historical significance. The house is open to the public for tours, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of Sydney’s elite during the colonial era.
Esther K - 2 months ago
Free Sydney activity! After reading about this in Time Out Sydney I caught the ferry from Circular Quay to Rose Bay and then walked to Vaucluse House. Weather was stinking hot so it was a bit of a struggle in February. Huge grounds and then entry via a little hut outpost.
They had a free water jug which was life saving as we had gone to the cafe/restaurant and they were charging $7 for a coke with 15% Sunday surcharge on top of that. Suggestion: Get some vending machines for Vaucluse House.
The house is rich in history and nicely preserved. They also acknowledge thr Indigenous history of the land the building is on. Spent about an hour exploring the house and then took the bus back to Rose Bay for lunch.
Timeshare Chinchilla - 3 months ago
Directions
| Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| L2, T1, T2, T3, T8 + Bus | Town Hall | 3 or 10 minutes |
| T4 + Bus | Edgecliff Station | 3 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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Accommodations near Vaucluse House:
Photo Gallery
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Vaucluse House in Sydney cc licensed photo by Richard Scholz via Wikipedia
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