Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Dr Andrew Charlton MP, Member for Parramatta
The Albanese Government is protecting an important piece of Australia's colonial history for future generations, with Parramatta's Colonial Farms now added to the National Heritage List.
This site is home to three significant heritage homes - Elizabeth Farm, Hambledon Cottage and Experiment Farm Cottage and the reserves that surround them. Collectively, the site provides special insight into the nation's colonial agricultural and economic beginnings, following European settlement.
Built in 1793, the house at Elizabeth Farm is the oldest surviving colonial dwelling and the site where the first married couple to arrive in Australia as free settlers, John and Elizabeth Macarthur, resided. It's closely linked with the beginnings of the Australian wool industry.
Nearby Hambledon Cottage, a rare surviving colonial bungalow, was added to the Elizabeth Farm estate as a guesthouse in 1824.
Experiment Farm is the site of the first land grant in New South Wales, given to James Ruse in 1792.
The Clay Cliff Creek connects the three houses, with the National Trust identifying the creek as essential to establishing agriculture at Experiment and Elizabeth Farms.
Minister for the Environment, Murray Watt said the farms provide important evidence of Australia's social, economic and cultural foundations.
"The Parramatta Colonial Farms played a pivotal role in shaping Australia's agricultural economy, including through the development of the fine merino wool industry," Minister Watt said.
"From sites like this we can learn about Australia's history, and preserve it for future generations."
"The National Heritage List is the highest heritage honour in Australia, and any activity that may significantly impact this site will need to be thoroughly looked at."
The Albanese Government decided to list Parramatta's Colonial Farms on Australia's National Heritage List, after it was nominated for inclusion by Federal Member for Parramatta Dr Andrew Charlton in 2024.
"The Parramatta community cares deeply about this precinct and its colonial history, and I want to thank the more than 9,000 locals who signed a petition calling for it to be protected. Today's national heritage listing is their achievement", Dr Charlton said.
The listing means the values of Parramatta's Colonial Farms will now be protected for future generations under national environment law, and enables access to the Australian Heritage Grants program.
Australia's National Heritage List recognises the nation's most significant heritage places for their outstanding value to the nation. It includes over 120 natural, historic and First Nations places and encourages celebration of national heritage, including 31 others in NSW.
