Milk Beach is a small, secluded strip of sand nestled in front of the historic Strickland House in Vaucluse, offering stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline.
If you’re looking to escape the crowds of Bondi, Coogee, or Manly, Milk Beach provides the perfect spot for a peaceful, sunny afternoon.
Read on to discover the best ways to get there and what you can explore nearby.
Getting There
Milk Beach and Strickland House are located along the popular Hermitage Foreshore Track, making this scenic walk the ideal way to reach the beach.
Limited street parking is available on nearby streets like Vaucluse Road, Wentworth Road, and Carrara Road. Keep in mind that parking can be difficult to find on weekends.
Several bus routes service Vaucluse, with stops on Vaucluse Road (route 325). For up-to-date schedules, check the NSW Transport Info website.
In the map below:
- Milk Beach
- Strickland House
About Milk Beach
Milk Beach is one of those hidden gems that many tourists overlook, despite offering some of the best coastal views in Sydney.
Overlooking Hermit Bay and Sydney Harbour, this 50-metre-long and 5-metre-wide strip of sand is quietly tucked away in Vaucluse, an affluent suburb just a short distance from bustling Bondi Beach.
Situated halfway along the Rose Bay to Watsons Bay Walk, Milk Beach makes for an ideal spot to unwind on a relaxing Sunday afternoon.
Although Milk Beach feels secluded, it can get busy at times, especially on warm summer days when families and young people gather for a swim or a cold afternoon drink. Luxury yachts often anchor just off the beach, adding to the scene.
Being a small strip of sand, Milk Beach doesn’t have cafes or shower facilities. For these amenities, head to Nielsen Park and Shark Beach, located further north.
Picnic tables are available in the Strickland House parkland just behind the beach, making it a great spot to bring along some food and enjoy a meal.
Milk Beach is also a fantastic (and free) vantage point for the iconic Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks, offering great views of the CBD skyline and Harbour Bridge.
There are a few more beaches close to Milk Beach that are worth visiting. Queens Beach and Tingara Beach are located on the other side of Hermit Bay and are just as small and secluded as Milk Beach is, if not smaller.
Read our guide on the most secluded beaches in Sydney for even more great places to swim.
About Strickland House
Strickland House, also referred to as Carrara House on Strickland Estate, is a heritage-listed mansion situated just behind Milk Beach, with sweeping views over Sydney Harbour.
Designed and constructed in the Victorian Italianate style in the 1850s, this three-storey sandstone house was once the residence of Sydney’s first lord mayor, John Hosking.
For visitors arriving from Vaucluse Road, the official address is 52 Vaucluse Rd. Simply walk through the gates (open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM) and follow the winding path to this impressive mansion.
Take some time to explore the grounds of Strickland House to get a sense of what life might have been like here in the past.
The beautiful atmosphere and stunning views make it a popular wedding venue. With several shaded tables beneath the trees, it’s hard to find a better spot for a picnic in Sydney.
The grounds surrounding Strickland House serve as an urban park, open to visitors seven days a week. However, there is no entry into the house except by guided tour.
History
With a history spanning over 150 years, Strickland House holds exceptional historical significance for the state of New South Wales.
The land was originally owned by William Charles Wentworth, as part of an early land grant, which he gifted to his daughter. It was later sold to Charles Lowe, who began construction of the house in 1854.
In 1856, John Hosking, Sydney’s first Lord Mayor, purchased the property and completed the construction of what was then known as “Carrara”. Hosking lived in the mansion from around 1858 until 1876.
In 1912, the government purchased the foreshore strip of land, completing the acquisition of the remaining site, including the house, in 1914. By 1915, Carrara was officially opened as the Strickland Convalescent Home for Women, later becoming a hospital for both women and men in 1933.
The hospital closed in 1989, and since 1994, Strickland House has been open for public use. Due to the high cost of maintaining the house and grounds, there have been discussions about allowing commercial uses for the site, such as a café or restaurant, though no plans have been implemented yet.
