Elizabeth Farm. Photograph (c) Christopher Shain

Elizabeth Farm

The Macarthurs arrived in Sydney in 1793, seeking a better life and hoping to capitalize on the opportunities they’d heard about.  The voyage to Australia was extremely difficult, John quarreled with the ships’ master and later became incredibly ill.  Elizabeth lost the daughter she was pregnant with and had to nurse both her husband and infant son though severe illnesses. 

Receiving their land grant at Rosehill helped to establish the Macarthurs and give them a base for their ambitions and projects.  However it did little to establish a stable family life.  John was regularly in conflict with the ruling governors of Sydney and was twice sent back to London to face charges or discipline.  The sons travelled to England for schooling at a young age, with John (jnr) never returning to Australia.  Elizabeth was never to return to England, but watched her family travel and disperse throughout their lives, with rarely a chance for all to be together. 

KIDS IN THE COLONY

Girl washing clothes at Elizabeth Farm. Photograph © Haley Richardson and Stuart MIller

Go back in time and find out what the servants and family did each day at Elizabeth Farm.

More information

EAT YOUR HISTORY

Dessert at Elizabeth Farm with Macarthur service. Photo Scott Hill © HHT
The Cook and the Curator blog invites you to explore our food heritage. Each month we will bring you stories, recipes and more from our unique properties and collections.
Read all Elizabeth Farm posts

LISTEN

SENSORY
AUDIO TOUR

Touch and smell your way around Elizabeth Farm

More information

Address: 70 Alice Street, Rosehill, NSW 2142

Contact: 02 9635 9488

Admission:

  •  Adult $8 |
  •  Child/Concession $4 |
  •  Family $17 |
  •  Members free
  • Wheelchair access

Hours: Open Saturday and Sunday 10:30am - 3:30pm | Open Australia Day and daily in NSW school holidays | Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day | Guided tours 11, 12, 1 and 2 pm

Transport:

Language guide:

  •