Old Government House
Standing in 200 acres of parkland overlooking historic Parramatta, Old Government House is Australia’s oldest surviving public building. For seven decades, it was the ‘country’ residence of 10 early governors of the colony, including Governor 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.
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. Visitors to the property today can step straight into the fashions of 1821, with 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 stripped bark. In Old Government House, you can see how shells from Aboriginal middens were used to strengthen household mortar.
UNESCO World Heritage listed
Old Government House and Domain(Parramatta Park) is one of 11 historic places that together for the Australia Convict Sites World Heritage property. The Australia Convicts Sites tell the story of the largest forced migration the world has ever seen, and the development of punishment and reform of criminals during the Age of Enlightenment and the modern era. Our part of this story is the command and control of the convict system as well of the reforms introduced by Macquarie and other governors.Education tours
Old Government House runs education programs for primary, secondary and tertiary students. Each program focuses on different aspects of the curriculum. The programs are designed to maximise student learning outcomes. These programs also encourage students to explore the nature of history, how historians investigate the past and the importance of conserving our history.
Whispers, Tales and Gossip: $7.00
- Stage 1: Families Past and Present; The way we were.
- Stage 2: British Colonisation; Places: Then, now and tomorrow.
Slates and Chamberpots: $7.00
- Stage 1: Families Past and Present; The way we were.
- Stage 2: British Colonisation; Places: Then, now and tomorrow.
Sighting the Past : $7.00
- Stage 4: History and Geography
World Heritage Study: $3.50
- Stage 4/5 History and Geography – in conjunction with Parramatta Park Trust. Click here for full program
We can provide specialist tours for students studying Technology & Design (e.g. textiles, furniture and architecture) and are happy to help teachers develop tours tailored to their needs.
- General Education Tour $6.00
- Two programs at Old Government House and Experiment Farm Cottage $10:00
Here you can visit our virtual tour of Governor Macquarie’s Parramatta Residence
Facilities
Activities
Includes; Ghost Night tours run on the third Friday each month (evening), regular programs of talks, seminars and musical performances.
Admittance by guided tours only.
Please note photography is not permitted inside the house.
Experiences
Immerse yourself in Regency taste and style. The atmosphere of the property and its history (as explained through your guided tours) gives a clear picture of life in early colonial NSW; 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
A National Trust shop selling a wide range of 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 & Café, serving everything from a peaceful lunch to grand weddings , coffees, Devonshire teas, and dinners - is accessible by ramp. Private dining rooms have a single step to enter.
Parking is nearby within Parramatta Park.
Children
A range of education and holiday activities are available.
Accessibility
Wheelchair users and people with limited mobility
Access is to the ground level only via 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 on site.
10 mins walk from Parramatta Station or Parramatta Wharf, or catch the free Loop Bus to Macquarie S or O‘Connell St then walk 5 mins. Car and bus parking available in Parramatta Park.
Parramatta Walking map
View Larger Map
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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