Steele Point Cottage
Sydney Harbour National Park
Overview
Wake up to views of the Sydney Harbour skyline at Steele Point Cottage in Nielsen Park, Vaucluse. This fully self-contained heritage accommodation on the harbour foreshore offers a private and secluded getaway for 2 people.
| Accommodation type | Cottage |
|---|---|
| Where | 2 Steele Point Road, Vaucluse, NSW, 2030 - in Sydney Harbour National Park |
| Bedrooms | 1 |
| Maximum guests | 2 |
| Facilities | Barbecue facilities, drinking water, showers, toilets, electric power, kitchen, plates and cutlery, bed linen, towels, rubbish bin |
| What to bring | Food supplies |
| Please note |
|
Steele Point's location in Sydney Harbour National Park is hard to beat. Perched on the edge of a sandstone cliff in Nielsen Park, you're surrounded by lovely swimming spots and outstanding views of Sydney's cityscape.
Built in the 1880s as a gunner's barracks to protect Sydney Harbour, Steele Point Cottage has been carefully renovated to keep heritage features including original ceilings and timber flooring. It's the perfect accommodation for weekend escapes and honeymooners.
There's plenty of things to do in Nielsen Park during your stay. Take a walk along the Hermitage Foreshore track towards Rose Bay, passing beautiful Milk Beach, Queens Beach and Hermit Bay along the way. Picnic in the grounds of the nearby historic Greycliffe House or Strickland Estate. If you want to explore further afield, the cottage isn't far from the iconic Watsons Bay and Bondi Beach.
If you prefer to keep it local, the cottage is equipped with everything you need for a romantic getaway. Cosy up in your soft bathrobe, bring a bottle of bubbly and watch the city light up as the sun sets.
Explore the area or hire these venues
Map
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Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/accommodation/steele-point-cottage/local-alerts
Bookings
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Nielsen Park office
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
- 02 9337 5511
- npws.sydneysouth@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Greycliffe House, Nielsen Park, 6 Steele Point Road, Vaucluse NSW 2030
Park info
- in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
-
Park entry fees:
Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app.
Other fees:
Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Steele Point Cottage.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Steele Point Cottage is located in Nielsen Park in Vaucluse, which is part of Sydney Harbour National Park. It’s about 12km from the centre of Sydney. To get there:
- Take New South Head Road from the city towards Vaucluse
- Turn left onto Vaucluse Road and follow until you reach Steele Point Road
- To open the security boom gate, press the green button or use the access code on your booking confirmation.
- Follow the road until you reach the cottage, on your left.
Nielsen Park has a 25km/hr speed limit and is a shared traffic zone. Please look out for pedestrians.
Key collection
- Your booking confirmation email will include an access code to open the security boom gate on Steele Point Road and the key deposit box at the cottage.
- Please return the cottage keys to the deposit box on check out. Fees may apply for lost keys.
- If you haven’t received your access code before your stay, call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available for 1 vehicle at the cottage.
By public transport
Take Bus 325 to Nielsen Park. It’s less than 10min to walk about 650m from the bus stop to the cottage.
Best times to visit
Sydney Harbour National Park offers exceptional experiences all year round. You're sure to find a walk, tour, activity or attraction to appeal, regardless of season.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
20°C and 25°C
Highest recorded
45.3°C (1939)
Winter temperature
Average
7°C and 16°C
Lowest recorded
2.1 °C (1932)
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
July
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
99.4mm
Facilities
- The cottage is fully self-contained with 1 bedroom (queen bed), bathroom, kitchen, dining room and lounge room.
- The bathroom has heated towel racks, a hair dryer and hand soap.
- All kitchen items should be washed up and put away. Additional fees may be charged for any unreasonable cleaning required or missing/broken items. Cleaning products are provided.
- There's no internet access.
Toilets
- Flush toilets
Barbecue facilities
The cottage has a gas barbecue and an outdoor seating area. Please leave the cottage and barbecue clean and tidy.
Drinking water
Showers
The bathroom has a bath and a shower.
Electric power
The cottage has an electric heater and fan.
Kitchen
Fridge, freezer, electric stovetop, oven, microwave, toaster and kettle.
Plates and cutlery
Royal Doulton dinner sets, champagne flutes, wine bucket, decanter, coffee plunger and tea strainer.
Bed linen
Sheridan bed linen.
Towels
Towels and bathrobes.
Rubbish bin
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Prohibited
Amplified music is not permitted. Noise restrictions apply between 10pm and 7am.
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Learn more
Steele Point Cottage is in Sydney Harbour National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A world of history
Although British authorities first planned to set up their penal colony in Botany Bay, the First Fleet of convicts only stayed in Botany Bay for a few days and then set sail around the coast to Sydney Harbour, where the colony was established. Since then, Sydney Harbour has continued to play an important part in the development of the nation and a number of places in the park have strong links to Sydney's history. You'll find buildings constructed using convict labour, maritime and military fortifications, and the Quarantine Station which once housed new boat arrivals to Sydney, protecting Sydneysiders from infectious disease.
- Bradleys Head guided walking tour in Sydney Join your friendly guide from EcoWalks Tours for a fascinating harbour-side excursion at Bradleys Head in Sydney. You'll experience local history, enjoy stunning views and see native wildlife.
- Bushland secrets at Bradleys Head self-guided tour Take a self-guided tour around Bradleys Head and discover the hidden secrets of this special place. Stroll through bushland along an elevated boardwalk and learn about the history of the area as you drink in the magnificent views of Sydney Harbour.
- Convict kids on Goat Island 'Guilty of petty theft – your punishment is penal transportation to Australia for the term of your natural life.' Discover what life was like for the first convicts of Australia in this unique Stage 2 (Years 3-4) History excursion on historic Goat Island.
- Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh (mud-uh-'wahn-yuh) is a heritage fort on a Sydney Harbour island. Once called Pinchgut Island, the former military facility is a popular New Years Eve vantage point.
- Georges Head and Obelisk Casemates It's the year 1942, and Sydney Harbour is under threat from torpedo boats during WW2. Watch this animation to see the twin 6-pounder gun protect Sydney from the Georges Head and Obelisk batteries
Aboriginal culture and heritage
Before Australia became a British colony, the area around Sydney Harbour was occupied by the Eora and Daruk Aboriginal Nations. Upon the arrival of settlers and convicts, land was cleared to make way for the developing colony, and Aboriginal people were forced further and further away from their traditional camping and hunting grounds. As the colony spread, more evidence of Aboriginal life and culture was destroyed. Today, despite the great spread of the city, you can find many Aboriginal sites like rock engravings and middens - examples of an ancient and enduring cultural heritage and a record of the Eora Peoples' culture.
Burragula and Yiningma lookouts were designed to reflect Aboriginal connection to Country. They’re a great spot to share stories while relaxing on the beautiful sandstone seating in the shape of a bara or fishhook.
- Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head is named in honour of Arabanoo, the first Aboriginal man to live among European settlers. It's a great spot for whale watching, offering views over North and South Head and the Pacific Ocean.
- Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site Sydney Harbour National Park’s rock engravings immerse you in Sydney’s Aboriginal heritage. Head to Grotto Point at Dobroyd Head for historic rock art and scenic views.
- Hawkesbury to harbour walk: Stage 5 Explore the sights of Sydney Harbour national park on this 11km guided tour. You’ll walk for 5.5hrs from the Spit Bridge to Manly, taking in some of Sydney’s most iconic coastline.
- Living world WildTracker: Bradleys Head On a WildTracker excursion, Stage 3 (Years 5-6) students investigate and analyse the natural environment of Bradleys Head. Students identify and group species and discuss adaptations that help these species survive and thrive here.
- Living world WildTracker: Nielsen Park On a WildTracker excursion, Stage 3 (Years 5-6) students will explore and analyse the natural environment of Nielsen Park. We'll identify and group species and discuss the adaptations that help these species survive and thrive here.
An island paradise
The park protects five historic harbour islands. Discover the rich convict and maritime heritage of Me-Mel or Goat Island, along with stunning views from all angles. Why not picnic at Rodd or Shark Island? Set aside for public enjoyment as early as 1879, both offer picnic areas, beaches and paths for you to explore. The park’s exceptional landscapes are the perfect setting for fishing, swimming, and soaking up the views. Head to Clark Island for an Aboriginal cultural experience or enjoy the city lights when you stay at Middle Head Officers Quarters. Sydney Harbour National Park is beloved by landscape photographers, so why not bring your camera and take a few shots?
- Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head is named in honour of Arabanoo, the first Aboriginal man to live among European settlers. It's a great spot for whale watching, offering views over North and South Head and the Pacific Ocean.
- Bradleys Head – Booraghee Amphitheatre Bradleys Head – Booraghee ('boo-ruh-gee) Amphitheatre is an exceptionally popular place within Sydney Harbour National Park. A fabulous lookout, it's also a great picnic area and fishing spot.
- Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk Take the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk for beautiful views of Sydney Harbour. This easy walk takes you from Taronga Zoo to the beach and cafes at Chowder Bay.
- Fairfax walk Fairfax walk is paved, making it an easy stroll and ideal for walking with children. Located at North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park, it's a great walk for whale watching.
- Luxury 3-day Sydney Harbour hiking tour Experience the best of Sydney Harbour National Park on this luxury multi-day hike with Harbour Trax. From scenic walks to gourmet dining and boutique accommodation, it’s the ultimate Sydney adventure.
Diverse landscapes
You'll find everything from sandstone cliffs and rocky foreshores to quiet beaches and bushland in Sydney Harbour National Park. Cliff instability and rockfalls have shaped Sydney's dramatic coastline over thousands of years. Visit the lookouts at North Head and enjoy the perfect vantage point for whale watching. With panoramic views you'll be able to absorb the sheer size of Sydney Harbour. Explore the bushland at Nielsen Park, South Head, Bradleys Head or along the Manly scenic walkway and find yourself beneath gigantic Sydney red gums and Port Jackson figs.
- Aboriginal cultural cruise in Sydney Harbour Join the friendly and knowledgeable guides of Tribal Warrior for a fascinating boat and island tour as you learn about the Aboriginal culture of Sydney Harbour.
- Bottle and Glass Point Bottle and Glass Point is an ideal picnic spot in Nielsen Park in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Enjoy lovely harbour views and relax in Sydney Harbour National Park.
- Bradleys Head guided walking tour in Sydney Join your friendly guide from EcoWalks Tours for a fascinating harbour-side excursion at Bradleys Head in Sydney. You'll experience local history, enjoy stunning views and see native wildlife.
- Guided kayak tours at Manly Beach Join the friendly local guides of Manly Kayak Centre for an unforgettable paddle and scenic walk. From ocean to hilltop, it’s a great way to enjoy the highlights of Sydney’s beautiful North Harbour, near Manly Beach.
- Guided walks in Sydney's national parks Connect with nature in one of Sydney’s most beautiful national parks on a guided bushwalk with Trip Slow. You’ll learn about local wildlife and the history of the area.
Native birds and animals
You'll probably spot at least one of the park's 150 bird species on your visit, like a white-bellied sea eagle or a New Holland honeyeater. If you're near Manly, you may be lucky enough to glimpse an endangered little penguin as it is the state's only known mainland colony. If you happen to see unusual webbed footprints on a beach or shoreline, they may well belong to a native water rat looking for seafood in shallow water close to the shoreline.
- Aboriginal cultural cruise in Sydney Harbour Join the friendly and knowledgeable guides of Tribal Warrior for a fascinating boat and island tour as you learn about the Aboriginal culture of Sydney Harbour.
- Bradleys Head guided walking tour in Sydney Join your friendly guide from EcoWalks Tours for a fascinating harbour-side excursion at Bradleys Head in Sydney. You'll experience local history, enjoy stunning views and see native wildlife.
- Fairfax walk Fairfax walk is paved, making it an easy stroll and ideal for walking with children. Located at North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park, it's a great walk for whale watching.
- Guided walks in Sydney's national parks Connect with nature in one of Sydney’s most beautiful national parks on a guided bushwalk with Trip Slow. You’ll learn about local wildlife and the history of the area.
- Hawkesbury to harbour walk: Stage 5 Explore the sights of Sydney Harbour national park on this 11km guided tour. You’ll walk for 5.5hrs from the Spit Bridge to Manly, taking in some of Sydney’s most iconic coastline.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
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Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
The humpback whale has the longest migratory path of any mammal, travelling over 5000km from its summer feeding grounds in Antarctica to its breeding grounds in the subtropics. Its playful antics, such as body-rolling, breaching and pectoral slapping, are a spectacular sight for whale watchers in NSW national parks.
Plants
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Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)
An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.
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Blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus)
The blueberry ash is a rainforest shrub which produces blue olive-shaped berries and spectacular bell-shaped flowers, which often appear on the plant together. It is a tall slender shrub or small tree found in rainforest, tall eucalypt forest and coastal bushland in eastern NSW, south-east Queensland and Victoria.
-
Flannel flower (Actinotus helianthi)
The delicate flannel flower is so named because of the soft woolly feel of the plant. Growing in the NSW south coast region, extending to Narrabri in the Central West and up to south-east Queensland, its white or pink flowers bloom all year long, with an extra burst of colour in the spring.
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Smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata)
Smooth-barked apple gums, also known as Sydney red gum or rusty gum trees, are Australian native plants found along the NSW coast, and in the Sydney basin and parts of Queensland. Growing to heights of 15-30m, the russet-coloured angophoras shed their bark in spring to reveal spectacular new salmon-coloured bark.
Environments in this park
Education resources (1)
School excursions (8)
- Convict kids on Goat Island, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), History
- The earth’s environment at Bradleys Head , Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography
- The earth's environment at Arabanoo lookout, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography
- The earth's environment at Bradleys Head, Stage 1 (Years 1-2), Geography
- Living world WildTracker: Bradleys Head, Stage 3 (Years 5-6), Science and Technology
- Living world WildTracker: Nielsen Park, Stage 3 (Years 5-6), Science and Technology
- The earth's environment at Nielsen Park, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography
- WildThings at Bradleys Head, Stage 1 (Years 1-2), Science and Technology
Bookings
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Nielsen Park office
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
- 02 9337 5511
- npws.sydneysouth@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Greycliffe House, Nielsen Park, 6 Steele Point Road, Vaucluse NSW 2030
Park info
- in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
-
Park entry fees:
Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app.
Other fees:
Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.
Buy annual pass
What's nearby:
Things to do (96)
- Aboriginal culture (7)
- Beach (3)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (20)
- Cafes and kiosks (3)
- Canoeing/paddling (14)
- Cycling (4)
- Fishing (6)
- Historic heritage (37)
- Horse riding (1)
- Other experiences (2)
- Picnics and barbecues (33)
- Sailing, boating and cruises (6)
- Sightseeing (38)
- Snorkelling and scuba (3)
- Swimming (12)
- Walking (31)
- Waterfalls (2)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (3)