Fernhill Estate, Mulgoa: Plans revealed for future public use

Finally! After years of speculation over its future, the plans to revitalise a historic property set in the rolling hills of Sydney’s outskirts can be revealed.

Greater Sydney Parklands has released a Plan of Management for the historic Fernhill Estate in Mulgoa.

The historic 190-year-old Fernhill Estate will be reborn into a tourism destination with concerts, equestrian events and bike riding to take centrestage.

After months of planning and community engagement, Greater Sydney Parklands has released a draft plan of management for the future of the historic Fernhill Estate in Mulgoa.

Fernhill Estate was established in the early 19th century by the Cox family after a series of land grants to William Cox and his sons.

With construction starting in 1830, the 423ha parcel of land has a sandstone house regarded as one of Australia’s finest examples of colonial-era Greek Revival architecture.

The estate was included on the NSW Heritage Register in 1999 and bought by the state government in 2018.

The ‘Draft Plan of Management 2030’ details plans to open Fernhill Estate to the public through bushwalking, bike riding, and other specialised events and programs to create a “new tourism destination”.

The grounds of the historic Fernhill Estate in Mulgoa.

According to the draft, Greater Sydney Parklands would allow commercial leasing opportunities in non-heritage buildings, deliver an annual event (such as a music festival or equestrian event) and re-lease the equestrian facility for public uses.

The long-term goals include restoring and refurbishing Fernhill House as an arts and culture precinct, creating broader walking and cycling connections to iconic trails throughout the Blue Mountains and Camden, and developing the southern part of the estate to create “long-term financial sustainability”.

No specific business types were mentioned as potential tenants in the Plan of Management.

Chief Executive of Greater Sydney Parklands, Suellen Fitzgerald, said the plan of management was a major milestone.

Fernhill Estate’s grounds include a colonial-era stableblock building near the entrance to the estate.

“The draft plan and activation of Fernhill Estate supports and aligns with the vision and strategic directions established in the NSW Government’s 50-year vision for Greater Sydney’s Open Space and Parklands,” she said.

“The plan outlines a sustainable model to manage, open up and activate the entire Estate for current and future generations.

“It also creates opportunities for more people to enjoy this special place through different activities such as picnicking with friends, visiting Fernhill House, exercising on walking or cycling paths, or attending an event or celebration.”

Fernhill has seen a number of changes in recent years from hosting Jimmy Barnes and Noiseworks frontman Jon Stevens for a 2017 concert to running a picnic raceday where more than 4000 watched horses and their jockeys compete in a six-race program in 2014.

It has also been an equestrian centre and private residence over the years.

The draft plan is on public exhibition until February 1, 2021, and the final Plan of Management is expected to be adopted later this year.