He was appointed by the Earl of Bathurst in January 1823 and arrived in the Colony of New South Wales later that year with his wife and three children.

As head of the Convict Department he was stationed in Sydney but hoped to settle at Brisbane Water where he obtained a large grant of land.

With the advantages of wealth and position, his life style and work provide an important contrast to that of the small settler of which the district abounded.

[2] Hely engaged Architect John Verge to design Wyoming Cottage and in his ledger for June 1832, Verge listed his design for a large cottage at Brisbane Water, noting on 25 June that he had finished the plan and three elevations, as well as specifications for iron work, glass and working plans for the same.

Timber extensions (c. 1900) have pressed metal ceilings and incorporate a side entrance with barrel vaulted roof in corrugated iron.

This building is linked to the main house by a lightweight timber and glazed infill structure, and the whole rear wing has been incorporated under a continuation of the original roof.

The garden also features mature Jacarandas, Moreton Bay figs, English Oak, Magnolia and Cabbage Tree Palms.

The scale of these mature trees, and the distinctive forms of the various pines identify this site as an early settlement in the area and contribute to its landmark status.

[5][2] The former stables of the property now known as The Grange and Hely's Grave survive and are listed on the New South Wales Heritage Register.