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Nielsen Park's Hidden Restaurant Is Worth the Trip

The Nielsen sits inside a sandstone and stained-glass building from the early 1900s, tucked beneath Moreton Bay figs at Nielsen Park in Vaucluse. The menu leans Italian, with highlights like house-made tagliolini with black truffle and slow-roasted lamb shoulder. BYO is welcome, the views over Shark Bay are genuinely lovely, and yes, there's fish and chips from the kiosk next door if you need it.

Shark Beach: Vaucluse's best kept harbour secret

Despite the name, Shark Beach in Vaucluse is completely netted and totally safe for a swim. Tucked beside Nielsen Park, it has gorgeous city views, grand fig trees, grassy picnic spots and the very reliable Nielsen cafe nearby. If you haven't been lately, put it on the weekend list.

The Harbour Walk Right On Your Doorstep

The Hermitage Foreshore Track is a gentle 1.8km walk through Sydney Harbour National Park, starting at Nielsen Park in Vaucluse. You get harbour views, Shark Island, a glimpse of Strickland Estate, and a very good reason to stop at The Nielsen for coffee on the way back. Pack a picnic blanket and make an afternoon of it.

The Japanese explorers who camped at Parsley Bay

In 1911, a Japanese Antarctic expedition set up camp at Parsley Bay after being turned back by brutal southern conditions. The crew stayed at Vaucluse as guests of the Wentworth estate while their ship was repaired at Double Bay. It's a surprisingly touching piece of local history worth thinking about next time you're walking the Parsley Bay reserve.

Vaucluse family home with infinity pool sells

A five-bedroom entertainer at 9 Village Lower Road, Vaucluse has sold via private treaty. The multi-level home sits on a north-east facing block with a level backyard, infinity pool and covered alfresco deck, all a short walk to Parsley Bay Beach and Vaucluse Public School.

Parsley Bay's surprising Antarctic history

Most people know Parsley Bay for its calm swimming beach and the little suspension bridge. Fewer know that in 1911, a Japanese Antarctic expedition led by Lieutenant Nobu Shirase set up camp right there after sailing into Sydney Harbour. Next time you're walking the reserve, you're treading on genuinely historic ground.

Vaucluse tri-level with ocean views sells at auction

A four-bedroom home on Military Road in Vaucluse has sold at auction through The Rubinstein Group. The tri-level house features a marble kitchen, elevated pool with cabana, and sweeping ocean views from the upper-level terrace. It's a short walk to Rose Bay North shops and the clifftop boardwalks.