Commenced in 1793, Elizabeth Farm is Australia's oldest European building. With its deep shady verandahs, it became the prototype for the Australian homestead. It was built as the home of John and Elizabeth Macarthur and was the birthplace of the Australian wool industry.

The interiors contain reproductions of furnishings and objects belonging to the Macarthurs, giving visitors an authentic glimpse of early l9th century life. Elizabeth Farm is situated in a gloriously recreated 1830s garden. There is a tearoom that serves Devonshire teas and lunch.

Elizabeth Farm, Parramatta, Sydney

The house comprises two parts; the servants quarters of eight rooms and the main house of aound 15 rooms. The home, although large for the time, is a relatively modest dwelling compared to other historic homes such as Vaucluse House and Elizabeth Bay House

The gardens at Elizabeth Farm reflects over 200 years of European tradition and includes some of the oldest exotic plants in Australia.

Allow at least an hour to view the house and gardens.

DETAILS
Location: 70 Alice Street, Rosehill
Telephone: (02) 9635 9488
Opening Hours: Open Saturday and Sunday 10:30am - 3:30pm
Open Australia Day and daily in NSW school holidays
Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day
Amendities: Tearooms (open 11:00am to 3:00pm)
Access: Most areas of the Farm are accessible to Wheelchairs
Services:10 minute period video; Multi-language tour brochures
Website

Getting There
Catch the Parramatta RiverCat from Circular Quay (Wharf 5) then it's a 20 minute walk or a short bus1 ride from the ferry stop. The Ferry departs Circular Quay approximately every 30 minutes, commencing 9:00am on weekdays and 8:00am on Weekends and Public Holidays. The last service back to Circular Quay departs Parramatta 7:00pm;

OR

Catch the train to Parramatta station.

The train trip, on the Western Lines (Yellow on the map) can take from between 20 to 30 minutes from Central Station with the time depending on whether it is a limited express or a stopping all stations. It takes about 15 minutes to walk to Elizabeth Farm from the Station. To get there turn right out of Parramatta Station and walk along Station Street then left into Parkes Street. Parkes Street becomes Hassell Street. Continue down Hassell Street and turn right at Alfred Street. The Farm is on the corner of Alfred and Alice Streets or, if you wish you can catch the bus1.

(1 - Bus 547 does a circular route of Parramatta stopping at both Parramatta Station and the Ferry Wharf. Ask the bus driver to tell you when you arrive near to Elizabeth Farm.)