Hambledon Cottage
Hambledon Cottage, a colonial Georgian cottage built in 1824 for John Macarthur, is a historical gem that showcases the rich history of Australia. Originally intended to accommodate Macarthur's extended family and friends, it has welcomed numerous notable figures throughout the years. The cottage has housed Major General Sir Edward Macarthur, Dr Matthew Anderson, and Penelope Lucas, among others.
Now transformed into a house museum, Hambledon Cottage invites visitors to step back in time and experience the charm of 19th-century living while immersing themselves in the stories of the people who once lived here. The cottage, constructed with rendered sandstone brick in a colonial Georgian style, features Australian cedar joinery, lath and plaster ceilings and walls, and even an original ironbark flooring in one of the bedrooms. Authentic furniture from the era further enhances the immersive experience.
Managed by the Parramatta and District Historical Society, the museum and its grounds hold a significant place in Australian history, being the oldest local history society in the country. The society's vision is to be the leading authority on the history and heritage of Parramatta, and it strives to bring Hambledon Cottage back to life as it would have been in the mid-1800s.
The dedicated team of volunteers at the museum works tirelessly to create an unforgettable experience for visitors. Their goals include meeting legal and financial obligations, conserving and restoring the cottage to its original colonial Georgian style, collecting and preserving archives and artifacts relevant to Parramatta and its district, promoting the study of local and family history, and publishing materials that showcase the rich heritage of the area.
Recognizing its educational value, Hambledon Cottage has served as a site for tourism and education for over 50 years. It has been granted a listing on the NSW State Heritage Register, affirming its significance in Australian history.
Journey
into knowledge!
The ultimate focus is to exhibit the lifestyle of individuals in the 19th century and how it differs to the lifestyle the children live today. This stage allows the children to see the similarities an...
YEAR
3
4
SUBJECT
Humanities & Social Science
Family & Consumer Science
Entertainment
This stage focuses on providing a study of colonial Australia in the 1800s. The main focus is on John Macarthur to allow the children to educate themselves and learn about his Family, Friends and Foes...
YEAR
5
6
SUBJECT
Family & Consumer Science
Entertainment
Humanities & Social Science
Technologies
The main focus is to reveal and showcase to the children how individuals like Mr and Mrs Macarthur and their children as well as grandchildren lived their day to day lives. This stage essentially allo...
YEAR
Kindergarten
1
2
SUBJECT
Technologies
Entertainment
Humanities & Social Science