Innisfallen Castle and grounds

Innisfallen Castle is a sandstone mansion with nine main rooms spread across multiple levels, including a reception room, drawing room, dining room, and four bedrooms. The building sits on a headland overlooking Sugarloaf Bay and Middle Harbour.

Construction was commissioned between 1903 and 1905 by Henry Hastings Willis, a former Speaker of the New South Wales Parliament. This project reflected the era of grand residential building along this Australian coastal location.

The name references an ancient abbey in Killarney, Ireland, reflecting how European architecture shaped Australian home design in the early 1900s. Visitors can see these Irish influences in the Gothic details and the overall character of the building.

The property sits on a headland that was originally accessible only by rowing boat until a wharf was constructed. Visitors should expect multiple levels and stairs as the rooms are distributed across different floors.

The interior features fine cedar joinery, doorways over 7 feet (2 m) tall, and ceilings over 14 feet (4 m) high decorated with Australian wildflower patterns in Federation style. These elaborate details showcase the craftsmanship expected in this era of Australian architecture.

Location: Willoughby City Council

GPS coordinates: -33.79132,151.22356

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:05