Rivendell Open Day Sunday 27 July 2025

9:30am time above is just the first tour! Click "Get Tickets" and then "List View" to see all the tour times!

The Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital (now known as Rivendell) at Concord West, Sydney, is a rare, little changed, beautifully designed and placed late 19th century residential institutional complex. The buildings, designed by John Sulman, were commissioned following the death of Thomas Walker in 1886. You can see them and learn about them, and the people that lived and worked in them, on our Open Day.

We have arranged with Rivendell's custodian (NSW Health) for parking on the circular drive around the building and access to the grounds# between 9:00am and 3:00pm. On our tour you will be taken through the entrance, board room, matron's office, library, hall, kitchen; the courtyard, recreation room and dining room of the Womens' Pavilion; and the Johanna Walker Childrens' Cottage. You can purchase books about Rivendell and the Walkers and enjoy an excellent Devonshire Tea of homemade scones served in the Ambulatory. Our knowledgeable guides lead tours of the buildings# starting at 9:30am. As you tour the site you’ll hear of its history, and fascinating stories of the people who lived in, worked at and visited it. Tours start from the front (riverside) of the main building and take about 90 minutes. Last tour 1:30pm. Picnicking and photography encouraged. Rivendell is NSW Heritage listed.

Booking is essential as the tours sell out quickly. 

#The grounds and Ambulatory and Water Gate may be freely accessed, but the main building interiors are only accessible with our guide. The building is used as a residential health and educational facility for children.