Old Government House
The central block of the house was completed in 1799 by Governor John Hunter, however the appearance of the house today owes most to Governor and Mrs Macquarie. Their 1815 extensions, designed by Macquarie’s Aide, Lieutenant John Watts transformed the house into an elegant Palladian style residence in the English manner. Visitors to the property today can step straight into the fashions of 1821, with their Anglo and Indian influences and strong emphasis on colour, through a meticulously researched ‘soft furnishings’ program. This has transformed main rooms of the house to recreate the tastes and styles of Mrs Macquarie, influenced as they were by distance and a climate very different to ‘home’. Rooms are furnished with pieces from the National Trust’s collection of early colonial furniture; the largest collection in Australia.
Old Government House was built on Darug land, home to the Burramatta tribe. There is evidence of their occupation on the site; the firestick management of land and trees which still bear the scars of bark stripped to build canoes. In Old Government House, you can see how shells from Aboriginal middens were used to strengthen household mortar.
Education tours
- Whispers Tales and Gossip $7.00
- Slates and Chamberpots$7.00
- Sighting the past $7.00
- visit our virtual tour of Governor Macquarie’s Parramatta Residence here
Facilities
Activities
Ghost tours, run on the third Friday each month (evening). Talks, seminars, and concerts.
Admittance by guided tours only.
Please note photography is not permitted.
Experiences
The atmosphere of the property and its history as explained through tours gives a clear picture of life in the early colony; the household, the business of governing, controlling the army, the place of convicts and the conflict with Aboriginal people. This is the only known example of a faithfully recreated household of this size and era to be found in Australia.
Facilities
Lachlan’s Restaurant & Café; everything from a peaceful lunch to grand weddings. There is also the National Trust Gift Shop and ample parking.
Children
A range of education and school holiday programs are available.
Accessibility
Wheelchair users and people with limited mobility
Access is to the ground level only via by a portable ramp through the back entrance of the House. Ground floor rooms are accessible with some limits. The first floor is accessible by stairs only.
Blind and visually impaired
Braille and audio tours are not currently available.
Guide/hearing dogs
Guide dogs are welcome. Please contact the property for handling requirements.
Deaf and hearing impaired
No induction loops are fitted in the house.
Parking
Bus and coach drop-off and pick up area 50m to the rear of the property. 2 hr car parking is also available within Parramatta Park and at the Parramatta Park Trust Centre. For maps, extended stays and closer pick up/drop-off please contact us.
Accessible toilets
There is an accessible toilet available on site.
Shop
A National Trust shop selling souvenirs, books, gifts and cold drinks is on site. There is level access, but a narrow entrance may not be suitable for larger wheelchairs. Lachlan’s Restaurant, serving coffees, Devonshire teas, lunches and dinners is accessible by ramp. Private dining rooms have a single step to enter.
Getting Here
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Take the train from Sydney’s Central Station (approx 30 minute journey) to Parramatta Station – or catch the River Cat from Sydney’s Circular Quay (approx 1 hour journey). 15 minute walk to Old Government House, along Argyle Street, into Pitt Street and follow signs to Parramatta Park. Or drive and park in the grounds.
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