Entry
Adult | $12
Concession | $8
Family | $30
Members | Free of charge
Children under 5 years | Free of charge
In 1810 John Macarthur wrote to his wife Elizabeth: ‘I am perfectly aware, my beloved wife, of the difficulties you have to contend with.’ The comment was by no account an understatement.
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, delicate furnishings or untouchable ornaments. Australia’s oldest homestead is now our most hands-on ‘living’ house museum.
News from Elizabeth Farm
School holidays
Summer school holiday opening hoursWednesday 6 December 2017
School holidays
Spring school holiday opening hoursMonday 25 September 2017
Education
The educator and the curator: a vital partnership Wednesday 6 September 2017
With the invaluable assistance of Sydney Living Museums’ knowledgeable and inspirational curators, the Learning Team develops a wide range of engaging education programs for school students.SLM’s...
SLM Food
Sumptuous seasonal delightsTuesday 29 August 2017
The arrival of spring heralds the return of two popular food-related festivals, as well as two exclusive events in our Colonial Gastronomy series.
Elizabeth Farm
Home is where the hearth isThursday 3 August 2017
There’s nothing like the sound of a crackling fire or the smoky aroma of burning wood to keep winter’s frost at bay. With only a few weeks left of winter’s cold embrace we’ve asked two of our curators to shed some light on the humble (and not so humble) fireplaces at Elizabeth Farm and Elizabeth Bay House.
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.