Strickland Estate

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, its grounds and gardens 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 House 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 House. A visit here will leave you feeling restored, fit and ready to face the 21st century again!!

Stumbled across the place and the piece of history is amazing The preserved buildings are beautiful and the land area and beach area is picturesque and just awesome. Next action item is to do the walk across the foreshore area

You can't go in to the house except on special occasions, but the gardens are lovely and worth exploring. Especially nice is the hermitage foreshore walk, with its hidden coves and beaches. Absolutely essential exploring with wonderful views.

Strickland House is an old colonial mansion built in the 1850s and first occupied by Sydney's second mayor. It is built on a hill and commands wonderful views over Sydney Harbour and even has a secluded beach beneath. Sadly, it's only open once a year to visitors which isn't correct and that policy needs to be changed.

Interesting and informative tour with a friendly and knowledgeable ranger who was really enthusiastic. Beautiful views and lovely picnic spot.

Stunning spot to relax or go for a walk. The walking distance isn’t massive although you’ll Be stopping regularly to take in the views!

Carrara House - William Charles Wentworth gave this land to his daughter Thomasine as a wedding gift in 1844. She did nothing with the land and sold it to Charles Lowe ten years later who began building the magnificent home. Completed in 1858. Carrara House is part of the Strickland Estate. Owned by the NSW Government. The buildings are closed to the public - but the lands are open for people to have a stroll. Carrara opens several times a year for heritage tours. And the building can be booked for filming purposes or private functions. "This is one of the better known domestic works of the 19th century architect John Hilly, who also designed St Patrick's Catholic Church." #vaucluse