Elizabeth Bay House from dusk to darkness

Join us for an exclusive and intimate tour of this elegant property at night and see the ‘finest house in the colony’ in a whole new light.

Experience Elizabeth Bay House as the sun sets during this unique tour. Marvel at the architectural grandeur of its magnificent domed saloon enhanced by candlelight, visit the servants’ quarters to understand how difficult the life of a servant was, particularly before the advent of electricity, and explore the wine cellars underneath the house. Complete your visit with a glass of wine and some nibbles in the elegant dining room while learning about the rise and fall of the house’s original owner, colonial secretary Alexander Macleay, his family, and the Macleay’s unique natural history collections.

Elizabeth Bay House was built in 1835–39 as a villa in the Greek Revival style. With its breathtaking views over Sydney Harbour and extensive landscaped gardens (now demolished), it was the most sophisticated house in NSW. Its symmetrical proportions, elegant rooms, sweeping elliptical staircase and exclusive building materials, such as cedar and marble, reveal the tastes and aspirations of the Macleay family.