About the program

Step into the past and experience farm life at Rouse Hill Estate through hands-on activities and object-based learning.

Students explore the property and learn about life on a farm in the 19th century. They visit the beautifully preserved stables and learn about the vital role of horses – for both transport and farm work – and how daily life on the farm depended on hard work and routine.

Hands-on activities include:

  • shifting bags of chaff and polishing saddles in the tack room
  • feeding the chooks and the sheep
  • hanging out the washing
  • pumping water

Through these activities, students learn firsthand what daily life was like for children on a farm in the late 19th century.

Early to Rise complements the other Stage 1 History program at Rouse Hill Estate, Lessons from the Past. (Please see the Lessons from the Past page for the cost scale of combining the two programs.)

If applicable, prepare your group with a social story available under program resources. This resource supports teachers, including those working with students with differing learning needs.

For booking inquiries, call + 61 2 8239 2211 or email bookings@mhnsw.au

Conservation works are currently underway on the property. Some parts of the main house and stables will be publicly inaccessible during this time however the learning programs are not impacted as we have adjusted the program to move impacted program sections to other areas. If you are interested to know more about the conservation works, please read Conservation works at Rouse Hill Estate.

356 Annangrove Road, Rouse Hill NSW 2155

Rouse Hill Estate

356 Annangrove Road, Rouse Hill NSW 2155
  • Wheelchair accessible
Cost (GST free)
From $300 for up to 20 students

See page for cost scale details

Duration
90 minutes
Session offered
Monday to Friday 10.30am–2pm
Maximum students
60 per session
Supervision ratios

The supervision ratio is 1:10 for primary groups and 1:15 for secondary groups. Teachers and parents attend free of charge at these ratios. One carer per student with special needs will be admitted free of charge

Additional adult costs

Each additional adult will be charged at the concession rate of $15

Onsite programs

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Onsite

A day at Rouse Hill Estate

Explore the current programs for Rouse Hill Estate and the new ones that will replace them in 2027

Students wearing dress up costumes and laughing in the nursery.
Onsite

A day at Vaucluse House

Explore the current programs for Vaucluse House and the new ones that will replace them in 2027

Onsite

Caring for Water Country

In this new curriculum-aligned program, students follow the journey of water from creek to coast, explore natural and human features of water environments, and investigate the enduring connection between Aboriginal peoples and Water Country.

Students wearing dress up costumes and laughing in the nursery.
Onsite

Child's Play

Students learn about what it was like to live at Vaucluse House for the wealthy family of William Charles and Sarah Wentworth, with their ten children and many servants

Students in the courtyard using a feather quill and ink to write their name on paper like it would have been done in the 19th century Elizabeth Farm
Onsite

Communicating Now and Then

Discover the enduring connection of the Barramada people to Country, stretching back tens of thousands of years, alongside the colonial history of the site as the home of John and Elizabeth Macarthur and their family

Students doing laundry in the courtyard.
Onsite

Half day at Elizabeth Farm

Explore the current half day program for Elizabeth Farm and the new one that will replace it in 2027