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Old Government House
Old Government House
A layered history lies behind the Georgian facade of Australia’s oldest surviving public building
About the building
Located within Parramatta Park on Barramadagal land, Old Government House is the oldest surviving public building in Australia and one of 11 sites in the Australian Convict Sites UNESCO World Heritage serial listing, recognising the global significance of convict transportation.
In 1788, Governor Arthur Phillip selected the site for a government farm, establishing one of the colony’s earliest inland settlements. Convict labour built a simple thatched cottage for Phillip in 1790, and later a two-storey Georgian residence for Governor John Hunter. This house would be the country residence of ten early NSW governors. In 1815, it was enlarged to a design by John Watts, with the central portico, attributed to Francis Greenway, transforming the house into an elegant Palladian-style residence.
When a new Government House opened on Macquarie Street in Sydney in 1845 it became the main residence for succeeding governors. Old Government House was vested to the National Trust of Australia in 1967 and subsequently restored for its opening as a museum. Today, it offers a rare opportunity to experience these layered histories within one of the country’s most significant heritage sites.
Talks, tours and more
Built
First residence built 1790
Architect
James Bloodsworth, 1799
John Watts and Francis Greenway, 1810–15
National Trust of Australia (NSW), from 1967
Acknowledgements
The participation of Old Government House has been made possible by the National Trust of Australia (NSW)
Find out more about this building here
Old Government House
Parramatta Park, entrance corner Pitt and Macquarie streets
Entry details
Attendees will have access to Old Government House without the standard entry fee. This includes areas not normally open to the public, as well as spaces associated with the care and conservation of the house
10am–4pm
3.45pm
Talks, tours and more
Need to know
Accessible featuresThere is ramp or level (step-free) entry. Assistance animals are welcome
Toilets availableAccessible toilets, Baby-changing facilities/parents room
Photography allowedNo flash or commercial photography permitted
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