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
Adult | $15
Concession | $12
Family* | $38
Members | Free of charge
Children under 5 years | Free of charge
*2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children
Tearooms open on weekends
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 2019: school holiday opening hoursTuesday 27 November 2018
Learning
Helping with the washing at Elizabeth FarmMonday 25 June 2018
One of the many interesting roles of the Sydney Living Museums' learning team is having authentic replicas of objects specially made for use in our school education programs.
News
Centuries-old cooper’s craft proves evergreenThursday 14 June 2018
Our video of sixth generation cooper, George Smithwick, has proved our most popular on YouTube, with over half a million views.
Learning
Experiencing Elizabeth Farm: as a student, then as a teacherTuesday 5 June 2018
Did you visit one of our museums when you were at school? We’d love to see your photos.
School holidays
Autumn School Holidays 2018: opening hoursMonday 19 March 2018
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.