My love of history has brought me to many of Parramatta's historic sites and cottages including visits to other NSW rural towns. I have passed by Brislington Medical and Nursing Museum numerous times but have never set foot in it till today. As a nurse myself, it was an eye-opener to see the vast collection of nursing and medical artefacts dating from the early colonial days to the 1970s. Makes me think of what it was like to live and work as a nurse in the early 19th century where outbreak of diseases wiped out huge populations, hygiene was poor and during WW1. I also discovered today that Parramatta District Hospital once stood behind Brislington Museum and consisted of numerous separate buildings including Jeffery House which used to be a hospital. If you are visiting Brislington Museum, do explore the "Outdoor Museum" behind it as this is the site of The Parramatta Hospitals where the first convict tent hospitals were established in 1790. This outdoor museum marks out the sites of the former convict tents, colonial hospital and the cottage hospital complex. Archaeological artefacts dug out from the area can be seen here. As you walk around this huge area, pay attention to the plaques of historical facts embedded on the ground, on the wall and marked out sites of former buildings. Walk right down to behind Jeffery House facing Parramatta River, the Registry of Marriage and to the front of the Court Houses facing George Street. There is also a huge glass & steel enclosure housing the history of The Parramatta Hospitals. It is significant to have all the memorabilia preserved inside Brislington House to present to us a bygone era of medical and nursing care which is not forgotten but displayed for the coming generations to see and value. Thank You to the Volunteers( including the Ex-Nurse Volunteers) who have done a marvellous job. Brislington Medical and Nursing Museum opens every Tuesday and Thursday 10am-2pm and on Australia Day. Check out the website.

I loved this museum. The volunteers are so kind and extremely generous with their time. Their knowledge is amazing. It’s a piece of old history surrounded by modern times. I believe there’s a little bit of paranormal existence there. We received a couple of EVP’s and had an experience or two there. Do yourself a favour and visit. You never know what you’ll learn
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The only reason I give 4 stars for this place is that is only open 2 x a month. Well worth a visit - it's the only hospital/nursing museum I have seen and it's fascinating. Run by friendly ex-nursing staff who love to tell you interesting facts about the history of nursing/hospitals in Parramatta. It has an upstairs and there is plenty to see. Very quaint and worth the bother of coming on the correct day!

I love historic buildings. This one is 198 years old and has a remarkable history. The displays are great and authentic; all related to the history of Parramatta Hospital and the building. Only $5 entry fee.

Great history, volunteers full of knowledge, small inside and stairs to upstairs exhibitions but still.plenty to see and read, limited parking.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Interesting educational experience within gracious old house in Parramatta City.

Interesting museum on surgery tools used in the olden days.

Good