Beautiful harbourside Nutcote (1925) is the former home of author and illustrator May Gibbs (1877–1969), who wrote the much-loved Australian children’s book about the gumnut babies Snugglepot & Cuddlepie. It’s now restored to its 1930s Arts-and-Crafts glory and houses a museum devoted to her life and work; she was a fascinatingly pioneering woman whose art-nouveau style was popular worldwide. Cheery and knowledgeable volunteer guides give tours; there are beautiful gardens, harbour views, a tearoom and a gift shop.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sydney attractions

1. Kirribilli

0.57 MILES

The Sydney residences of Australia’s governor general and prime minister are located on Kirribilli Point, east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. When in town,…

2. Kirribilli House

0.66 MILES

The official Sydney residence of the Australian prime minister, this Gothic Revival–style mansion is next to the Governor General's residence, Admiralty…

4. Admiralty House

0.72 MILES

Australia's governor-general, the local representative of the monarchy, officially resides in this waterside mansion (1846), best admired from the water…

5. Cremorne Point

0.73 MILES

Cremorne Point (technically Robertsons Point; Woolwarra-jurng to the Eora people) is a beaut spot for a picnic on grassy Cremorne Reserve, or for a swim…

6. Luna Park

0.79 MILES

A sinister chip-toothed clown face (50 times life-sized) forms the entrance to this old-fashioned amusement park overlooking Sydney Harbour. It's one of…

7. Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden

0.79 MILES

On the shore of Lavender Bay, this is one of Sydney's hidden treasures. The public garden was created by artist Brett Whiteley's widow (an artist herself)…

8. Fort Denison

0.92 MILES

In colonial times this small fortified harbour island was a sorry site of suffering, used to isolate recalcitrant convicts and nicknamed ‘Pinchgut’ for…