Conservation in action: Vaucluse House waterfall, ponds and rill

A significant but often overlooked feature of the Vaucluse House estate is the small stream, or rill, that flows through the centre of the property down to Vaucluse Bay. Historically, the rill and the ponds along its length provided water for the house and its laundry activities. The estate’s drainage system was altered in the 1920s to manage increased stormwater run-off, a consequence of the changing topography due to surrounding suburban development. Later, during the 1930s, the natural rill was formalised into a stone-lined channel as part of an employment relief scheme during the Great Depression.

The operation of the rill and ponds has been significantly affected by accumulated sediment from run-off and by excess vegetation growth, including self-seeded plants. Sediment reduces the water capacity of these waterways, while the vegetation displaces and damages the historic stonework. Together, these issues impede water movement through the property and affect the quality of water flowing into Vaucluse Bay. A detailed investigation, planning and design phase was undertaken to form a scope of works to rectify this issue. This included extensive consultation with hydraulic engineers, arborists, heritage architects and archaeologists.

The Waterfall, Ponds and Rill Conservation Project will involve:

• desilting the ponds and implementing silt control measures to ensure clean water discharge 
• clearing overgrowth and self-seeded trees that are impacting the rill’s flow and structure 
• repairing and restoring damaged stonework and stabilising the historic stone bridge piers
• enhancing stormwater management capacity
• improving the visitor experience near the waterfall and ponds.