Vaucluse House is one of Sydney’s few 19th-century mansions still surrounded by its original gardens and wooded grounds. When the towering colonial explorer, barrister and politician William Charles Wentworth bought the house in 1827, it was a single-storey cottage in a secluded valley of partly cleared coastal scrub. In fits and starts over the next five decades, William and his wife Sarah developed Vaucluse into a large and picturesque estate. The grounds were extended and flourished to cover most of the present-day suburb of Vaucluse but the main house of the family’s dreams was left unfinished. In 1915 Vaucluse House became Australia’s first official house museum and continues to entice visitors to its lush and still secluded grounds.
COVIDSAFE PROCEDURES
Face masks are mandatory at all Sydney Festival events for all patrons 13 years and older, in line with NSW Government regulations. A face mask is required at all times while inside foyers, theatres and outdoor venues, including during performances. Children 12 and under are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.
Vaucluse House is a COVID safe venue. For more information visit – sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/covid-19-conditions-entry.
AccessibilityACCESSVisitors with limited mobility can be dropped off at the house entrance via the Olola Avenue entrance, but vehicles must be parked in the main carpark. There are car spaces for people with disabilities. Accessible toilets are located behind the stables.
The ground floor of Vaucluse House is accessible by people with wheelchairs, with ramps provided over some raised entrances. The first and second floors can only be accessed by stair (approx 35 stairs) and the top floor by a further 10 stairs. The cellar is down a flight of steep, stone stairs. For visitors who are unable to directly access these areas, folders with captioned images are provided.
Note that due to the uneven ground, much of the gardens can be difficult to access for those with limited mobility.
We are always happy to try and accommodate individual visitors with specific needs, but we are best able to do that if you call ahead to let us know about any particular requirements you have. Please call ahead on +61 2 9388 7922.
Getting ThereWe are located about 10km east of the Sydney CBD.
BUS AND TRAIN
The 325 bus from Sydney CBD and Edgecliff station stops outside our gates. The bus trip from Edgecliff station takes about 20 minutes.
You can also take bus 324 (from Sydney CBD or Edgecliff) to Vaucluse shops, and then it’s a 10-minute walk down a signposted public walkway to Vaucluse House.
Routes 324 and 325 operate to and from Barangaroo and Walsh Bay. Buses will operate as normal to and from Hyde Park, then via Druitt Street, Kent Street, Napoleon Street and Hickson Road to Walsh Bay.
These services no longer operate to St James, Martin Place or Circular Quay. You can change at the corner of Park and Elizabeth streets for buses to Circular Quay, or alight at the corner of Park and George streets for trains at Town Hall.
For further details and to plan your trip, visit: mysydney.nsw.gov.au/plan-my-trip.
FERRY
From the Watson’s Bay ferry terminal, Vaucluse House is about 7 minutes on the 325 bus, or a 30-minute walk, about 2km along the shoreline via Parsley Bay.
For up-to-date timetables or to find the quickest public transport routes visit the Transport Infoline or call 131500.
PARKING
There is free parking in the grounds from 7am to 5pm.
Visitors with limited mobility can be dropped off at the house entrance via the Olola Avenue entrance, but vehicles must be parked in the main carpark. There are car spaces for people with disabilities. Accessible toilets are located behind the stables
CYCLING
This is a popular area for cyclists, but note that coming from the CBD involves riding up the infamous ‘Heartbreak Hill’ of New South Head Road. We have signposted bike racks in the car park where you can chain your bike.
Further details: sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/vaucluse-house/visit#address.
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