I've lived in Sydney all my life and wasn't even aware of this beautiful piece of history nestled away in Rose Hill. Admittedly I have driven around the area before and have seen the sign that simply states Elizabeth Farm but I was always on the way to or from some other engagement so never really thought about it. I was passing through the area again today, saw the sign, looked at the time and realised I had a free moment so I decided I should finally stop and have a sticky beak. Am I glad that I did! From the Museums of History NSW website: "Built in 1793 for the young military couple John and Elizabeth Macarthur and their growing family, Elizabeth Farm today is an ‘access all areas’ museum. There are no barriers, locked doors or delicate furnishings. Set within a re-created 1830s garden, Australia’s oldest homestead is now our most immersive house museum" It truly is an immersive museum and the only thing missing is the opportunity to hire period correct costumes so that you can wander around the premises and really live in the moment. I ended up staying and exploring for a good 45mins and probably would have stayed longer except I needed to be somewhere. Will definitely be making a return visit in the near future!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Elaine gave my daughter and I a guided tour around the house and told us all about its history it was very informative. I enjoyed the tour and all of its history. HISTORY Elizabeth Farm was named after John Macarthur's wife. Elizabeth Farm is Australia's oldest surviving homestead it was built in 1793 on 100 acres. It's owners John and Elizabeth Macarthur established fruit trees, vines, crops of corn, wheat and vegetables plus livestock of 130 goat's, 100 hog's, 3 horses, 2 cow's and poultry. Elizabeth Farm started as a small 3/4 roomed brick cottage and by 1813 Elizabeth Farm was transformed into a smart country estate of around 1000 acres of land. Elizabeth Farm was where the Australian wool industry started as John began raising Merino sheep for their fine wool. When John Macarthur died in 1834 and at the time his estate was amounted to over 37,000 acres. Elizabeth continued with the farm until her death in 1850. The family sold Elizabeth Farm Estate in 1881. The farm was sold a few times and it fell into disrepair but it was saved from demolition in early 1970's and in 1977 it became the first house in New South Wales to be protected under a conservation order. The site was transferred to the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales in 1983 and in 1984 it was opened as a living museum.

A we there early on a Saturday morning we were able to get street parking just opposite the farm. The friendly man at the reception gave us a leaflet and explained the layout of the property. We could join one of the volunteers on a tour if we wanted. We decided to look around ourselves and there is sufficient info in each room to get an idea of what would have been. The garden has some cactus and banana plants and some other varieties making it look like the experimental farm it was supposed to be. The mustard colour wall does give it a more Mexican look.. I wonder if that was the original paint colour.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Tucked away in the suburbs sits this historic estate. We went on a weekend and it was quiet and peaceful. We explored the house in our own leisure with the digital guide and there is also sufficient displays which provide the history of the Macarthur family. Being an immersive museum gave us a true opportunity to step back in time. I especially liked the kitchen area, garden and the servant bells which would ring a different tone depending on the room the bell pull was activated in. Highly recommended for all ages, free entry too.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

A fantastic day with the kids going back in time at Elizabeth Farm! The guide was knowledgeable and the kids had fun trying to do the laundry and pretending to live in this beautiful house. We learned so much about how it was for that family to move to Australia and building this farm, and what the many owners did with it over the years. I love how NSW government revived all these museums and let us visit for free while offering a great service and experience for everyone to enjoy! Thank you
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Australia's oldest house, rich with history and still showing much of its original structures and charm (barring a few modifications for modernity sake). Much of the interiors items are recreation but accurate to the era. A few rooms recount the history of the house and the families that owned it, as well as the efforts of volunteers and eventually Sydney Living Museums to restore it. Of all the living museums in Sydney, this is definitely one of the best given its claim alone as the oldest standing colonial era building in Australia.

Came here for a visit during the long weekend period, it is so peaceful and relaxing. The environment is clean and professionally maintained by very friendly team members who know how to make the visitor feels like visiting the museum with a private guide. The plantation and garden are very well maintained to ensure you have a pleasant visit during the day. Clean public toilets as well.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Nice historical house. Step back to 1793, Elizabeth Farm is one of Australia's oldest homesteads. Don't expect a farm or animals. LoL title is very misleading. Kids still had a bit of fun doing chores like 1790's washing of clothes. Bowling and assorted period games. They also loved finding the servant bell pulleys. All in all it was a nice experience just not what I thought it was. No food or drinks available.

If you are looking for an opportunity to view some of Australia's historic places then put Elizabeth Farm on your list. The staff here genuinely care about the history and willing to share their passion with you. The buildings and gardens are kept in amazing condition. With a bit of imagination you could easily transport yourself back in time and picture what it was like for the Macarthur family to live there.

Immersive experience. Claimed to be only historic house in S Hemisphere where you can touch everything, sit on any chair - and even lie on the bed. Lots of history, interesting displays and attractive garden. Pity the pre-Covid cafe hasn't been reinstated, or bike racks provided for we cyclists!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Elizabeth Farm is one of the oldest homes in Australia. I really have a great experience searching all the rooms, around the place and also a peaceful garden. It is really feeling touch with the historic homestead because this place is really a beautiful and great place to spend time here. Friendly staffs and great service. You can have a rest with a nice coffee shop here.

A beautiful place to wander around and learn about the history of the early settlers and their impact on the local population. Staff were friendly. You could walk around on your own but there were staff to hand if you had any questions. There was a cafe, shop and toilets. The property is accessible to people who have a disability.

Well this was a wonderful surprise. I took my tweenager niece and two young sons. All three had a ball. They got involved in convict servant activities like clothes washing and maintaining the veggie garden. The most spectacular thing about this place is by far the sensational homemade scones in the cafe.

The history of John and Elizabeth MacArthur and their family comes alive in their 1793 built home at Elizabeth Farm. Catch the Parramatta River Cat from Circular Quay and have a fabulous day out. We had lunch at the River Cafe near Lennox Bridge just across from the Visitor's Centre.

Just note the Elizebeth Farm, an antique farmhouse with long history properly reserved in the middle of the living area. The helper there is very polite and keen to share the history there.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Gorgeous place with an interesting history behind it. Adults entry costs 18$. They offered an iPad or sensory your. The kids loved the beautiful gardens. But we wished it had a little coffee shop or small playground to make use of the beautiful garden and trees.

Was pretty cool. Didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised when we had done the experience. If you like the colonial period. You'll love it!
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Wonderful piece of preserved history. Friendly staff. It was a real privilege to stand on some of the earliest of Colonial history. Sad to see how much Indigenous land has been destroyed though. I can only begin to imagine the plight of the

Elizabeth Farm is a great look in to the past. There were knowledge volunteers on hand to answer any questions we had. The gardens are kept in immaculate condition. The house is great to walk around, and there are story boards located at

I go here every week. Great place for the family to look around and relax for a while. And learn a bit about the history of the place and area. Take your lunch with you. No food sold here. Clean amenities. Wheel chair friendly place.

(Apparently) this is the oldest house in Australia, the building is more than 200 years old and filled with history. A gentleman walked us through every room and explained everything in details. Worths spending an hour to explore.

Very important Australian historic site, well worth a visit. While the house is relatively small by European standards it is interesting to understand the role of this house and its owners in the early days of the colony. More

Great place to spend an hour or two learning about history of the city. House different than others - you can touch, sit use all objects around. Definitely recommended, especially until mid 2023 while entry is free ;)

It’s worth visit with museum pass. If you are interested in Australia history, storing recommend to visit! The staffs are nice and can visit with old government house and Experiment farm cottage together!

Asked for almond milk was given oat made me feel sick people have allergies if they spent less time talking they might have got order right spoiled anniversary of first date there with my partner More

I went with a group of people with a disability. We toured through the old colonial house and listened to the story from the guides. There was a nice sitting area for lunch and disabled toilets.

Just discovered this place, oldest colonial house in Australia right in the middle of suburban Parramatta. A must see in Sydney, wonderful interiors. The scones/tea in the cafe is really yummy..

Beautiful old home with interesting historical relevance to Parra and Rosehill. People were friendly and knowledgable. Weather was perfect and plenty of sunny spots inside and outside the home.

Love this old house where you can touch the furniture and other old objects. Pity, since Covid, there is no teahouse. Bonus, free entry.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Really enjoyed our visit. The staff were very friendly and made us feel very welcome. The pumpkin and date scones were delicious with the Devonshire tea. I highly recommend a visit!

Such a beautiful place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere of heritage and class.....easy to imagine Elizabeth Macarthur sitting writing letters back home ......

Always love visiting historical places and this was exactly as I remember from my school excursions 15yrs ago
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Lovely place with an interesting history. Wish they would open more days.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Very interesting history, great that you can walk through and not worry about it being original antiques. The interior is staged very well. Great tour guides

Beautifully restored living museum. Interesting historical and personal information of life early in Sydney's colonisation.

A piece of history. Loved the house, the old pieces in it, kitchen equipments. Everything. Great excursion for the kids.

Beautiful house, nice history and you can get free
Visited on
Public hol…
More

Wonderful experience with my friends. An informative, interesting tour.

Great piece of history must visit this historical site …

Beautiful slice of Sydney history, well worth seeing.