Vaucluse House
Vaucluse House sits on Wentworth Road in Vaucluse NSW 2030, where an 1803 gothic mansion stands among 10 hectares of gardens that stretch down to the water's edge. Its standout feature is the historic house museum, which has free entry Wednesday to Sunday.
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About Vaucluse House
Historic House Museum at Vaucluse House
Vaucluse House contains a gothic-style mansion built in 1803 that was owned by William Charles Wentworth, described as the father of the Australian Constitution. Wentworth, his wife Sarah and their 10 children lived in the house from 1827 to 1853 and again from 1861 to 1862. The house includes entertaining rooms and downstairs service areas, and its interiors hold original Wentworth pieces alongside early to mid-nineteenth-century furniture and collections. Visitors can explore the house on their own, with staff on hand to help.
Gardens and Grounds at Vaucluse House
Vaucluse House is surrounded by 10 hectares of picturesque grounds and gardens that stretch down to the water's edge. The estate includes a pleasure garden, a kitchen garden, paddocks, bushland and beach frontage. The gardens and grounds have been restored to their 19th century character, and they remain open daily during daylight hours. The estate also retains its kitchen wing, stables and outbuildings alongside the gardens.
Picnic Area and Tearooms at Vaucluse House
Vaucluse House has a picnic area within its grounds, giving visitors a place to eat outdoors on the estate. Estate Vaucluse House operates as the on-site Eat & Drink option, which the official listing describes as delightful tearooms. Bookings are essential for Estate Vaucluse House, so visitors should check its website for up-to-date details before arriving. The estate's restaurant patrons can also use the free on-site car park.
Facilities at Vaucluse House
Visitor tips for Vaucluse House
- ✓Photography is limited to handheld devices, as tripods, lighting rigs and reflectors are not permitted anywhere onsite, including the verandah and stables.
- ✓Visitors needing accessible entry can call +61 2 8239 2211 or email bookings@mhnsw.au before arriving.
- ✓For questions about the house itself, the direct line is +61 2 9388 7922.
Getting to Vaucluse House
Vaucluse House is at 69 Wentworth Road, Vaucluse NSW 2030. Free on-site parking is available for museum visitors and Estate Restaurant patrons from Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm. The car park has two designated accessible spaces, and visitors with limited mobility or using walkers or wheelchairs can be dropped off at the museum entry via the alternate driveway from Olola Avenue (east). Signposted bike racks are located in the car park.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Vaucluse
- 📍Estate Vaucluse House (restaurant, about 50 m)
Frequently asked questions about Vaucluse House
What is Vaucluse House in Vaucluse NSW and is it worth visiting?
Vaucluse House is a historic harbourside estate with a gothic mansion built in 1803 and 10 hectares of gardens and grounds. It is worth visiting for the house museum, which holds original Wentworth pieces, and for the gardens that stretch down to the water.
Where do I park when visiting Vaucluse House?
Free on-site parking is available at 69 Wentworth Road from Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm. Two designated accessible spaces are located in the car park.
What are the opening hours for Vaucluse House?
The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, and the gardens and grounds open daily during daylight hours. The museum is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Is Vaucluse House wheelchair accessible?
The estate has two designated accessible parking spaces and accessible toilets behind the stables. Visitors with limited mobility can be dropped off at the museum entry via the alternate driveway from Olola Avenue (east).
Do I need to pay an entry fee to visit Vaucluse House?
Museum entry at Vaucluse House is free. Tickets must be pre-booked online to manage capacity and safety within the museum.