Old Government House & Experiment Farm Cottage

If history’s your thing, Parramatta has plenty to offer.

Located in the 206-acre Parramatta Park, Old Government House is Australia’s oldest surviving public building. Built mainly between 1799 and 1818, it was for over 70 years the ‘country’ residence of 12 early governors of the colony. Immaculately presented by the National Trust, this stately building also houses a great collection of early colonial furniture.

Only 10 minutes away is Experiment Farm Cottage which stands on the site of Australia’s first land grant made in 1789 by Governor Phillip to a former convict, James Ruse. In 3 years Ruse had successfully farmed the 30 acre site as an experiment in self-sufficiency. The quaint bungalow which stands today was built by surgeon, John Harris around 1835 and is funished in the manner of that period.

Guided tours are available at both sites and as they are in close proximity, it’s easy to combine the two.