About Elizabeth Farm
Established in 1793 by John and Elizabeth Macarthur, Elizabeth Farm stands as Australia’s oldest surviving European homestead. Located in Parramatta on Dharug Country, it provides Stage 2 primary students with a tangible window into early colonial history, daily life, and the enduring heritage of the land.
A window into colonial Australia
Elizabeth Farm was established in 1793 by John and Elizabeth Macarthur. Located on Dharug Country in Parramatta, it provides a glimpse into life during early British colonisation.
But not everyone experienced life at the farm in the same way! While the Macarthur family lived in relative comfort, convict workers and servants carried out many of the daily tasks needed to maintain the property.
By exploring Elizabeth Farm, we can investigate how people lived, worked and experienced colonial Australia differently (NSW Government, n.d.)
Figure 6. Original photograph taken by author (2026)
Contrasting lives and daily routines
Life at Elizabeth Farm was very different depending on who you were. The Macarthur family lived in relative comfort, while convict workers and servants completed demanding daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes and working on the farm.
Imagine preparing meals without electricity or washing clothes without a washing machine! These differences help us understand how people’s responsibilities and experiences varied in colonial Australia
Figure 7. Original Photograph taken by author (2026)
Investigating primary sources
How do we know what life was like over 200 years ago?
Historians investigate primary sources, including letters, photographs of historical objects, drawings and buildings, to discover clues about the past.
As history detectives, you will examine evidence from Elizabeth Farm, ask questions and compare different perspectives to discover what everyday life was like during colonial Australia (NSW Education Standards Authority, 2024)
Discover the Stories of Elizabeth Farm
Explore the historical displays photographed during my visit to Elizabeth Farm. Swipe through the gallery to discover how people lived, worked and prepared food in colonial Australia, while learning about continuing Aboriginal cultural connections to Country.
These museum displays offer different perspectives on the history and heritage of Elizabeth Farm.
Photographs by author (2026). Museum displays and historical interpretations by Museums of History NSW. Eel Festival photograph by Joshua Morris
"Would you rather live as a wealthy landowner or work as a servant at Elizabeth Farm in the 1800s? Why?"
Stage 2 historical inquiry question