Harbourside Heritage
There is much history and beauty concealed within the perfectly positioned eastern Sydney suburb of Vaucluse. Heritage estates, secluded beaches, coastal walks and beachside cafés are scattered along its shores. Hidden in a small sandy cove is the impressive Parsley Bay century old cable suspension footbridge, while close by is the historic Vaucluse House and Tearooms… surrounded by towering palms and ever so lush gardens. Then you have Nielsen Park with its lovely beach side café restaurant and the historic Greycliffe House.
Where: Vaucluse – Sydney eastern suburbs, 8km NE of CBD
Allow: 1/2 day
Getting there: Buses – Ferry to Watsons Bay & walk – Drive 20 mins from CBD
Close to: Watsons Bay, Rosebay
What to See & Do in Vaucluse
1. Vaucluse House Tearooms
An outing to Vaucluse wouldn’t be complete without visiting the historic Vaucluse House and Tearooms. It had been close on 30 years since our last visit, I was blown away by the beauty and setting. It is now on the list as one of our favourite destinations in Sydney, especially for breakfast!
We started our day with a delicious brunch at the Vaucluse House Tearooms. Arriving quite late we were fortunate to be seated at a table on the balcony, surrounded by greenery, flower pots and the sweet scent of wisteria in the air, I really couldn’t imagine a place I’d rather be on this warm Spring morning. I rarely post pics of our food but everything looked so delicious and delightful that I had to take just one pic to share.
Just so you won’t be disappointed, the Tearooms is intended for breakfast, lunch or high tea and in general they don’t allow coffee only.
2. Historic Vaucluse House & Estate
After brunch it was time to explore the historic Vaucluse House Estate. We started behind the Tearooms where the wisteria and clivia were at their absolute best. Then we spotted the old farmyard gate and shed, they looked inviting! Beyond the gate is a large Victorian style kitchen garden, with lovely views over the estate buildings. It was hard to believe we were in the middle of Sydney.
Following the garden track a little further we came across the old laundry and the farmyard animals. There were goats, chickens and ducks all quite happily sharing their ‘home’. One of the chickens was cosied up quite nicely with the goat… good friends, or was it one of those one sided relationships? The goat certainly looked a little aloof!
After exploring the ‘farm’ and the back of the estate it was time to see the main attraction, the beautiful old sandstone mansion, Vaucluse House.
The views from the ‘pleasure garden and fountain’ were absolutely superb, especially with the wisteria framing the balconies. The turrets and crenellations were a later addition, and in my opinion give the estate its unique character. Although there were tours of the interior it was just too gorgeous a day to be inside… next time!
3. Parsley Bay & the Suspension Bridge
With its tiny harbour cove reserve and impressive suspension footbridge, Parsley Bay is an idyllic place to spend time. Just 10 minutes walk from Vaucluse House with easy access to the footbridge via Fitzwilliam Road. From the bridge there are gorgeous views over the harbour, pier and beach.
At the far end of the reserve there’s a small aptly named outdoor café ‘A Little Piece of Paradise’. The owner boasts he serves ‘everything’, although we didn’t try anything, after all we had just gorged ourselves at the Tearooms! Located under a large shady tree, it is the perfect spot for a cool drink and ice cream.
From the beach you can follow the path along the waters edge to a small pier where there is usually a gathering of keen sunbathers enjoying the peace and quiet. The walk along the waters edge is very appealing with its harbour views, sandstone overhangs and native vegetation. Up the stairs and through the streets will take you to Watsons Bay in under 30 minutes, but hey, that’s another outing in itself!
4. Nielsen Park & Greycliffe House
After Parsley Bay we wound our way back through the tree lined streets to the picturesque Nielsen Park. This is a favourite picnic and beachside spot with a delightful café and restaurant just off the beach. It was time for another drink and a small snack! We grabbed a table in the shade at the small café kiosk. This is a great place to observe the parade of friends and families out and about enjoying life… and then there’s the fabulous Shark Beach and harbour views!
Take a stroll up behind the café to see the impressive neo-gothic Victorian architecture of Greycliffe House. It reminds me of a gingerbread house, although quite a grand one!
5. Hermitage Foreshore Walk & Strickland House
If you still have some energy, take a stroll from Nielsen Park around the Hermitage Foreshore Walk to Strickland House. As the path winds its way along the waters edge you will be afforded some fantastic views to the city. Eventually you will come across the magnificent 1950s Victorian Italianate Strickland House, standing proud on the hill overlooking the harbour. The grounds are a great place for a picnic. Also, if there isn’t a private function happening, you can easily enjoy a seat on the wide verandah!
Walking through the streets, admiring the beautiful Vaucluse homes and gardens is also very much part of this outing.
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This is very insightful and helps us to explore more about Australia.
Specially when we are new to the country.
Wonderful pictures
Thank you
Thanks for your feedback Astha 🙂
Hope you get to Vaucluse House soon, it is just gorgeous…. hopefully the wisteria is still flowering as it was 2 weeks ago.
In November it will also be very beautiful with the Jacaranda trees in full bloom.
Best
Robyn