May Gibbs’ Nutcote is the former harbourside home and studio of the Australian children’s author and illustrator, in Neutral Bay. A guided tour takes you through the preserved cottage and introduces Gibbs’ life and work; the gardens add a quiet place to pause. The site also has a cafe serving tea and scones, plus a shop with Australiana and Snugglepot and Cuddlepie items. Entry to the house is by guided tour, so check the tour schedule before you go.
May Gibbs’ home in Neutral Bay
Nutcote was the home and studio of May Gibbs, who lived from 1877 to 1969. She was an Australian children’s author and illustrator, best known for The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. The house is now a museum where visitors can learn about her life and work.
The cottage stands on a hillside in Neutral Bay, overlooking the harbour. Its setting brings together the house, gardens, shop and cafe in one visit. The gardens offer space to pause before or after a tour.
Inside the cottage
You can visit the house only as part of a guided tour. Guides explain Gibbs’ biography and the history of the house as you move through its rooms. The cottage is preserved as a historic home, so take care not to touch objects on display.
The tour focuses on Gibbs’ life and creative work. It can be less suited to very young children, so consider whether a guided visit through a house museum will work for your family.
The garden, cafe and shop
The gardens surround the cottage and provide a calm setting for a break. The cafe serves tea and scones with clotted cream and homemade jam, as well as house-made biscuits. A stop for Devonshire tea can be paired with the house tour or enjoyed on its own.
The shop stocks Australiana and items connected with Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. If you are planning to visit the house, check the tour schedule before arranging the rest of your stop.
Getting to Nutcote
Nutcote is at 5 Wallaringa Avenue in Neutral Bay. There is no parking around the house, so public transport is a practical option. One suggested route is to travel by bus from Sydney’s CBD and return by ferry, with a downhill walk along the way.
Neutral Bay has cafes and restaurants within walking distance of Nutcote. You can also use the visit as a starting point to explore the surrounding area.
Perguntas frequentes
Do you need to book a tour to see the house?
Entry to the house is by guided tour. Check the tour schedule before your visit.
How long does a visit to Nutcote take?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours for a tour, time in the gardens and a cafe or shop stop.
Is there parking at Nutcote?
There is no parking around the house. Public transport is recommended.
What can you have at the cafe?
The cafe serves tea and scones with clotted cream and homemade jam, as well as house-made biscuits.
