Elizabeth Farm is located in Rosehill, Sydney. This historical building and regional tourist attraction, provides a glimpse of how people lived during the early settlement years of Sydney. Elizabeth Farm is the oldest European style building and has been maintained in its traditional form so visitors can learn about old Australian lifestyles, and the influences Sydney's history has had, on the city it is today.
Elizabeth Farm is a museum, a historical house, a garden, and tea rooms that allow you to relax after wandering through the rest of the premises. You should allow at least one full hour to explore Elizabeth Farm, and enjoy the escape of a hurried, modern lifestyle. Buildings such as this, are rare in Sydney, and those that do exist have not been cared for and restored to their original condition, as has Elizabeth Farm.
This building was constructed for John and Elizabeth Macarthur in 1793, who were major players in the Australian wool trade at this time. The Macarthurs as a family travelled out from England to Australia, to seek the financial gains they'd heard bout in the wool trade. A government grant was provided to them, and with this they established Elizabeth Farm.
This building offers not only a history into early Australian life, but its walls tell tales about the importance of wool to the nation, and the business that existed around its production. The Macarthur's lifestyle also makes an engaging story, as it features quarrels with the law, illness, misfortune and with many travels abroad, a frequently broken family.
Elizabeth farm offers an opportunity to stroll through quiet gardens, relax on a shady traditional veranda, and learn about the often difficult but adventurous lifestyle of the early Australian settlers. Elizabeth Farm is accessible by bus and by train, and is open weekends and other special holidays.
