Hidden gems + local history

Vaucluse · 5 articles

Evergreen stories, historical facts, secret spots in Vaucluse.

5 May 2026

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.

Read more at Broadsheet — Vaucluse →

7 April 2026

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.

Read more at Dictionary of Sydney →

19 March 2026

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.

Read more at Dictionary of Sydney →