Elizabeth Bay House

Elizabeth Bay House is a beautifully preserved Regency-era mansion located in the leafy suburb of Elizabeth Bay, overlooking Sydney Harbour. Built between 1835 and 1839 for Colonial Secretary Alexander Macleay, it is considered one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in Australia. The house is renowned for its magnificent elliptical staircase, which rises through the center of the building and is topped by a domed skylight. Visitors can explore the restored rooms, which are furnished with period pieces and offer insights into the lives of the wealthy Macleay family and their servants. The house is set within a small garden that provides a peaceful retreat from the city, with views of the harbor and the Sydney skyline. What makes Elizabeth Bay House distinctive is its intimate scale compared to larger estates like Vaucluse House, allowing for a more personal experience of colonial domestic life. The house also features a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the area's development from a rural estate to an urban suburb.

Don't miss

• The elliptical staircase with its domed skylight, a masterpiece of colonial craftsmanship
• The restored drawing room and dining room with original period furnishings
• The harbor views from the garden and upper windows
• The servant quarters and kitchen, showing the contrast between upstairs and downstairs life
• The small but informative museum shop with local history books and souvenirs

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Elizabeth Bay House

Cheapest way inSydney Harbour Sightseeing Highlights Cruise4.4★ · 176 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$26 per personSee dates →Most bookedSydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour4.7★ · 4,125 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$35 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleSydney Half Day Private Tour: See Sydney Opera House and Bondi4.9★ · 139 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$294 per personSee dates →

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How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• Allow at least 1 hour for a thorough visit, plus extra time for the garden.
• Photography is allowed inside without flash, but tripods are not permitted.
• Free guided tours are available at certain times – check the schedule upon arrival.
• The house is on a hill; be prepared for a steep walk back to Kings Cross station.

A bit of history

Elizabeth Bay House was built between 1835 and 1839 for Alexander Macleay, the Colonial Secretary of New South Wales. The house was designed by architect John Verge in the Greek Revival style. After Macleay's financial troubles, the house changed hands and eventually fell into disrepair before being acquired by the state government in the 1970s and restored as a museum.