Old Government House
Click here to see the filming of Rogue Nation at OGH.
Standing in 260 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.
The central block of the house was completed in 1799 by Governor John Hunter, however the appearance of the house today owes most to Governor and Mrs Macquarie. Their 1815 extensions, designed by Macquarie’s Aide, Lieutenant John Watts transformed the house into an elegant Palladian style residence in the English manner. Visitors to the property today can step straight into the fashions of 1821, with their Anglo and Indian influences and strong emphasis on colour, through a meticulously researched ‘soft furnishings’ program. This has transformed main rooms of the house to recreate the tastes and styles of Mrs Macquarie, influenced as they were by distance and a climate very different to ‘home’. Rooms are furnished with pieces from the National Trust’s collection of early colonial furniture; the largest collection in Australia.
Old Government House was built on Darug land, home to the Burramatta tribe. There is evidence of their occupation on the site; the firestick management of land and trees which still bear the scars of bark stripped to build canoes. In Old Government House, you can see how shells from Aboriginal middens were used to strengthen household mortar.
For further information visit us at www.oldgovernmenthouse.com.au.
For information on our Friends and their events go to www.friendsofogh.com. 
FACILITIES
Activities
Ghost tours, run on the third Friday each month (evening). Talks, seminars, and concerts.
Admittance by guided tours only.
Please note photography is not permitted.
Experiences
The atmosphere of the property and its history as explained through tours gives a clear picture of life in the early colony; the household, the business of governing, controlling the army, the place of convicts and the conflict with Aboriginal people. This is the only known example of a faithfully recreated household of this size and era to be found in Australia.
Facilities
Lachlan’s Restaurant & Café; everything from a peaceful lunch to grand weddings. There is also the National Trust Gift Shop and ample parking.
Children
A range of education and school holiday programs are available.
ACCESSIBILITY
Click here to download an accessibility guide
Wheelchair users and people with limited mobility
Access is to the ground level only, via by a portable ramp through the back (main) entrance of the House. Ground floor rooms are accessible with some limits. The first floor is accessibly by stairs only.
Blind and visually impaired
Braille and audio tours are not currently available.
Guide/hearing dogs
Guide dogs are welcome. Please contact the property for handling requirements.
Deaf and hearing impaired
No induction loops are fitted in the house.
Parking
Bus and coach drop-off and pick up area at side entrance to the property. Some parking is also available here and at the Parramatta Park Trust Centre.
Accessible toilets
There are no disabled facilities available onsite, however toilets are located at the Parramatta Park Trust Centre, opposite Old Government House, accessed by a sealed path. For information go to www.ppt.nsw.gov.au
Shop
A National Trust gift shop, selling souvenirs and soft drinks is on site. There is level access, but a narrow entrance is not suitable for wheelchair users.
HOW TO GET THERE
Take the train from Sydney’s Central Station (approx 30 minute journey) to Parramatta Station – or catch the River Cat from Sydney’s Circular Quay (approx 1 hour journey). 15 minute walk to Old Government House, along Argyll Street, into Pitt Street and follow signs to Parramatta Park. Or drive and park in the grounds.
The National Trust is a charity. The income required to look after and maintain this property and the many others you can look up here on our website comes largely from membership and donation. Please help us care for these properties on behalf of future generations. JOIN NOW and experience the benefits of membership. You can also donate online, just click here.
