Old Government House - National Trust of Australia NSW

Name: Old Government House - National Trust of Australia NSW
Address: Parramatta, NSW, AU
Telephone: +61296358149
Price range: $

Home
Australia
Parramatta, NSW
Old Government House - National Trust of Australia NSW

Old Government House, Parramatta is Australia’s oldest surviving public building.

Standing in 200 acres of parkland overlooking historic Parramatta, Old Government House is Australia’s oldest surviving public building. For seven decades, it was the ‘country’ residence of 10 early governors of the colony, including Governor 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.

07/03/2026

Thursdays in the Servants’ Hall: Heritage in the Making.

Every Thursday, visitors to the Servants’ Hall can watch our dedicated Soft Furnishings volunteers at work. Using traditional techniques and heritage craftsmanship, this skilled team carefully recreates curtains, upholstery, and decorative textiles for our historic interiors.

Their work helps restore and preserve the character of places like Old Government House and Experiment Farm Cottage, as well as other National Trust of Australia (NSW) properties across New South Wales.

It’s a rare opportunity to see authentic conservation work up close and learn about the craftsmanship that helps bring our historic homes to life.

Be sure to drop by on a Thursday and experience this unique behind-the-scenes tradition for yourself.

22/02/2026

International Women’s Day

Celebrate International Women’s Day with us at Old Government House, Parramatta.
Join our special guided tour and discover the incredible stories of the women who shaped this historic place and the colony in the 1800s. From resilience to legacy, their journeys inspire us all.

Date: 8th March
Location: Old Government House, Parramatta

Book your spot today and step into history through the eyes of the women who lived it.

16/10/2025

🎉 Exhibition Extended! 🎉

Due to popular demand, Fashionable Silhouettes at Old Government House has been extended until 21st December 2025!

Don't miss this stunning showcase of historic style, elegance, and changing trends in fashion through the ages — all set within the beautiful interiors of Old Government House.

🧵👗 Perfect for history buffs, fashion lovers, and curious minds alike!

📍 Old Government House
📅 Now showing until 21 December 2025
🎟️ Included with general entry

Come and step back in time with us!

12/10/2025

🌙✨ Step into a fairytale… if you dare.
Once Upon a Grimm Night is an interactive escape-room style theatre experience like no other — and you are part of the story.

📍 Old Government House, Parramatta
🎭 Presented by Odyssey Theatre, supported by City of Parramatta Council

You’ve wandered into the magical realm of Everafter, where the characters are alive, and the fate of the Fairy Godmother (and the cosmos!) rests in your hands. 🧙‍♀️🔮 Will you fight alongside the Grimm? Help the Maiden? Cast spells with the Witch?

💬 Audience Reviews:
✨ "Amazing show! I can’t wait to write my review and tell others to see this show!!!"
✨ "Such an amazing, funny, interactive experience. Very memorable night 😊"
✨ "This was my first interactive play and it was fun! Felt like I was back in Disneyland (I mean that in the best way). Excited to see more from you."

💬 "An enchanting escape-room style theatre.” – Sydney Theatre Reviews

Perfect for families, friends, dates, or adventurous solo travellers.

🕰️ Limited sessions. Book now before the story ends…

🔗 https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1448039

03/10/2025

👻 Spooky Stories for the Whole Family! 🕯️

This school holiday, bring the kids along for a fun and slightly creepy adventure at Old Government House on Thursday, 9th October!

At 4 PM, gather round as we share spine-chilling ghost stories and eerie tales from the house’s haunted past. Perfect for brave little ones, curious teens, and parents who love a good thrill! 👀👻

🎃 What to Expect:

Haunted history of Old Government House

Spooky stories & ghostly legends

Fun for the whole family!

📅 Date: Thursday, 9th October
🕓 Time: 4 PM
📍 Location: Old Government House, Parramatta
🎟️ Bookings essential! https://shorturl.at/T0sos

Don’t miss out on a family-friendly fright! Will you be brave enough to uncover the secrets of Old Government House? 😱

30/09/2025

✨ Step into the Story… if you dare! ✨
Once Upon a Grimm Night is coming to Old Government House, Parramatta — and it's not your average fairy tale.

This interactive, 60-minute adventure lets you steer the story! Solve riddles, brew potions, and meet strange characters slipping from the world of Ever After into ours…

🧙‍♀️ Presented by Odyssey Theatre
🏛 Supported by City of Parramatta Council
📅 October 3–25
📍 Old Government House, Parramatta
🎟 Tickets: https://www.odysseytheatre.com.au/once-upon-a-grimm-night-parramatta

Tag your fairy tale crew and book your quest now — before the portal closes! 🕯🌒

26/09/2025

📢 Notice: Experiment Farm Cottage Closed – Saturday 27 September

Please note that Experiment Farm Cottage will be closed tomorrow, Saturday 27th September.

However, Old Government House will be open from 11am to 4pm, and we invite you to visit our beautiful Fashionable Silhouettes exhibition, showcasing the elegance and evolution of historical fashion.

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Experiment Farm Cottage will reopen as usual on Friday 3rd October.

Thank you for your continued support!

21/09/2025

Dearest gentle reader,

The morning of Sunday 21st November at Old Government House began quietly, as if the estate itself was holding its breath… and then, much like a scene from Bridgerton, the lawns awoke in a flourish of elegance. Gowns swept past market stalls, music danced upon the breeze, and laughter rang through every corner of the gardens.

From our humble staff perspective, it was a joy to witness the house transformed for the day. What began with uncertainty soon became a sparkling success — a true Regency delight!

Our sincerest thanks to all the visitors who came to enjoy the festivities, to our wonderful stallholders for sharing their crafts and treats, and to staff and volunteers whose hard work behind the scenes made it all possible. Your presence and efforts brought a little magic of the season to life. 💛

19/09/2025

👗✨ National Trust Regency-Era Dresses on Display – Limited Time Only! ✨👗

As part of Regency Day Out at Old Government House, Parramatta, we’re proud to present a special display of Regency-era dresses from the National Trust collection.

These beautifully preserved gowns offer a fascinating glimpse into the fashion, elegance, and craftsmanship of the early 19th century — and they’ll be on show for a limited time only!

📍 Old Government House, Parramatta
🗓️ Sunday 21 September
🕰️ 11am – 4pm (Regency Day Out)
🎟️ Included with general admission
🕰️ Exhibition open during house hours

Step back in time and experience the style of the Regency era up close.

18/09/2025

🎭 Best Dressed Competition – Sponsored by Audible
Featuring: Audible’s new Pride & Prejudice

Step back in time and show off your finest historical fashion!

From Medieval royalty to 1940s swing, if you’re wearing a lovingly crafted reproduction outfit from any historical era, we want to see it! Join the fun and impress our judges—and the crowd—for your chance to win a 12-month Audible subscription.

🗓 Sunday 21 September
📍 Old Government House, Parramatta Park
🎉 Part of our Regency Day Out festivities
💸 Free to enter

👗 Category: Best Reproduction – Any Historical Period
🏆 Prize: 12 Months of Audible

Dress to impress and relive history in style!

Audible City of Parramatta

15/09/2025

🎩✨ Regency Day Out at Old Government House! ✨🎩

Step into the elegance of the past at the Regency Day Out, held at the stunning Old Government House! 🏛️🌿

🛍️ Explore amazing stalls featuring:
🕰️ Antique treasures
👗 Vintage fashion
🍰 Delicious food and sweet treats
🎁 Unique handmade goodies — and much more!

Whether you're a history lover, a keen shopper, or just looking for a charming day out — you’ll find something to fall in love with. 💖

📍 Old Government House
📅Sunday 21st September
🕚 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Bring your friends, your family — or just yourself — and enjoy a day of timeless elegance, local treasures, and community spirit!

Address

Parramatta, NSW

Telephone

+61296358149

Website

http://www.nationaltrust.org.au/nsw/old-government-house

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Old Government House - National Trust of Australia NSW posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your museum to be the top-listed Museum in Parramatta?