Governor Hunter granted land to George Slater in 1796 on the condition that he improve and cultivate the land. George Salter was transported to Sydney after being involved in a smuggling ring. A small cottage was erected between 1796 and 1800.
It was later purchased by Governor Macquarie in 1813 who enlarged it and converted it onto a dairy by 1815. He also added 2 pavilions where one was used a sunken milk room.
The dairy cottage become a rangers cottage after the park was handed over to the public. It is now placed under a Permanent Conservation Order.
