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 really enjoyed my visit at the Vaucluse House. Watching the series Downtown Abbey has proven to be fruitful, as I could relate to the Vaucluse House household operation. The audio explanations were helpful, and I learnt more about the Wentworth family. The only downside was that I wished the Museum Management of Vaucluse House would've opened up the Servants Quarters lodging / rooms section, so we could learn their lifestyles just as much as their Masters, The Wentworth Family. It would be good to allow visitors to see what is above the Butler's Pantry and Office, where the heads of key operations i.e. Housekeeping, Sewing, Nanny, etc. reside / rest.
Ramona Ismail - a month ago
I'm happy to visit here..
A well-preserved old house... There are hidden gem-like spots everywhere. I didn’t expect much since it’s free entry, but it was really nice. Next time, I’ll check out the café too.
claire LEE - a month ago
A wonderful experience. Beautiful home, spectacular gardens, excellent guides, and a really nice bookshop. And if you get a chance, try to arrange a tour of the related, and nearby, Wentworth family mausoleum.
Michael Drew - 3 months ago
Great museum and history of a different time.
Lots of effort to represent and talk about the period of the house in its original form.
Thank you to those who do this and the volunteers, too.
Peter Oeding-Erdel - a month 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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