Discover colonial life at Elizabeth Farm
Step back into early Australian history through an engaging virtual site study crafted specially for Stage 2 primary school students (Years 3–4). Investigate real sources, explore heritage rooms, and uncover the daily lives of those who lived and worked on the farm.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Dharug people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Elizabeth Farm stands. We pay our respects to the Elders past and present and recognise their continuing conection to Country, culture and community.
Badria Trad
22025911
TEAC2063 History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship in the Primary Years
Figure 1. Original photograph, taken by the author (2026)
OUR BIG INQUIRY QUESTION
What was life like for different people living and working at Elizabeth Farm in colonial Australia?
Welcome, History Detectives!
Are you ready to travel back in time?
Welcome to Elizabeth Farm, one of Australia’s most significant colonial heritage sites! Built in 1793 for John and Elizabeth Macarthur, it is Australia’s oldest surviving homestead (NSW Government, n.d.)
Through this virtual excursion, you will explore historic rooms, examine fascinating objects and discover what everyday life was like for the different people connected to Elizabeth Farm.
Put on your historian’s hat, look for clues and get ready to investigate the past!
Figure 2. Original Photograph, taken by author (2026)
About the farm
Discover the origins of one of Australia's oldest surviving European homes, built in 1793 by John and Elizabeth Macarthur.
Virtual Site Tour
Explore the historic rooms, gardens and everyday objects through photographs. Look closely for clues about life in colonial Australia.
HSIE Curriculum Alignment
Explore how the Elizabeth Farm virtual site study aligns with the NSW Stage 2 HSIE syllabus, including learning outcomes, historical inquiry skills and cross-curricular connections.
Teacher resources
Access Stage 2 curriculum links, learning intentions, teaching strategies and practical guidance for exploring Elizabeth Farm with students.
Figure 3. original Photographs, taken by author (2026)
Step into 1793
Elizabeth Farm offers a unique window into colonial Parramatta. Unlike typical historic houses where visitors look behind velvet ropes, this virtual exploration encourages students to question, investigate, and touch upon everyday life—from convict labour and colonial wool production to the enduring connection of the Darug people to Country.
HISTORY DETECTIVE CHALLENGE!
Look closely at the photograph beside this text.
Whose Country is Elizabeth Farm located on?
Why is it important to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land today?
Take a moment to think about your answers before continuing your journey!
Figure 4. Original photographs, taken by author (2026)
Investigating primary sources
How do we know what life was like over 200 years ago?
Historians investigate letters, photographs, artworks and objects to discover stories about the past.
Think like a Historian!
What might handwritten letters be useful when learning about the past?
Figure 5. Original photographs, taken by author (2026)
Ready to Explore Elizabeth Farm?
Your journey into colonial Australia begins here!
Explore historic homestead, investigate fascinating objects and uncover the different experiences of people who lived and worked at Elizabeth Farm.
Historic site location
Elizabeth Farm is located at 70 Alice Street, Rosehill, NSW 2142, near Parramatta in Western Sydney. The homestead stands on Dharug Country and provides opportunity to explore the history of early colonial Australia.
Think about it: Why might the location of Elizabeth Farm have been important to the people who lived and worked there?