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. Parramatta park and old government house tourbytransit. Standing in 200 acres of parkland overlooking historic parramatta, old government house is australias oldest surviving public building. Outdoor theatre summer season old government house. A brief overview of the history of old government house, one of aucklands most storied landmarks. First part old government house, australias oldest surviving public building, completed. Old government house, parramatta, australia youtube.
Old government house is a heritagelisted former country residence used by ten early governors of new south wales between 1800 and 1847, located in parramatta park in parramatta, new south wales, now a suburb of sydney, new south wales, australia. It is steeped in history and old government house has been recently world heritage listed by the united nations. National trust of nsw this commode is of significance to old government house national trust due to its direct provenance to a parramatta craftsman. Female factory set up in conjunction with the new gaol for the manufacture of. The sites you stop at along the way include the tudor gatehouse on george street at parramatta park, old government house, brislington house, the red cow inn, and st johns cathedral.
It was the country residence for the first ten governors of the colony, including governor and mrs macquarie who preferred the clean air and space of rural parramatta to the unsanitary and crimeridden streets of sydney town. Dine on the veranda under the grape vines or in one of the old government house dining rooms. Parramatta park and old government house nsw environment. Old government house parramatta the dictionary of sydney. Old government house, parramatta wikimedia commons. Taking guided and selfguided tours of parramatta park is a great way to learn about its significance and gain insight into australias early colonial history. It is a great venue for weddings, parties, wedding anniversaries, celebrations, high.
This list includes only those items which have been identified as having particular importance to the people of nsw including old government house in parramatta park built in c1799 and enlarged 1815 that is on the state heritage register and is also listed as being of state significance. Today, the unesco world heritagelisted old government house, built on indigenous darug land by convicts in 1799, is the oldest surviving public building in australia. Old government house and government domain new south. Some of the best history of european settlement in sydney and australia is in parramatta, and old government house is no exception.
The current parklands are 85 hectares in size, straddling the parramatta river on the western edge of the parramatta central business district. Additional research interests include australias convict history. Information about the onsite bar, cafe, and membership options for university staff, phd candidates and society members. Carols by candlelight at old government house, parramatta. Lachlans restaurant at old government house are offering dinner packages for you to enjoy preshow when you come to the summer season at old government house. As significant as that is, it is also an ideal place to just relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings on a sunny day. Restaurant and cafe within old government house parramatta park. Old government house, parramatta, is the oldest remaining public building in australia, and together with its site, one of the most historic. Old government house and parramatta park are representative of the old government houses established around new south wales in the early years of the colony, including those on norfolk island, newcastle, windsor and sydney. Old government house is one of those 11 sites find out more about the others at australian convict sites. Michaela ann cameron is a phd candidate in the department of history at the university of sydney specialising in the sensory history of colonial america, specifically indigenous auditory cultures. The staff were very good and the atmosphere was excellent. Book table online at lachlans old government house.
The old government house is a heritagelisted former country residence used by ten early governors of new south wales between 1800 and 1847, located in parramatta park in parramatta, new south wales, in the greater metropolitan area of western sydney, new south wales, australia. Old government house parramatta old government house parramatta. Find out about who lived in the house and their family connections, how each of the stately rooms were used, the grand social gatherings that took place here, and the events that occurred at the house which helped shape queenslands history. Old government house national trust of australia nsw, parramatta, nsw. George street parramatta, from the gates of government. Read more about old government house and the government domain, parramatta and the other australian convict sites inscribed on the world heritage list.
It was the home of 12 early colonial governors, among them governor and mrs macquarie. Old government house in parramatta park, dating from 1799, is australias oldest public building. This was the history segment of a mystery tour and we were happy with the experience. The most famous hotel in the channel islands is steeped in history and staying here is a truly unique experience. Visiting australias oldest public building was a bucket list item for me and my visit to old government house was very nice.
The central block of the house was built in 1799 by governor john hunter, however the house today owes most to governor and mrs macquarie. Weve got 56 hotels you can pick from within a mile of. New book explores history of maori in parramatta media release. But we were also happy that we got a tour of indigenous history. Ship to shore old government house, parramatta education program nsw this program aims to provide students with an insight into the school lives of primaryaged children in the early 1800s, the exploration of australia and the lives of the early colonists. Lachlans old government house parramatta parramatta park enter via pitt street, parramatta, new south wales 2150 rated 4. Its history traces back to within a few months of the establishment of the penal colony and sydney cove in january 1788 and is closely associated with all the early governors of new south wales, prior to.
It also serves to demonstrate how the british empire expanded and australian society has evolved since 1788. High tea old government house, parramatta traveller. It is considered a property of national and international significance as an archaeological resource. The national trust have furnished the house as it would have been in their time. It is also commonly referred to as the cradle city because of its significant farming contribution to help feed the whole colony. A great place for small or large special occasions plus a large silk lined garden marquee seating up to 200 guests. The 23rd annual carols by candelight will be held at old government house in parramatta on saturday december 8 enter via pitt street. If youre looking for things to see and do in the area, you might like to visit qudos bank arena and white bay cruise terminal. Government house, parramatta, was used during the subsequent governorships of fitzroy and denison, but with the completion of the new government house at bennelong point in sydney in 1845 the governors spent less time at parramatta and in 1856 the house it was let to a private tenant. About the old government house lachlans old government house.
Their 1815 extensions, designed by the governors aide, lieutenant john watts, transformed the house into an elegant palladianstyle residence. Visit old government house on your trip to parramatta or. Parramatta is a historic city well liked for its shopping and restaurants. I was incredibly excited about getting the opportunity to visit old government house. Old government house national trust of australia nsw. The park was established in 1858 on the site of the former parramatta government domain. Old government house, parramatta, sydney the dreamstress. Visiting australias oldest public building was a bucket list item for me and my visit to old government. Old government house and domain parramatta park is one of 11 historic places that together for the australia convict sites world heritage property. The echo of our people resonates throughout the streets of parramatta from st johns church, to old government house and. Explore one of australias oldest convict built buildings and discover the parks fascinating cultural history. State heritage items state heritage items are listed on the state heritage register.
George street parramatta, from the gates of government house, around 18045. This is the only known example of a faithfully recreated household of this size. Lachlans old government house at parramatta park is a great restaurant with private dining rooms and al fresco dining outside on the long verandah. Old government house, parramatta, is the jewel in national trust nsws crown large image in the case of the unesco world heritagelisted site in parramatta park, the friends of old government house ogh and experimental farm cottage, was formed as a volunteer fundraising body to help maintain the house and its collection.
A large collection of documentary records survive in public archives. Guided tours are free but places are limited and bookings are essential. Variety of savoury and sweet, unlimited tea and coffee and even a glass of champagne. Old government house parramatta attraction tour new. Parramatta park restaurant lachlans old government house. A short video i made from the front of old government house and i was just waffling. Established in 1799, the old government house is a world heritage site and museum within parramatta park and is australias second oldest surviving building after wiebbe hayes stone fort. Parramatta park and old government house are a united nations educational, scientific and cultural organization world heritage site. Old government house, parramatta is australias oldest surviving public. In 1967 control of old government house, parramatta, was vested in the trust by legislation. About the old government house lachlans old government. Approved use applies to all areas within the park open to the general public but does exclude old government house and its grounds managed by the national trust of australia, nsw.
Set within the most important national trust house in australia, sandstone courtyards, old english. About the old government house lachlans old government house at parramatta park is a great restaurant with private dining rooms and al fresco dining outside on the long verandah. Beautiful wedding gowns and vintage dresses news local. Blaxland was prominent on the parramatta properties committee which presented to the public the home of the governors to 1855. Old government house nsw environment, energy and science. 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. New book explores history of maori in parramatta city of. It is a bit confusing because you have to buy tickets at the back then walk around the front to enter. Standing in 200 acres of parkland overlooking historic parramatta, old government house is australias oldest public building. For many years, it was home to the governors of new south wales, who favoured the safety and airiness of parramatta over sydney, with its onceunsanitary streets and high crime rates.