Elizabeth Farm
This restful homestead hides a dark and stormy past. Built for the young military couple John and Elizabeth Macarthur and their growing family, Elizabeth Farm has witnessed major events in the growth of the colony, from the toppling of governors and convict rebellion to the birth of the Australian wool industry. As the original cottage was transformed into a fine colonial bungalow, the family’s life was equally gripped with turmoil and drama. Today, set within a re-created 1830s garden, Elizabeth Farm is an ‘access all areas’ museum. There are no barriers, locked doors, delicate furnishings or untouchable ornaments. Australia’s oldest homestead is now our most hands-on ‘living’ house museum.
Photo by Mark Bowyer
Old Government House
Standing in 200 acres of parkland overlooking historic Parramatta, the convict-built Old Government House and garrison buildings were built in 1799-1816, the oldest surviving public buildings in Australia. For seven decades, it was the ‘country’ residence of ten early governors of the Colony, including Gov. Lachlan and Mrs Macquarie who, from 1810 to 1821 preferred the clean air and space of rural Parramatta to the unsanitary and crime ridden streets of Sydney Town. Explore the nation’s premier early colonial furniture collection and reflect on the social history surrounding the other occupants and uses of the house.
Photo by Mark Bowyer
Hambledon Cottage
Hambledon Cottage was built by John Macarthur in 1824 as a second house on his Elizabeth Farm Estate. It has had many notable occupants in the early days, including General Sir Edward Macarthur, Archdeacon Thomas Hobbes Scott and Dr Matthew Anderson. Penelope Lucas, the former governess to John Macarthur's daughters, lived there for 9 years, naming the family "Cottage" after the township of Hambledon in Hampshire, England.
Photo by Mark Bowyer
Parramatta Park
It is a great place to picnic, celebrate family milestones, get active, explore history or attend one of the many events and festivals hosted in the Park, with more than two million people visiting each year.
Photo by Mark Bowyer
St. Johns Cathedral
St. John's Anglican Cathedral is a rather unusual church with twin spires. The site on which the church stands has been used continuously for a house-of-worship since 1803. The foundation stone of the first church on this site was laid in 1799, during Governor King's term of office.
Photo by Mark Bowyer