Elizabeth Farm

Want to experience history rather than just read about it? At Elizabeth Farm – Australia’s oldest surviving homestead – you can wander freely through the old house and garden as if you were its original occupants. There are no barriers, locked doors, fragile furniture or untouchable ornaments in this unique, ‘access all areas’ house museum. Perfect for curious children!

After exploring the museum and its gardens, try a traditional ‘devonshire’ tea in the kid friendly Tearooms (open Friday to Sunday 10am–4pm. Telephone 02 9635 9488). Check website for admission prices, hours and school holiday events.

Ellaslist Opinion: This is a lovely place to spend a couple of hours out of Sydney. Why not leave the car at home and catch the Rivercat over (it’s a 20 minute walk from the ferry stop)? Elizabeth Farm offers a rare chance for kids to get up close and personal to the artifacts and furnishings in a museum. They also run lovely programs over school holidays like DIY damper and lemonade.

Facilities: Pram access to all areas except kitchen and cellar. Kitchen can be viewed from doorway. There are tea rooms which have plenty of kid friendly options and lots of lovely shade trees for a picnic. no baby change facilitise but toilets (including disabled) on site.

Getting There: Catch a Rivercat or train – check 131500.com.au for more info. If driving, the farm is approximately 30 minutes by car from the centre of Sydney. Parking is available in Alice Street.