Strickland Estate

Attraction
People walking up the grand lawn to Carrara House on Strickland Estate in Sydney Harbour National
Aerial view of Strickland Estate extensive gardens and grounds, with picnickers relaxing on the lawn
Aerial view showing the harbour foreshore, Milk Beach and Strickland Estate and Carrara House,
Gallery showing 3 of 3 images

Park alerts

Sydney Harbour National Park

8 current alerts · Checked 11 Oct 2026, 9:05 pm

  • Elsewhere in the parkClosed areas

    End of Bradleys Head Wharf closed

    Access restrictions are in place at Bradleys Head Wharf for public safety.

    Engineering inspections have identified significant deterioration of the structure, including movement and deterioration of sandstone blockwork, voiding and scour beneath parts of the jetty.

    NPWS has completed emergency stabilisation works to reduce the immediate risk of further deterioration or collapse. These works did not restore the wharf to a condition suitable for unrestricted public access.

    Bradleys Head Wharf is a heritage structure. Assessment of the wharf requires consideration of:

    • Public safety
    • Heritage values
    • Visitor access and use
    • Environmental considerations
    • Coastal and marine processes
    • Long-term sustainability and maintenance requirements.

    No final decision has been made. Further information will be provided as the assessment progresses. Thank you for your patience.

    Please email us if you have further enquiries.

About

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...

Sydney Harbour National Park · Sydney and surrounds

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.

Accessibility
Hard

What to bring

  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Drinking water
  • Snacks

Plan your visit

Access, facilities and practical details.

Frequently asked questions

6 questions

Reviews & Ratings

John karmas

John karmas

Google review

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!!

Get in touch

Nielsen Park office

02 9337 5511npws.sydneysouth@environment.nsw.gov.au

Greycliffe House, Nielsen Park, 6 Steele Point Road, Vaucluse NSW 2030

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Where you'll be

Vaucluse NSW 2030