"For a glimpse of Sydney 's high society, visit Vaucluse House, a beautiful villa and garden in the Eastern Suburbs near Watsons Bay. A gothic revival mansion built in 1803, Vaucluse House once belonged to ex-convict Sir Henry Browne Hayes, who was shipped to Australia from England for abducting a banker’s daughter. Some punishment. The mansion also served as the home of writer, explorer, and local dignitary William Charles Wentworth. Once you're done eyeing the antiques and memorabilia, check out the tropical gardens and settle in for a cup of English breakfast and a warm scone at the well-appointed tearoom. There's also Milk Beach and the Hermitage Foreshore Track nearby, a gorgeous coastal walk for those looking for a little more adventure."
"For a glimpse of Sydney 's high society, visit Vaucluse House, a beautiful villa and garden in the Eastern Suburbs near Watsons Bay. A gothic revival mansion built in 1803, Vaucluse House once belonged to ex-convict Sir Henry Browne Hayes, who was shipped to Australia from England for abducting a banker’s daughter. Some punishment. The mansion also served as the home of writer, explorer, and local dignitary William Charles Wentworth. Once you're done eyeing the antiques and memorabilia, check out the tropical gardens and settle in for a cup of English breakfast and a warm scone at the well-appointed tearoom. There's also Milk Beach and the Hermitage Foreshore Track nearby, a gorgeous coastal walk for those looking for a little more adventure."
"For a glimpse of Sydney 's high society, visit Vaucluse House, a beautiful villa and garden in the Eastern Suburbs near Watsons Bay. A gothic revival mansion built in 1803, Vaucluse House once belonged to ex-convict Sir Henry Browne Hayes, who was shipped to Australia from England for abducting a banker’s daughter. Some punishment. The mansion also served as the home of writer, explorer, and local dignitary William Charles Wentworth. Once you're done eyeing the antiques and memorabilia, check out the tropical gardens and settle in for a cup of English breakfast and a warm scone at the well-appointed tearoom. There's also Milk Beach and the Hermitage Foreshore Track nearby, a gorgeous coastal walk for those looking for a little more adventure."
Moved to the area over 30 years ago and had never been inside Vaucluse house. All I can say is WOW!!!! Absolutely beautiful! Like stepping back in time, everything is so well preserved! They even had the fire going in the kitchen which really created an atmosphere of times gone by... highly recommended!
JJ F
Google
My super sweet boyfriend took me to this unique historical house. It’s a surprise for me for our Friday date. He knew I will like this beautiful estate. So chill and well maintained building. We said to go back for the near park and beach. I’m looking forward next visit with him.
Robyn Coleman
Google
Wonderful evening visit to Vaucluse House where William Charles Wentworth raised 10 children with his wife Sarah. Excellent guide and plenty of staff to safely guide us through the candlelit sandstone flagged floors and staircases. Beautiful gardens where I have plein air painted in the past with the Royal Art Society.
Map Roy
Google
I absolutely loved visiting Vaucluse House! The house and surrounding gardens have been very well preserved. I was fascinated by the way each room was set up and displayed. It really accurately showed what life at the time was like for the servants and family of the property.
Staff and volunteers were very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.
I would recommend coming to visit here!
Artin HB
Google
Vaucluse House is absolutely beautiful—a perfect mix of history and nature. The house is so well-preserved, with lots of interesting details about how people lived back in the 1800s. The gardens are stunning and peaceful, perfect for a walk or a picnic. The café is lovely too, with great coffee and nice food. The only reason it’s not a full 5 stars is that parking can be a bit tricky on busy days. Overall, it’s a hidden gem in Sydney and definitely worth a visit.
Glenn Ferguson
Google
Great place to wander around and learn some early Sydney history. Well documented, lots of stories and great access to this historic house. The guides are super helpful, knowledgeable and friendly.
Tim & Kate
Google
Great story behind the man, who with Blaxland and Lawson, blazed a trail across the Blue Mountains.
His and his families life is well documented. The rooms and furniture are well displayed. Mobility parking available, just a short walk through well maintained gardens to the house. 3 levels, the stairs are relatively easy, although maybe not ffir the elderly or Mobility challenged.
Free entry. Tours are available, post booked.
Liz Barnes Photo
Google
I photographed a wedding at Vaucluse House recently and it really is such a dream venue! The combination of historic architecture and lush gardens makes every corner a perfect photo backdrop. The team were wonderful to work with, and I’d be thrilled to shoot here again.
t a.
Yelp
Fascinating historic house, very helpful docents, and you can't beat the price as admission is free!
Sharn G.
Yelp
I was all set to give this place all the stars it deserved, but a distasteful run in with someone on their security has dropped the stars here.
You see, they offer a lovely tour of the house - with some great historical information passed down.
Another lovely Yelper, Andrew H, even got to play the period piano for us while we swanned on the square couches and soaked in the history of this place.
Climbing all those stairs in a corset was hard work and I was extremely happy that I had a fan. Let's not talk about getting down all those stairs in a corset either.
Suffice to say we had a lovely lovely time here... Until we were taking some pictures before we left. The grounds shut at 4.30pm to the general public. It seemed like there was a party happening not too far away, which we didn't even give notice to. We were enjoying taking pictures and being a bit silly.
As we gathered our things and started to head off as we noticed that the time was 4.30 the security guard came over to tell us we had to leave. We replied that we were obviously on our way off the grounds when he interjected that there's a private party and they paid to be here so therefore we couldn't stay.
Wait, are you serious? You can't see that we have all our gear and are walking towards the gate that leads out?!
He assumed that we were some kind of professional photographers because he kept asking what company we worked for and wouldn't take a "we don't work for anyone" answer very well.
As you can imagine this was a really horrible way to end an otherwise fabulous day that we'd had starting with our high tea and then tour.
And it's the reason why I've given it such a low rating. Being harrassed for no reason as we're leaving the grounds leaves a bitter taste in one's mouth.