Sydney, Blue Mountains and Central West iMag

Parramatta - Penrith
Parramatta was founded in 1788 by
Governor Arthur Phillip as a western
outlying farm colony of Sydney. Initially
it was called Rose Hill and was renamed
Parramatta, an Aboriginal word meaning
“head of waters,” or “the place where eels
lie down”, the year after it was proclaimed
a town in 1790. It was incorporated as a
municipality in 1861, became a city in 1938
and was expanded in 1948, 1959, and 1972
by the inclusion of surrounding centres.
Now Parramatta is a city within Sydney’s
metropolitan area. It lies along the 15-mile
or 24-km Parramatta River, which enters
Port Jackson harbour. The Parramatta River
Cat ferry takes passengers from Parramatta
to Sydney along the River. The River Cat is
a scenic and relaxing way to explore the
waterways . Ferries are cheap and certainly
a fast and pleasant way to travel all over
Sydney. There are many pleasant places to
eat, shop and even go to the theatre along
the Parramatta River, not to mention stroll,
fish or simply relax. Parramatta is famous for
a wide variety of retail and dining options!
Parramatta has many historic buildings,
including Elizabeth Farm (Built in 1793, it
is the nation’s oldest surviving European
HIGH SOCIETY WEDDING
A family affair with simmering tensions
Parramatta was excited at the news – Emmeline
Macarthur was getting married. Little did they know of
Mrs Elizabeth Macarthur’s strong objections to Henry
Watson Parker being the groom. Henry was the private
secretary to Sir George Gipps, Governor of New South
Wales, and seemed a very suitable choice. The streets of
Parramatta were lined with well-wishers as the wedding
coach proceeded to St John’s Church on Tuesday
November 21, 1843. Reverend Robert Forrest, family
friend of Macarthurs and Rector of Camden, performed Wedding Coach
the marriage ceremony while dignitaries representing newly elected NSW Legislative
Council, Parramatta and Camden communities and their wives were in the congregation.
Sir George and Lady Elizabeth Gipps signed the marriage certificate along with Anna
Josepha King (widow of Philip Gidley King, 3rd Governor of NSW) and James Macarthur
(Emmeline’s brother).
The marriage proved successful. Five years later, the couple purchased ‘Clovelly House’ at
Watsons Bay and looked after Elizabeth Macarthur for the rest of her life.
In 1856, Henry Watson Parker became the Premier of New South Wales and two years on
was knighted for his service to Australia.
You can see and hear more about Emmeline Macarthur during the fascinating guided tours
available at Hambledon Cottage, Parramatta’s cultural heart.
No better place to discover Australian history than at Hambledon Cottage.
John Macarthur’s Hambledon Cottage House Museum
OPEN Thursday to Sunday – every week. 11am – last guided tour begins 3pm
Gregory Place, Parramatta 9635-6924 - Free parking on the grounds.
email: parramattahist@tpg.com.au
www.facebook.com / Parramatta – Historical – Society
www.parramattahistorical.org.au
www.bluemountainsimag.com.au
building). Old Government House (Built
in 1799, it is the oldest public building
in Australia). Experiment Farm Cottage
(Built in 1834 it is the site of the first land
grant). Hambledon Cottage (Built in 1824
by John and Elizabeth Macarthur for extra
accommodation for family and friends.
The Kings School (1832). As Parramatta is
once again becoming a more important
city centre and larger business buildings
are being built, fascinating pieces of
Parramatta’s past are being literally
unearthed. In the foyer of some of the new
buildings you will see glass around what
was discovered and in the Justice Precinct
you will find the remains of the earliest
convict hospitals on display. The Parramatta
Visitor Information Centre can tell you more
about where to find these or for more
information visit www.parracity.nsw.gov.au
What to See & Do
Try the ferry. A beautiful way to get
around a lot of places.
Check out Riverside theatres and
restaurant. Take a walk along the river
while you’re there.
Visit Experiment Farm, Elizabeth
Farm and Hambledon Cottage.
Olympic Park is an experience in itself,
close to Parramatta, on the ferry.
Parramatta Farmers’ Markets, produce,
arts, crafts and more.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
346A Church St, Parramatta
Ph: (02) 8839 3311 Fax: (02) 8839 3301
Email: discoverparramatta@
parracity.nsw.gov.au
...will take you there!
John Macarthur’s Hambledon
Cottage Museum
Parramatta’s Cultural Heart
8 www.monthlyimag.com.au