This convict-built Georgian house and its surrounds is a World Heritage site. It was the country residence for the first ten governors of NSW. Today it houses the nation’s premier colonial furniture collection amongst parkland and other heritage sites.
Standing in 200 acres of parkland overlooking historic Parramatta, the convict-built Old Government House and garrison buildings were built in 1799-1816, the oldest surviving public buildings in Australia.
For seven decades, it was the ‘country’ residence of ten early governors of the Colony, including Gov. Lachlan 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 Town.
Explore the nation’s premier early colonial furniture collection and reflect on the social history surrounding the other occupants and uses of the house.
World Heritage listed Old Government House is set above the Parramatta River where you can visit our restaurant, gift shop, cafe, picnic areas and other heritage sites.
Old Government House sits within Parramatta Park. Throughout the year events are held in the Park which will mean some, or all, of the Park is car-free.
Please see the current upcoming car-free dates:
- 3 – 4 November from 11:00am – 9:00pm for Deepavali
- 8 December from 6.00am to 6.00pm for the Good Things Festival
- 15 December from 6.00am to 10.00pm for Christmas Carols
- 31 December from 8.00am to 8.00am for New Year’s Eve
- 12 January from 6.00am to 6.00am for FOMO Festival
- 19 January from 6.00pm to 10.00pm for Sydney Symphony Under the Stars
- 26 January from 6.00am to 9.00pm for Australia Day
- 9 February from 6:00am to 11:00pm for Tropfest
- 24 February from 11:00am to 11:00pm for Ultra Australia
- 9 March from 12:00am to 11:00 pm for the Download Festival
