Strickland Estate
Sydney Harbour National Park
Overview
Step back in time as you walk up the lush lawn to Carrara House on Strickland Estate in Vaucluse. This 19th-century estate is a heritage treasure and boasts one of the best picnic spots with a harbour view anywhere in Sydney.
- Type
- Historic buildings/places
- Accessibility
- Hard
- Opening times
There’s no entry into the Carrara House building on Strickland Estate except by guided tour. The grounds and garden are open from sunrise to sunset.
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water, snacks
- Please note
- Please do not bring alcohol, amplified music, solid fuel barbeques, or marquees if you plan to picnic here.
- If you plan to visit the gardens of Strickland Estate with more than 20 people (private, corporate or schools) you'll need to make a group booking in advance. To book, phone the Nielsen Park office from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Carrara House, also referred to as Strickland House in Sydney Harbour National Park has been many things in its long life. Designed in the Victorian Italianate style by architect John Hilly (who designed St Patrick’s Catholic Church), in the 19th century it was home to leading figures of Sydney's establishment. In the 20th century it was a women’s convalescent home and later an aged care facility. Now, the grounds and gardens of Strickland Estate welcome bushwalkers, history buffs, locals, beachgoers, boaties and photographers. Watching the sun set over Sydney Harbour from its lawn is an unforgettable experience.
Spend the day picnicking on the lawn and take a dip at Milk Beach. You'll be close to Nielsen Park and Vaucluse House, and it’s only a short walk to Rose Bay.
Enter the beautiful gardens of Strickland Estate from the Hermitage Foreshore track. You can also access the lawn from tiny Milk Beach, which the house overlooks. Give yourself time to admire the architecture of the heritage-listed mansion, dormitory and stables. The garden combines English tradition with native plants, like the majestic Moreton Bay fig trees. It's amazingly peaceful, even though the house is minutes from busy suburban roads.
You won’t forget the breathtaking harbour view, clear sea air and secluded elegance of Strickland Estate. A visit here will leave you feeling restored, fit and ready to face the 21st century again.
Tours and events at this location
-
Strickland House heritage tour
Wind back the clock and explore the varied history of Strickland House on a guided tour. With stunning harbour views, it was home to leading figures of Sydney's establishment in the 19th century.
Also see
-
Hermitage Foreshore track
The easy Hermitage Foreshore track is one of Sydney's great coastal walks. Start at Nielsen Park and take in the views of Shark Island, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the grounds of Strickland Estate along the way.
-
Nielsen Park
Sydney serves up its best outdoor offerings at Nielsen Park, located at Vaucluse. Cool off with a swim at Shark Beach, lay a picnic blanket under the trees, grab refreshments at the cafe, or take a short walk and enjoy views of Sydney Harbour.
Download our app
The free NSW National Parks app lets you download maps and explore parks, things to do and places to stay—all without mobile reception.
Subscribe to Naturescapes
Subscribe to our Naturescapes e-newsletter which is packed with the latest information, experiences and events in NSW national parks. Your next park adventure starts here.
General enquiries
- 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 (206)
- Aboriginal culture (20)
- Beach (4)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (42)
- Cafes and kiosks (7)
- Canoeing/paddling (28)
- Cultural heritage (8)
- Cycling (11)
- Educational activities (2)
- Environmental appreciation/study (5)
- Fishing (17)
- Historic heritage (55)
- Horse riding (3)
- Other experiences (5)
- Photography (1)
- Picnics and barbecues (55)
- Sailing, boating and cruises (17)
- Sightseeing (61)
- Snorkelling and scuba (5)
- Swimming (17)
- Visitor centres (5)
- Walking (80)
- Waterfalls (3)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (13)