Old Government House
Old Government House
4.5
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
609 within 3 miles
Attractions
87 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
169 reviews
Excellent
94
Very good
58
Average
14
Poor
2
Terrible
1
geographyguy_11
Brisbane, Queensland517 contributions
Jan 2020
Visiting Australia's oldest public building was a bucket list item for me and my visit to Old Government House was very nice. It is a bit confusing because you have to buy tickets at the back then walk around the front to enter. Nevertheless, inside is like walking back in time as you go through the dining room, drawing room, breakfast room and bedroom which feel like their 19th century occupants are going to come back in at any moment. Upstairs is an exhibition about the wives of the early NSW Governors and other women involved in the House's history which was OK. It is not a huge building but one of massive historical significance so I would heartily recommend making time to come out to Parramatta and see it. An hour is more than enough for a visit of the rooms that are open. My one issue was that I was not offered a discounted joint ticket to go and visit the Experiment Farm Cottage later on as this would have saved me a few dollars. It is also quite a walk from Parramatta station in hot weather so bring plenty of water.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JElliot32
New South Wales, Australia3,622 contributions
Jul 2022
Old Government House is full of history from Australia's earliest colonial years. Built by convicts, it is the country's oldest public building that is still standing and was the country residence of the first 10 governors of New South Wales, with Gov Lachlan Macquarie probably being the most notable and also spending the most amount of time here. There are some of Macquarie's possession on display in the house including his marital bed. The site is now managed by the National Trust. We took an organised NT tour of the house which was fine - though I must admit at times I had trouble with the Scottish accent of our (very knowledgeable) guide. If you decide not to take a tour there are good information sheets available in each of the rooms.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
L6659PUjohnk
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We were given a very informative and interesting tour by our guide Deb. The building was well preserved and really worth the trip. Also enjoyed a lovely walk around Parramatta Park and along the river walk.
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
UrbanPixel
Horton-in-Ribblesdale, UK70 contributions
Mar 2020
The historicity of this building is in real peril of becoming irrelevant as the upkeep and beauty is not maintained. Trust must take all the gate intake and flush it down somewhere else.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
fatbear2000
Oxford, UK4,027 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
We took the Sydney ferry to Parramatta on a Sunday and made the 15 minute or so walk to the Old Government House. Entering via the quaint Tudor Gatehouse we saw the House across the Park. We sat on a bench in the park watched the world go by.
As there were no signs, and no obvious activity around the house we incorrectly presumed it was not open to the public. After relaxing in the park for around 20 minutes, we headed back into the centre of Parramatta for some refreshments.
So maybe some information as you pass through the Tudor Gatehouse on what is available, where to go etc might be helpful and good for business……..
As there were no signs, and no obvious activity around the house we incorrectly presumed it was not open to the public. After relaxing in the park for around 20 minutes, we headed back into the centre of Parramatta for some refreshments.
So maybe some information as you pass through the Tudor Gatehouse on what is available, where to go etc might be helpful and good for business……..
Written May 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert C
Sydney NSW1 contribution
Feb 2013 • Friends
A party of five seniors from the Blue Mountains spent the morning at Old G.H. followed by lunch at the restaurant adjoining. The party spent well over two hundred dollars whilst at the venue, only to be presented with a parking fine of $99.00 when we returned to the car. No notice of any sort displayed the stringent parking facilities other than at the parking area it self.
One would think that what is rated as first among attractions in Parramatta, would welcome visitors with signage and parking facilities commensurate with its historic importance. Instead one leaves with a distinct sour taste and not much respect for the organisation.
The very least requirement would be designated car parking with fees applicable if necessary and road signs giving directions to the O.G.H. I will be writing to the Parramatta Council and the local State member to express the views stated here.
signed R.D.Corbett, 35 Hester Road Leura 2780.
One would think that what is rated as first among attractions in Parramatta, would welcome visitors with signage and parking facilities commensurate with its historic importance. Instead one leaves with a distinct sour taste and not much respect for the organisation.
The very least requirement would be designated car parking with fees applicable if necessary and road signs giving directions to the O.G.H. I will be writing to the Parramatta Council and the local State member to express the views stated here.
signed R.D.Corbett, 35 Hester Road Leura 2780.
Written February 27, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wme797362018
New York City, NY62 contributions
Apr 2013 • Solo
There is no question that old Government House is of great interest. The tour cost $9 and was adequate however I was disappointed that the guide did not know the provenance of some of the better known furniture, including some of the furniture originally owned by the Macquarie family, and did not prevent a noisy visitor from having two long telephone conversations which interrupted the tour while it was in progress. The absurd outcome of this was that the noisy visitor demanded that the tour end as she had to leave to meet someone, and the guide obliged her by calling it off there and then, when we were about three quarters of the way through. I wrote to the National Trust about this but have not received a reply. If you go, do not take what the guide says as entirely accurate as they seem under-trained to me and not very well informed.
Written April 24, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andy S
Melbourne, Australia86 contributions
Nov 2019
Run by the National Trust this is a truly historic spot to visit. The guided tour was very informative as was the self-directed component. Lots of facts about the first ten Governors of NSW who all used this building to some extent.
Written November 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cherrie C
19 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
Fabulous food and impeccable service. A must if you are in Parramatta, our guide was so knowledgeable... gave us such a great insight into how life must have been!Will definitely be back. Thank you Lachlans!!
Written June 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
traveller1033
Sydney47 contributions
Feb 2019
Had friends visiting from US and they wanted to see other parts of Sydney not the normal 'touristy' sights so took them to Old Government House in Parramatta. They were fasinated by the history of not only the house but by the early settlers here in Sydney and how important Parramatta was to our early history. Highly recommend it for those wanting more than to fight the hords of tourist at Bondi beach!
Written June 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Carolyn J
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
Where to park
Jasmine38Chichester UK
Chichester, UK1,787 contributions
There is plenty of parking in the park itself at Parramatta very close to Old Government House.
Donna445
Sydney, Australia4 contributions
How do I get there by public transport
alis0n29
Sydney, Australia11 contributions
It might be too late for you Donna, sorry, but may help someone else.
Parramatta Park is about a 15 minute walk from Parramatta Station.
Or there are buses from Parramatta Interchange, outside the station, Stand B4 Bus numbers.. 705 711 T60 T61 T62 T63 T64 T65 T66 then walk through the park to Old Government House.
Old Government House, Parramatta
Frequently Asked Questions about Old Government House
- Old Government House is open:
- Tue - Fri 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Old Government House:
- (0.20 mi) SKYE Hotel Suites Parramatta
- (0.44 mi) Meriton Suites Church Street
- (0.42 mi) PARKROYAL Parramatta
- (0.61 mi) Holiday Inn Parramatta, an IHG Hotel
- (0.41 mi) Holiday Inn & Suites Parramatta Marsden Street, an IHG Hotel
- Restaurants near Old Government House:
- (0.01 mi) Gatehouse Tea Rooms
- (0.11 mi) Parramatta RSL Club
- (0.16 mi) Groundskeeper Cafe
- (0.35 mi) Kouzina Greco
- (0.18 mi) Esquire Cafe