Riversdale Homestead - National Trust of Australia NSW

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Riversdale Homestead - National Trust of Australia NSW

In 1820, where the Great South Road forded the Wollondilly River, a few allotments were surveyed for the township of Goulburn Plains.

Of these, the site of Riversdale was granted to Matthew Healey in 1830. He held an Innkeepers’ license in 1832, operating from a slab building. In 1832, Governor Bourke selected another site for Goulburn two miles to the south. Built as a coaching inn and residence in the 1840s, Riversdale is the only surviving building of the ‘Old Township’ as sited by Governor Macquarie. Standing with its origin

al paddocks and out buildings, the property is a fine example of a single-storey Colonial Georgian cottage, surrounded by splendid flowering gardens. From 1850-1856 the property briefly operated as a school, then passed to numerous
owners and lessees until Edward Twynam purchased it in 1875. Edward made substantial contributions to the South West regions of the colony and later became Surveyor General of NSW. The property remained in his family until acquired by the National Trust in 1967. Riversdale is renowned for its collection of fine Australian Colonial furniture, arts and craft – much of it provenanced to the Twynam family (especially Emily Rose Twynam) and for the garden with its 1918 espaliered apple trees and flowering shrubs.

11/05/2026

The garden at Riversdale is perfect to meander and enjoy.

Our volunteers take great care of the garden, and also propagate plants for you to take home.

One of our volunteers tends the produce vegetable garden. It’s been a bountiful harvest, as you can see here!

Make sure you find this hidden garden while at Riversdale. Look out for the iron gate, behind fruit trees and see what’s growing.

If you’d like to volunteer at Riversdale please be in touch. Come and join a wonderful group of volunteers supporting Riversdale.

Plan your visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/riversdale/

25/03/2026

A rare find, and an exclusive opportunity to view the music manuscript and hear its music played.

Plan your visit now, and book tickets ⬇️

15/03/2026

11/03/2026

Twilight Tour this Friday 13th March.

Last chance to buy tickets!

11/02/2026

First Twilight Tour for 2026!
Book your ticket for this Friday 13th February ⬇️

23/01/2026

Riversdale Homestead is OPEN on Sunday 25th, 10am to 2pm.

Visit Riversdale and explore the elegant 1830’s homestead, and flowering gardens.

Beginning life as a coaching inn, and then home to the Twynam family for 100 years, Riversdale is a fine example of an Australian Colonial home with colonial furniture and an art collection to enjoy. The old stone outbuildings take you back in time.

A perfect spot for a BYO picnic in the gardens. Sit and listen to the birds, and enjoy the landscape.

Visit the shop and take home a plant propagated onsite, jars of jam made from our fruit trees, and much more.

See our friendly volunteers when you visit!

https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/riversdale/

15/01/2026

Riversdale Homestead is open Sundays, 10am-2pm.

Hope to see you there!

09/01/2026

Welcome to 2026!

It’s harvest time 🙌

We have an abundance of plums thanks to our volunteers picking fruit from our trees onsite, and also bringing in their own harvests.

It’s been a busy week for our volunteers this first week back, picking fruit and then making plum jam and apricot jam too!

Our coveted jams are back in stock at Riversdale Homestead.

We encourage you to visit, and take home a jar or two. Delicious!

Plan your visit on Sundays 10am-2pm.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/riversdale/

28/11/2025

Our last twilight opening for 2025 kicks off next Friday 5 December 🌜

Thank everyone who has joined us after dark this year - we've been so thrilled with the response!

24/10/2025

If you are in Goulburn this weekend, driving through, or feeling like visiting a heritage country house & garden, then make it Sunday, and call in to Riversdale Homestead between 10am and 2pm.

You’ll find friendly volunteers ready to take you on a tour of the Twynam family home, and to share the fascinating history of the property since the 1830’s.

The garden is bursting with flowers, deep garden beds, pathways, and shared with amazing birds.

Numerous outbuildings, including one believed to be the oldest building in Goulburn can be viewed, stepping back in time.

Bring a picnic and enjoy a shady spot to soak it all in.

Open every Sunday 10am-2pm, and open for group tours, venue hire and school visits too.

Tickets available through our website or at the property.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/riversdale/

Address

2 Twynam Drive
Goulburn, NSW
2580

Website

http://www.nationaltrust.org.au/nsw/Riversdale

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