Day Trip to Riversdale Historic Homestead – Goulburn – NSW

Riversdale Historic Homestead

Riversdale was built in the 1830’s as an Inn. The now driveway was once the main road of Goulburn. When the main road was moved the inn was no longer busy and so was later bought by Edward Twynam as his home. Edward became the Surveyor General of NSW. The Homestead stayed in his family until it was acquired by the National Trust in 1967.

Driving to the homestead we passed the prison and thought we had taken a wrong turn, nope, it was right next to it. Such a lovely historic place next to.. well not so lovely and historic.

We pulled up and walked through what looked like a café/dining area into a courtyard with more table and chairs. Liz one of the volunteers said hello and asked if we would like a tour. We didn’t know we could go on a tour but as it was included in the $8 per person entry we said yes.

Guided tours

Liz took us around each room of the homestead, out to the garden and to the stables. Each room has antiques and pieces of history that people have donated. As well as original pieces that the family have left to the National Trust. Liz told us about the family and certain items the family owned or made.

I found the carved wooden chair and the carved photo frame, hand crafted by Edward’s wife beautiful. Not something I would have imagined the woman of the house in the 1800 to have done.

The volunteers give you guided tours and serve you drinks if you would like to buy one, they are informative and friendly.

This wasn’t Larry’s cup of tea but I really enjoyed it. For $8 this is a lovely piece of local history you should pop in and see.

This is 40 minutes drive from Tarago and the loaded dog