Experiment Farm Cottage group visits

Plan a group visit to the site of Australia’s first convict land grant.

Standing on the lands of the Burramattagal people in Harris Park, Experiment Farm Cottage is the fascinating site of Australia’s first convict land grant to James Ruse in 1789.

Today, the Indian-style bungalow, built in c1835 by Surgeon John Harris, gracefully sits amongst elegant cottage gardens and is furnished to reflect the early colonial period with rare pieces from the National Trust (NSW)’s collection.

Experiment Farm Cottage offers groups of 20 to 30 people a number of different options to suit your itinerary and interests.

Group visit options

House and garden tour

Guided House and Garden tour | $10 per person | Allow 60 minutes.

Find out more from our expert guides about this historic site of Australia’s first land grant to James Ruse in 1790 and Surgeon John Harris.

The full experience

Guided House and Experiment Farm Cottage tour plus Exhibition visit | $20 per person | Allow 3–4 hours including transfer time.

Why not also take a guided tour of our sister property Old Government House and make a day of it? Just 10 minutes’ drive from Experiment Farm Cottage you will hear the tales of the ten governors include Governor Macquarie, who ruled from this World Heritage Listed building (transport not included).

Catering Options

Self-catering: Bring your own lunch and relax on the verandah or pack a picnic and make a day of it in our cottage garden.
Other local options: Great choice of Asian restaurants nearby in Harris Park. Ask us about local venues for groups.

Other things to see

Plan your visit to include more than one National Trust property, including nearby Old Government House.

How to book a group visit

For more information and full terms and conditions, see our Experiment Farm Cottage Group Visits brochure.

To organise a group visit to Experiment Farm Cottage, please download and complete the Group Visits booking form.

If you’d like to discuss your group visit, please call us on (02) 9635 8149 or email ogh@nationaltrust.com.au

Plan your Visit