Donors’ special viewing of conservation works at Vaucluse House
Published on Thursday 05 June 2025
On a perfect autumn day in late May, Museums of History NSW donors attended a special behind-the-scenes presentation to learn about the conservation works currently underway on the waterfall, ponds and stone-lined rill (creek) in the grounds of Vaucluse House.
During the presentation, CEO Annette Pitman outlined the actions being taken to conserve this heritage waterway. Curator Scott Hill shared fascinating insights into its significance – highlighting its importance to the Gadigal people and use by the Wentworth family in the 19th century – and its formalisation into a stone-lined watercourse capable of handling an increased waterflow during the 1930s as part of a Great Depression–era employment relief scheme.
Specialist contractor Jarod Smith from Rogers Construction Group explained how suburban development has altered the valley’s topography, significantly affecting the waterfall, ponds and rill. Paul Petersen of Petersen Landscape Construction gave a demonstration on conserving sections of the rill impacted by overgrowth and self-seeded tree roots, resetting the sandstone blocks originally quarried at nearby Nielsen Park.
The passion and dedication of the contractors were evident in the care they bring to the site and their deep respect for surrounding flora and fauna. A top priority has been protecting ‘Kingy’ the resident longfin eel (Anguilla reinhardtii) and his companions as their home in the ponds is desilted and cleared. Local kookaburras are also taking a keen interest in the project; from their vantage points in nearby trees they watch the disturbed soil for any worms or lizards.
The Waterfall, Ponds and Rill Conservation Project includes:
- desilting the ponds and implementing silt control measures to ensure the flow of clean water
- clearing overgrowth and self-seeded trees that both disrupt the rill’s flow and destabilise its structure
- repairing and restoring damaged stonework and stabilising the historical stone bridge piers
- enhancing stormwater management capacity
- significantly improving the visitor experience near the waterfall and ponds.
Made possible by the generous support of the F&K De Angeli Foundation, the project will preserve the integrity and heritage values of these features for future generations. It has been a wonderful collaboration, involving diverse teams across Museums of History NSW and specialist contractors, all working together to restore this historical waterway. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of June.
This unique experience provided donors with meaningful insight into how Museums of History NSW approaches conservation – changing as much as necessary, but as little as possible – to ensure that the significance of the place is preserved.
Find out more here about the conservation efforts at Vaucluse House.
Contact us
If you would like to learn more about our donor program, please contact Meagan Evans, Philanthropy Manager.
T: 02 8239 2273
