Old Government House : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to Old Government House, one of the oldest and most historically significant buildings in New South Wales, Australia. Built in 1788, the government house is recognized as the oldest public building in the country and has played a significant role in the development of the state over the centuries. Today, Old Government House is a popular tourist destination. Whether you’re a lifelong local or an international traveler, there’s plenty to discover about this unique landmark. Here we’ll explore some interesting facts about the history and architecture of this majestic building, as well as some travel tips to maximize your time there. So, get ready to explore the grandeur of Old Government House!

Interesting Facts About Old Government House

1. Old Government House is the oldest surviving public building in Australia, built in 1799.

2. It’s the site of the very first formal celebration of Australia Day in 1805, and is the birthplace of the Australian Flag, designed by Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales Lt. Governor William Charles Wentworth, in 1823, with the Union Jack in the top-left quadrant, a white 8-pointed star in the top-right, and a red 7-pointed star in the lower-left.

3. The first royalty to use and live in the house were Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his wife Elizabeth in 1818, when the house was extended and furnished to become the official residence of the Governor of New South Wales.

4. The Old Government House was where William Bligh, the rejected Governor of New South Wales, was held for three days before his second arrest and return to England in 1808.

5. The first female post-holder at Old Government House were the Governor’s housekeeper and the Governess of four orphan girls.

6. The house was the birthplace of the Australian legal system, with the first court cases to be heard in New South Wales taking place within the house in 1824.

7. Old Government House was a repository of some of the earliest Australian indigenous artifacts acquired by the early settlers and given to the Governor, including spears, boomerangs, shields and clubs.

8. The house is the site of Parramatta’s only surviving convict building, the Old Granary, built in 1817 using convict labour, and still in use today.

9. It is also the site of the first Christmas tree in Australia, a small Norfolk Island pine planted in 1817 on the grounds of the house. The tree is still living.

10. Old Government House is a National Heritage-listed building, and is open to the public for tours and viewing.

• Old Government House : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

History & Information About Old Government House

Old Government House in Parramatta, New South Wales is the oldest surviving public building in Australia. Built in 1799, it was the residence of Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his family for 11 years from 1810 to 1821. The house is a major tourist attraction and is part of the Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Centre.

In 1799, Governor John Hunter ordered the construction of old Government House, a Georgian mansion, to be used as residence of the NSW governor. In 1810, Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his family moved in and made the house their home. Under Macquarie’s rule, the house was a hub of colonial society. It was a popular spot for entertaining and as a result, colonial society flourished. Macquarie left in 1821 and the house was filled with various government officials and their families for the next 80 years.

In the 1890s, old Government House was in danger of being demolished to make way for a mental asylum. However, a campaign to save the heritage building was successful and in 1887, the New South Wales government took ownership of old Government House and converted it into a museum. Since then, it has undergone multiple restoration projects to restore its original grandeur.

Today, Old Government House is a tourist attraction in Parramatta, open daily for visitors to explore its grounds. Specializing in Australian colonial history, the house is a source of knowledge for anyone interested in this period. It is also home to the Parramatta Cultural Centre, which offers interactive activities and events relating to the historical building.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Old Government House

The Old Government House in Parramatta, NSW, is a must-see destination for history lovers. The oldest surviving public building in Australia, the house has played host to some of the nation’s most influential leaders and important events and holds a proud place in our grand colonial past. This former (1799-1855) residence of the Governors of New South Wales is now a museum managed by the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales.

Getting There:

The Old Government House is located in the heart of Parramatta in the suburb of Parramatta Park. It is easily accessible by bus, taxi, or train. There are plenty of parking spaces available onsite.

When to Visit:

The Old Government House is open to the public Monday through to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. It is recommended to visit in the cooler months for the most enjoyable experience. The gardens of the house are best visited in Spring and Autumn.

What to See:

The interior of the old house has been beautifully restored to its former glory, with plenty of interpretive stories and displays to provide context to its history. Highlights include the original nursery house, library, scientific collection, and cellars.

The historic gardens and grounds of the House provide an insight into Georgian colonial landscape designs, including a meandering path, original terracotta pathways, a sundial, and a fountain adorned with stone lions.

Tours:

Guided tours of Old Government House and its grounds are offered daily and cover various topics such as life in the early colonial days, the house’s connection to Busby’s Bore, its role in the Australian Federation, and its own unique Bicentenary celebrations in 1988.

Activities:

Old Government House is the perfect destination to enjoy some quiet time. A picnic in the historic grounds is a great way to experience the beauty of the place. There are also many archaeological and bushwalking trails in the area. Events such as the Return of the Parramatta Fireworks held every New Year’s Eve in the park make for an unforgettable experience.

Nearby Attractions:

As a major regional centre, Parramatta offers visitors plenty of attractions and activities to occupy their time. Highlights include the Old Kings School – the oldest surviving school in Australia, St John’s Cemetery – the resting place of some of Australia’s most influential early settlers, and Elizabeth Farm – the home of John and Elizabeth Macarthur.

The nearby Cumberland Plain provides plenty of opportunity for bird watchers and nature lovers, and the award-winning Parramatta Park is the perfect place to enjoy some outdoor recreation.

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a peaceful place to visit, the Old Government House is sure to captivate. Take a step back in history and experience Australia’s colonial past, all in one place.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Old Government House

Q: What is Old Government House?

A: Old Government House is a historic building in Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia. It was built in 1799 and was used as the site of the first government seat of the then-colony of New South Wales.

Q: What is the history behind Old Government House?

A: Old Government House was originally built by Governor John Hunter in 1799 in Parramatta. It served as the home for the Governors of New South Wales until 1845 and was the site of important decisions made in the early development of the New South Wales colony.

Q: What can I find inside Old Government House?

A: Old Government House features a range of nationally significant objects, artworks, and documents from Australia’s colonial history, including the oldest surviving Government House furnishings. It also includes gardens, lawns, and detailed displays of the early life of the colony of New South Wales.

Q: Where can I find Old Government House?

A: Old Government House is located in the historic grounds of Parramatta Park in Parramatta, New South Wales. It is easily accessed from Parramatta Station via a short 10-minute walk.

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