European History

In September 1788 Governor Phillip announced his intention to establish a settlement at Parramatta. The soil of the area was found to be more suitable for farming than the area surrounding the settlement of Port Jackson.

By 1790 under the supervision of Henry Dodd of the Governor's personal staff, fruit trees were planted, cattle introduced and crops of wheat, barley, maize and oats were being cultivated. One hundred convicts worked under the supervision of Superintendent Dodd and convicts were also engaged in constructing the town of Parramatta. A small house was built for Phillip, which replaced the original redoubt structure.

In 1791 the first four settlers of New South Wales were granted land in the Parramatta area.

Farming continued in the area under a succession of Governors. Hunter created an improved Government House in 1799, which was later extended in 1815 by Governor Macquarie.

Governor Hunter granted George Salter 30 acres in 1796. Salter erected a small cottage sometime between 1796 and 1800, which was later purchased by Governor Macquarie for Government use. This cottage, which is still standing, was enlarged by Macquarie and became known as the Governor's Dairy. It is one of the oldest buildings in Australia.

Under Macquarie, Government lands were consolidated and the Government Domain provided more area for farming activities for the Government Stores and also provided a "Gentleman's Park". It comprised approximately 800 hectares. Macquarie enlarged Government House, acquired the Dairy building, and constructed numerous cottages in the surrounding area.

Brisbane replaced Macquarie as Governor in 1822 and in the same year ordered the construction of an observatory, of which the transit stones are still standing today.

In 1823 Brisbane also constructed a bathhouse west of Old Government House. When in operation a sunken bath was located in the centre of the building surrounded by a suite of rooms. In 1886 the building was converted to its present form as a pavilion after it had been extensively vandalised following the Domain becoming a public Park in 1857.

During the years 1822 to the 1850's the area supported agriculture whilst also being used as a gentrified residence for successive Governors. The last Governor to occupy the house, Fitzroy left Government House in 1855 after the death of his wife. During the 1840's it was debated whether to hand over the Governors Domain to Trustees for public use.