List of the oldest buildings in Australia


This article lists the oldest known surviving buildings constructed in Australia.

17th century

BuildingImageLocationStateFirst builtUseNotes
Wiebbe Hayes Stone FortWest Wallabi IslandWestern Australia
1629Stone FortWiebbe Hayes built the fort to defend himself against a dangerous muntineers from the shipwrecked crew. It is a basic four walled building, with no roof, and an opening. The Mutineers attacked the fort three times, but were driven off and eventually subdued. The Remnants of the fort are still on site, located on the West Wallabi island, 60 km off the coast of WA. It is the oldest European construction in Australia It is not currently used for defensive purposes, or inhabited, and has minimal facilities. The site, along with other remains of the Batavia crew's temporary habitation of the area, was first surveyed in 1963 Pre dated first European settlement on the east coast of Australia by 150 years

18th century

BuildingImageLocationStateFirst builtUseNotes
Elizabeth FarmRosehillNew South Wales1793ResidentialThe oldest surviving European dwelling in Australia. It is currently a living museum, where the public can access all areas, and it is represented in authentic period style as it would have been at the time of its original use
Addington HouseRydeNew South WalesSometime between 1794 and 1810ResidentialThe original sandstone cottage consisting of 3 rooms was built sometime between 1794 and 1810. In 1810, the house was rebuilt around the original cottage, now with a total of 6 rooms. The west wing was added in 1822 and the east wing in 1840.
Experiment Farm CottageHarris ParkNew South Wales1795ResidentialAustralia's first European farmstead, constructed under the guidance of Governor Arthur Phillip. A farm that advocated experimental agricultural techniques, but largely fulfilling a wish by Governor Phillip to determine, via experimentation, the period required in which a settler could become self-supporting. The building was constructed by Surgeon John Harris, who had bought the land from Ruse in 1793 for £40. The cottage is now part of an historical precinct which includes the Queen's Wharf, Hambledon Cottage and Elizabeth Farm.
Dairy CottageParramattaNew South Wales1798Residential
Old Government HouseParramattaNew South Wales1799AdministrativeTaking over 20 years to build, it was the administrative stronghold of the colonial government. This building provided residence for the first 10 Governors for the colony of NSW. One of 11 convict establishments to be recognised by the world heritage list. Oldest surviving Government residence Replaced the previous Government house which was subject to crime and disease due to its placement in Sydney.

19th century

BuildingImageLocationStateFirst builtUseNotes
The HermitageCastle HillNew South Wales1802ResidentialHistorians believe it may be Sydney's oldest surviving slab hut, surviving for so long as it was built of the termite-resistant turpentine timber cut on the property, as well as the fact that it is surrounded by a later house. Possibly also the oldest surviving privately owned building in Australia and the oldest of any kind in the Hills District.
Vaucluse HouseVaucluseNew South Wales1803ResidentialOriginally built as a small cottage in 1803 but now features later additions.
Hadley ParkCastlereaghNew South Wales1803ResidentialThe property's original single storey cottage is still extant and said to be built in 1803.
543-547 Glenmore RoadEdgecliffNew South Walesc. 1803ResidentialRow of three circa 1803 worker's cottages built of sandstock brick.
470 Cawdor RoadCawdorNew South Wales1803-04ResidentialSlab hut.
Joyce FarmhouseBaulkham HillsNew South Wales1794-1804ResidentialOriginally built in 1794 rebuilt after fire in 1804.
Mountain ViewRichmondNew South Walesc. 1804ResidentialThe original two-roomed cottage built of sandstock brick was constructed c.1804, and is possibly the oldest building in the Hawkesbury region.
Macquarie RetreatCattaiNew South Wales1805ResidentialOriginal stone house built in 1805 but now features later additions.
Macquarie Arms Inn CottagePitt TownNew South Walesc.1805ResidentialThe site consists of four buildings; the main house/inn, a separate kitchen, stables/barn, and a c.1805 brick cottage.
Claremont CottageWindsorNew South Wales1807Residential
Hope and Anchor HotelHobartTasmania1807Public houseAustralia's oldest public house, established in 1807. Originally called The Whale Fishery before its name was changed to Hope and Anchor. Possibly the oldest surviving building in Tasmania.
Clear OaksRichmondNew South Wales1809Residential
Goldfinders Inn CottageKurrajongNew South Wales1809ResidentialThe timber cottage on the site may have been built from as early as 1809 with the sandstone inn built sometime in the following decades.
Ebenezer ChurchEbenezerNew South Wales1809ReligiousThe oldest surviving church building in Australia.
Commissariat StoreHobartTasmania1808-1810Commercial
Rose Cottage and Early Slab HutWerringtonNew South Wales1810ResidentialThe timber slab hut is believed to have been built around the turn of the 18th century.
FleursKemps CreekNew South Walesc. 1810ResidentialOriginally known as "Bayly Park", and changed to "Fleurs" in the 1830s.
CollingwoodLiverpoolNew South Walesc.1810ResidentialHouse built c.1810 on estate granted to Eber Bunker between 1804 and 1810.
Campania HouseCampaniaTasmania1810-13ResidentialPossibly Australia's oldest home to be continuously occupied.
MontroseMontroseTasmania1813ResidentialBuilt in 1813, the home is Tasmania's 3rd oldest and the suburb takes its name.
Rose CottageWilberforceNew South Wales1810-1820ResidentialBuilt in either 1810s or 1820s.
Ingle HallHobartTasmania1814Residential
The Bush InnNew NorfolkTasmania1815Public houseAustralia's longest continuously licensed public house, established originally in 1815. It was originally used as a tavern, and also as a church. The site includes underground tunnels, which still exist under the pub, but are currently blocked.
Cadmans CottageThe RocksNew South Wales1816Boat crew residence The cottage was originally built to house the Governor's 52 personal sailors, who could not all fit in his residence. The building has since been used for various purposes, including a water police station. It was named after popular carouser, former convict, taverner and the Fourth Government Coxswain John Cadman, The cottage was originally built at the water's edge, it is now 100 meters back as the waterline has changed.
Ashford HouseAdelaideSouth Australia1838ResidentialLikely oldest building in Adelaide
Friends Meeting House, AdelaideAdelaideSouth Australia1840ReligiousLikely oldest religious building in Adelaide. Likely oldest wooden building in Adelaide. Oldest Quaker building in Australia.
Trinity Church AdelaideAdelaideSouth Australia1845ReligiousChurch founded 1836. Foundation stone for current stone building first laid in 1838. Other details between 1838 and 1845 "rebuild" unclear.