Email: info@mhnsw.au
Website: mhnsw.au
Address: 70 Alice Street, Rosehill NSW 2142
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Elizabeth Farm, located in Parramatta and managed by Museums of History NSW, is one of Sydney’s most treasured heritage attractions. As Australia’s oldest surviving European house, built in 1793, it offers a rare, immersive window into early colonial life and the legacy of the Macarthur family.
Opening hours: Friday and Saturday, and Monday to Saturday during NSW school holidays – 10am–4pm
Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day
Australia’s Oldest Surviving European House
Constructed for John and Elizabeth Macarthur, Elizabeth Farm is widely recognised as the oldest European residence still standing in Australia. Unlike traditional museums where items are displayed behind barriers, Elizabeth Farm invites visitors to step directly into its historic rooms, sit on the furniture, and move freely through the space.
Experience 19th-Century Colonial Life
The homestead has been meticulously curated to reflect the 1820s–1830s, showcasing the height of the Macarthur family’s influence. Each room captures the domestic character of early Sydney, from elegant family spaces to working areas used by staff and servants.
- Elizabeth Macarthur’s refined drawing room
- Historic kitchen and servants’ quarters
- Wide verandahs designed for the Australian climate
- Hands-on objects and furnishings that enhance the immersive experience
Explore the Historic Gardens
The landscaped grounds surrounding Elizabeth Farm are just as captivating as the homestead itself. Featuring both native and introduced plantings, the gardens reflect the horticultural traditions and agricultural experiments of the early colony. Visitors can stroll along shaded pathways, relax under mature trees, and absorb the tranquillity of this beautifully preserved setting.
An Interactive Museum Experience
Elizabeth Farm stands out for its unique, tactile approach to heritage interpretation. This hands-on environment provides a deeper connection to Australia’s colonial story and makes the museum especially popular with families, students, and history enthusiasts.
A Must-Visit Heritage Site in Sydney
Whether you’re exploring NSW’s museums, discovering Parramatta’s historic precinct, or learning about Australia’s colonial beginnings, Elizabeth Farm offers an unforgettable journey into the past. It remains one of Sydney’s most enriching cultural destinations.
Budjari Naami Dharug Nurawa. Good to see you on Dharug Country.
Our museums and places are on Aboriginal land. As we walk together and tread gently on this Country we acknowledge the Barramadagal of the Dharug Nation, the traditional custodians, and pay respect to the Elders, past and present, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Aboriginal people have a deep and continuing cultural attachment to this Country and are the rightful interpreters of their history and heritage.
We acknowledge the impact Elizabeth Farm has had on Aboriginal Country and that this impact continues to be felt today.
