Elizabeth
Farm
Built for the young military couple John and Elizabeth Macarthur and their growing family in 1793, Elizabeth Farm is one of the oldest homes in Australia.
Elizabeth Farm. Photo © Haley Richardson and Stuart Miller for Sydney Living Museums
Entry
Free entry
Budjari Naami Darug Nurawa. Good to see you on Darug Country.
Our museums and places are on Aboriginal land. As we walk together and tread gently on this country we acknowledge the Burramuttagal of Darug nation, the traditional custodians, and pay respect to the Elders, past and present, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Aboriginal people continue to have a deep and continuing cultural attachment to this country and are the rightful interpreters of their history and heritage.
We acknowledge the impact Elizabeth Farm has had on Aboriginal Country and that this impact continues to be felt today. Was, is, and always will be Aboriginal land.
Romanticised painting of Elizabeth Farm by Joseph Lycett. This was based on sketches and his memories and painted on his return to England.
This restful homestead hides a dark and stormy past. Built for the young military couple John and Elizabeth Macarthur and their growing family, Elizabeth Farm has witnessed major events in the growth of the colony, from the toppling of governors and convict rebellion to the birth of the Australian wool industry. As the original cottage was transformed into a fine colonial bungalow, the family’s life was equally gripped with turmoil and drama. Today, set within a re-created 1830s garden, Elizabeth Farm is an ‘access all areas’ museum. There are no barriers, locked doors or delicate furnishings. Australia’s oldest homestead is now our most immersive ‘living’ house museum.
News from Elizabeth Farm
New online
Year in review: 2021Thursday 3 March 2022
Children & Family
Celebrate Easter with usTuesday 1 March 2022
School holidays
Summer 2022 opening hoursMonday 6 December 2021
Learning programs return in Term 1Thursday 18 November 2021
We are thrilled to announce bookings are now open for selected onsite learning programs in Term 1, 2022.We look forward to welcoming students and teachers back to our museums and historic houses for our immersive...
News
Creating spaces for our storiesTuesday 23 February 2021
Sydney Living Museums continues to deepen our vital connections with community, with exciting events at our properties and compelling personal profiles on our website.
The dining room
The dining room at Elizabeth Farm set for breakfast.
The Pantry
Warm and chalky distemper on the walls of the butler's pantry at Elizabeth Farm creates an authentic, early 19th century atmosphere.
In the garden
In the garden, Elizabeth Farm Open Day.
The carriage loop
The Elizabeth Farm carriage loop, bordered by cactus garden, prickly pear and shrubs.
Shady eastern verandah
The sloped roof and flagstone flooring of the eastern verandah at Elizabeth Farm.
House from garden
View of corner plant room, or closet, at Elizabeth Farm viewed from garden under European olive tree.
By the early 1800s Sydney was a bustling trading port. Keen to stake a claim in the developing trade with China, in 1808 John Macarthur sent his nephew Hannibal to Canton with a cargo of sandalwood, hoping to bankroll the import of valuable Chinese goods to Sydney.