Lachlan's Old Government House

This was my second time to come and dine in this well-known historical restaurant in Western Sydney at Parramatta close to the CBD or Commercial Business District.

Lachlan is an Old Government House - Australia's oldest public building, is tucked away within the peaceful grounds of historic Parramatta Park. Constructed by First Fleet convicts on the orders of Governor Phillip.

A view of the old government house taken from the verandah of the Garrison building.

On 26 January 1788 Governor Phillip landed at Farm Cove in Sydney to establish the colony of New South Wales. His crops of wheat and corn soon failed having been planted in the heat of summer and in the sandy salty soil of the cove.

In April of that same year Governor Phillip rowed up what is now the Parramatta river and selected this site for his farms and his Government House. The soil was good and the hard Australian Eucalypt trees grew naturally far enough apart so the First Fleeters did not have to cut too many trees down with their poor English axes. The oldest part of Old Government House still standing is Governor Hunters house which is the front of the two storied section in the middle part of the house. When Governor Macquarie arrived in 1809 after the rum rebellion he found the house almost uninhabitable and carried out renovations and extensions which were completed in November 1816. The house as you see it today is largely as completed in November 1816. The house as you see it today is largely as completed by Governor Macquarie. The restaurant is located in the Garrison building was completed at the same time and housed the officers of the day. The Governors living quarters were located at the river end of the main house and the kitchen and servant areas at the opposite end. All the early Governors lived and worked here including Phillip, Hunter, King, Bligh, Macquarie, Brisbane, Darling, Bourke, Gipps, and Fitzroy. Fitzroy was the last Governor to live here leaving the colony in 1855.

If you were arriving to visit the Governor back in 1815 you would most probably have rowed up the river if you were coming from Sydney Town. On arriving in Parramatta, you would have walked the length of George Street. This street runs in a straight line form the Governors portico to the old river wharf. You most likely would have been shown into the Governors waiting room to await.

So when you sit here on the Garrison verandah, or by one of the officers fireplaces in winter enjoy the history that surrounds us and remember that you will also become a part of the history of Old Government House, of Parramatta and of Australia.

Source: Lachlan's Restaurant Menu Historical Info Sheet

Just a tip of history of Lachlan's Old Government House in Parrammatta. Lachlan is Sydney's restaurant open for functions, corporate events, wedding receptions, parties and other ceremonies. This is where we held our Nights to be Much Observed in keeping to the Passover Holy Day.

The night was graced by a beautiful full moonlight.

In summer dine on the old Garrison verandah under the grape vines and in winter dine in one of the small officer's rooms by the open fireplace. Walk around the grounds and imagine the times of Governor Phillip and his first buildings and farms here. Around 1815 Governor Macquarie built the Garrison building where we dine today. - Menu Sheet

Gallery:

The photographic quality is not good, but this is the view of the Garrison Building taken from the courtyard.

Garrison Building: Lisa (below) and Me (above)

Baked Ocean Trout Fillet on brocollini with a citrus sauce. I forgot to take photo of my equally sumptuous entree which was Chicken Caesar Salad with anchovies and shaved parmesan.

Baked vegies of carrots, pumpkin, potatoes and green beans.

Australian Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine

Bon appetit.