Calendar

Elizabeth Farm. Photograph by Chris Shain
elizabeth_farm

Unlike today, Sydney’s early colonists preferred living far from the harbour. With the sandy soils around Sydney Cove proving difficult to farm, government looked upstream to the headwaters of Parramatta River. Here they found fertile pasture and cropping lands capable of bolstering the colony’s dwindling food supplies.

Parramatta was founded in November 1788, taking its name from the local Burramattagal people.  Settlement quickly expanded and by 1792 Parramatta was home to 1,970 people compared to the 1,170 remaining on the coast. Government House at Parramatta became the colony’s seat of power for decades to come. Today Parramatta remains as the geographical heart of Sydney.

Sites marking the earliest efforts to grow wheat and wool, to weave cloth and grind corn are dotted throughout historic Parramatta. At the same time, an astonishing diversity of cultures and communities are colourfully expressed in Parramatta’s vibrant business, restaurant, shopping and recreational life.

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

Carols by candlelight, Vaucluse House. Photograph Jody Pachniuk 2006
Bring your family, friends and picnic rug for a traditional night of Carols by Candlelight
More Information

COLLECTION

'At Billiards house about Xmas 1879, Parramatta. R. Ponsonby Staples'
A languid summer’s day on the eastern verandah of Elizabeth Farm, painted in 1879.
More Information

LISTEN

SENSORY
AUDIO TOUR

Touch and smell your way around Elizabeth Farm

More Information

Location: 70 Alice Street, Rosehill, NSW 2142

Telephone: 02 9635 9488

Admission:

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

Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9.30 – 4pm

Transport: