Riversdale Homestead - National Trust of Australia NSW

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Riversdale Homestead - National Trust of Australia NSW In 1820, where the Great South Road forded the Wollondilly River, a few allotments were surveyed for the township of Goulburn Plains.

Of these, the site of Riversdale was granted to Matthew Healey in 1830. He held an Innkeepers’ license in 1832, operating from a slab building. In 1832, Governor Bourke selected another site for Goulburn two miles to the south. Built as a coaching inn and residence in the 1840s, Riversdale is the only surviving building of the ‘Old Township’ as sited by Governor Macquarie. Standing with its original paddocks and out buildings, the property is a fine example of a single-storey Colonial Georgian cottage, surrounded by splendid flowering gardens. From 1850-1856 the property briefly operated as a school, then passed to numerous
owners and lessees until Edward Twynam purchased it in 1875. Edward made substantial contributions to the South West regions of the colony and later became Surveyor General of NSW. The property remained in his family until acquired by the National Trust in 1967. Riversdale is renowned for its collection of fine Australian Colonial furniture, arts and craft – much of it provenanced to the Twynam family (especially Emily Rose Twynam) and for the garden with its 1918 espaliered apple trees and flowering shrubs.

Riversdale gardens are absolutely stunning 🤩 this Spring. Plan your visit, BYO Picnic, bring your friends and family, an...
22/10/2026

Riversdale gardens are absolutely stunning 🤩 this Spring.

Plan your visit, BYO Picnic, bring your friends and family, and enjoy all that Riversdale has to offer.

17/10/2026

From the archives: Tynam family in the garden, c1910, Riversdale, Goulburn.

Join us for a special Spring Garden History Open Day exploring Riversdale's rich past, its people and its important place in nineteenth-century Goulburn.

Stroll among spring blooms, winding paths, heritage outbuildings and historic trees, including a remarkable 200-year-old Gleditsia, an 1870s plum tree and a unique five-crown apple tree planted in 1918 to commemorate the safe return of two Riversdale children from the First World War.

Enjoy the rare opportunity to see Riversdale Homestead mid-conservation and gain insight into the work preserving this treasured property for future generations.

Tickets include light refreshments in the garden, where you can relax among the birdlife and browse plants propagated onsite by Riversdale's dedicated volunteers.

Riversdale Spring Garden History Tours & Open Day
Sunday 1 November, 10am - 2pm
Tickets > https://ow.ly/SC9R50ZVIkz

Riversdale Homestead - National Trust of Australia NSW
Goulburn NSW
Goulburn Post

🌿 Exciting News from Riversdale Homestead! 🌿We are thrilled to announce that we have been selected as a successful grant...
06/10/2026

🌿 Exciting News from Riversdale Homestead! 🌿

We are thrilled to announce that we have been selected as a successful grant recipient by

Thanks to their generosity, we secured funding to purchase vital new garden equipment.

This equipment has already been put to good use and will help our dedicated volunteers maintain and preserve our beautiful historic grounds, keeping the gardens thriving for our community and visitors to enjoy.

A huge thank you to the Veolia Mulwaree Trust for their ongoing support of local community and heritage projects across our region!

Keep an eye out for our volunteers putting the new equipment to good use very soon!

Experience the magic of Riversdale after hours!As twilight falls, step back in time at Goulburn’s first settlement, wher...
25/09/2026

Experience the magic of Riversdale after hours!

As twilight falls, step back in time at Goulburn’s first settlement, where unique stories and hidden treasures await.

Guests will enjoy a complimentary cheese platter and drinks in the heritage garden upon arrival, before setting off on a twilight tour of historic Riversdale.

Explore the stables—thought to be Goulburn's oldest building—look inside the original colonial kitchen, and wander through the idyllic gardens under an evening sky.

Friday 9 October & Friday 13 November 2026
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Tickets are limited and essential.

Secure your spot for this after-hours experience.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/riversdale/

Did you know the historic stone barn at Riversdale is the only surviving structure from Goulburn's original 1828 settlem...
11/09/2026

Did you know the historic stone barn at Riversdale is the only surviving structure from Goulburn's original 1828 settlement site?

Originally built in 1832, these incredible stables have stood the test of time—surviving the days of Matthew Healey’s early slab inn, the bustling coaching era of the 1840s, and nearly a century of care by the Twynam family.

Now, you can experience this living piece of Australian colonial history firsthand!

Your guided tour begins right at the historic horse stables. Follow our expert guides as they bring the stories of early Goulburn to life, sharing the secrets of the homestead, the breathtaking 19th-century heritage gardens, and the families who shaped the region.

Plan your visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/riversdale/

Help us continue to grow the Australian Heritage Festival.Please share your feedback 🤝
03/06/2026

Help us continue to grow the Australian Heritage Festival.

Please share your feedback 🤝

The garden at Riversdale is perfect to meander and enjoy.Our volunteers take great care of the garden, and also propagat...
11/05/2026

The garden at Riversdale is perfect to meander and enjoy.

Our volunteers take great care of the garden, and also propagate plants for you to take home.

One of our volunteers tends the produce vegetable garden. It’s been a bountiful harvest, as you can see here!

Make sure you find this hidden garden while at Riversdale. Look out for the iron gate, behind fruit trees and see what’s growing.

If you’d like to volunteer at Riversdale please be in touch. Come and join a wonderful group of volunteers supporting Riversdale.

Plan your visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/riversdale/

A rare find, and an exclusive opportunity to view the music manuscript and hear its music played. Plan your visit now, a...
25/03/2026

A rare find, and an exclusive opportunity to view the music manuscript and hear its music played.

Plan your visit now, and book tickets ⬇️

15/03/2026
Twilight Tour this Friday 13th March. Last chance to buy tickets!
11/03/2026

Twilight Tour this Friday 13th March.

Last chance to buy tickets!

Address

2 Twynam Drive
Goulburn, NSW
2580

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