Old Government House
Home of Psychic Saturday

Historical Highlights

• Origins and construction
  Old Government House was built between 1799 and 1818 by convict labour, making it the oldest surviving public building in Australia. Wikipedia+2Australian Convict Sites+2
  It was intended as the “country residence” for Governors of New South Wales, providing a retreat from the challenging conditions in Sydney. Wikipedia+2AT Parramatta+2
• Use by colonial Governors
  For about seventy years it served the first ten governors of the colony, including Governor Lachlan Macquarie (1810–1821), whose period shaped much of the building’s current form and its grounds. Wikipedia+2MGNSW+2
• Architecture and style
  The building is Georgian in style (Old Colonial Georgian) with features such as a classic portico attributed to convict architect Francis Greenway, symmetrical proportions, and extended eaves. Wikipedia+2Mental Health NSW+2
  Original materials show fascinating colonial detail — for example, mortar made using shells from Aboriginal middens nearby. Wikipedia+1
• Aboriginal history and the land
  The house sits on the traditional land of the Burramatta clan of the Darug people. Evidence of Aboriginal occupation remains, such as shell middens and scarred trees. Wikipedia+2Kiddle+2
• Heritage and significance
  It has been recognised at multiple levels for its national importance: listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, part of the National Heritage List from 2007, and inscribed in 2010 on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Australian Convict Sites. Wikipedia+2DCCEEW+2
  It’s not just a house — the larger Government Domain (Parramatta Park) retains many colonial-era features, including old carriage routes, gardens, observatory remains, and other outbuildings. Mental Health NSW+2Wikipedia+2
• Current use
  Today it operates as a house museum under the management of the National Trust (NSW). National Trust+2Greater Sydney Parklands+2
  Visitors can see period furnishings, learn about colonial and convict-era life, and enjoy the surrounding parklands. National Trust+1

Front of Old Government House

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Getting to Old Government House

Best entrance is Pitt Street Entrance of Parramatta Park

Train
Take Sydney Trains to Parramatta Station or Westmead Station. From there it’s an easy walk.

Bus from Parramatta Station
Various bus routes stop near Old Government House. You can then walk from the stop to the house.

Ferry
RiverCat ferry service to Charles Street Wharf. From there, walk along the riverside to Parramatta Park, then up to Old Government House

Light Rail
The new light-rail stop (L4) is one of the closer stops. From there, walk to Old Government House

Driving
You can drive into Parramatta Park, follow the internal park loop until you reach Old Government House. There is limited, free parking inside the park - all day parking is available at the Bowling Green carpark.