Experiment Farm Cottage

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Experiment Farm Cottage is a tourist attraction in Harris Park, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia. It is based at the site of Experiment Farm, Australia's first European farmstead, which was itself created by Australia's first land grant.

In 1789, James Ruse was chosen by Governor Arthur Phillip to run an experiment to see how long it would take a man to support himself. Ruse was granted one and a half cleared acres (6,000 m²) of land, as well as being assisted in the clearance of a further five acres (20,000 m²), and provided with two sows and six hens. He was fed and clothed from the public store for 15 months, after which time, as he had become successfully self-sufficient, he was granted a further 30 acres (120,000 m²).

In October 1793, Ruse sold his farm to surgeon John Harris, builder of the substantial colonial cottage which exists today. Doctor Harris was a prominent citizen in the rapidly emerging colony, and was also friends with John and Elizabeth MacArthur of Elizabeth Farm, another celebrated early agricultural venture only a short walk away.

Experiment Farm Cottage is owned by the National Trust of Australia (NSW), and was purchased in 1961 as the first NSW National Trust owned property.

Experiment Farm Cottage is located at 9 Ruse Street, Harris Park, NSW 2150. Ph (02) 9635 5655 Open Tuesday - Friday 10.30am - 3.30pm Weekends - 11am - 3.30pm Off street parking available