Foundation Day
Saturday 1 November, 9am-1pm
A free event celebrating Parramatta’s history and heritage!
Saturday 1 November
Hambledon Cottage Reserve, 63 Hassall Street, Parramatta.
Discover Parramatta’s history and enjoy a day of free family-friendly activities, tours, workshops, live music and more. Come along to Hambledon Cottage for a fun and fascinating day out for all ages!
Family-Friendly Activities
There is so much for kids to enjoy this Foundation Day:
- Free Face painting: perfect for little ones, our friendly artists will be there all day, ready to add a splash of colour and creativity.
- Roving entertainers: Enjoy, interact and take photos with our entertainers who will be wandering Hambledon Cottage Reserve. Get ready for big bubbles performers and British “red jacket” performers.
- Animal Farm: Wander through a slice of the past and see how farms were once part of everyday life in Parramatta. Brush and feed lambs, baby kid goats, ducklings, rabbits, chicks, hen and rooster.
Foundation Day Parramatta Fair
Parramatta Fair pays tribute to the first recorded fair held in Australia in October 1822. Originally it was an agricultural exhibition organised by the Agricultural Society of NSW to promote farming and community spirit. This year we're celebrating it's heritage with stalls from:
- The Village Blacksmith
- Parramatta Clay & Arts
- Parramatta Heritage Partners + Cake Stall
- Combined Cemeteries
- Parramatta Female Factory
- Viking Craft
- Spinners & Weavers
- Lace Guild
- Parramatta Women's Shed.
Historical Tours and Talks
Step into the past at three of Parramatta’s most historic heritage sites:
- Hambledon Cottage: Built in 1824, is a NSW State Heritage-listed Georgian home once occupied by Penelope Lucas, governess to the Macarthur daughters.
- Experiment Farm Cottage: Walk through the Indian-style bungalow built by Surgeon John Harris, who purchased the land from James Ruse in 1793.
- Elizabeth Farm: Australia’s oldest surviving European dwelling, built in 1793 by John and Elizabeth Macarthur, is just a short stroll away from Hambledon Cottage.
Please note: A small entry fee applies to tours of Hambledon Cottage and Experiment Farm Cottage. This contribution helps support the ongoing work of the Parramatta & District Historical Society Inc. and the National Trust of Australia (NSW), ensuring these heritage sites remain accessible to the public. More information will be provided closer to the event date regarding how to book a spot for the tours and times.
Live Music
Want to get your dance and groove on?
Head over to the stage for a schedule of music performances, delivering a dynamic blend of contemporary hits and timeless classics you know and love. Plus, don’t miss the Parramatta City Brass Band, bringing their signature energy and local flair to the festivities.
Food and Beverage
Treat yourself to a delicious selection of food stalls at Foundation Day. Enjoy and look forward to:
- The Roving Chef
- Angie’s Pancakes
- Café Now
- Coffee2Go
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the event being held?
Foundation Day 2025 is held at Hambledon Cottage Reserve, 63 Hassall St, Parramatta 2150.
- When is the event?
The event is on Saturday, 1 November 2025 from 9am-1pm.
- Is the event free?
Yes, it is free to attend the event. There will also be various free drop-in activities, exhibitions, workshops and live performances on the day.
A small entry fee applies to tours of Hambledon Cottage and Experiment Farm Cottage. This contribution helps support the ongoing work of the Parramatta & District Historical Society Inc. and the National Trust of Australia (NSW), ensuring these heritage sites remain accessible to the public.
- How do I book an activity?
All activities, including talks, workshops and tours, are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
More information regarding the booking of Tours and Talks will provided closer to the event date. Check back here closer to the event date to ensure you don’t miss out.
- Will there be food onsite?
Yes, there will be a food stalls available on the day, from:
- The Roving Chef
- Angie’s Pancakes
- Café Now
- Coffee2Go
- What happens if it is raining or bad weather?
The event will proceed in mild wet weather, although will be postponed in dangerous weather conditions. Stay updated on the event via our AT Parramatta Instagram and Facebook pages.
- Will there be first aid?
Yes, there will be first aid on site. If you require assistance, please speak to staff at the information stall.
- Will there be pram parking?
Prams will be able to be pushed around on the footpaths at the event site. Limited pram parking will be available, please see the staff at the information stall on the day.
- Will there be public toilets nearby?
Yes, there are public toilets available. Please see the event map for location.
- Is there free drinking water?
Yes, free water bubblers and refill stations will be available. Please see the event map for location.
- Is the event accessible/wheelchair friendly?
Yes, all public entrances to Foundation Day are wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets are available.
- Can I bring my dog?
Please check back in closer to the event date for confirmation.
- How do I get there?
There is no on-site parking, and the street parking around the event site is limited. We recommend taking the Parramatta Light Rail to the Robin Thomas or Tramway Avenue stops and enjoying the short walk to Hambledon Cottage Reserve.
- Where can I park?
The St Ioannis Greek Orthodox Church has generously provided access to their free car park (entry is via Purchase Street) and is a short walk to Hambledon Cottage Reserve.
Alternatively, there is limited parking on Alfred Street, Oak Street and Alice Street.
- What public transport options are available to the event?
Hambledon Cottage Reserve is located at 63 Hassall St, Parramatta 2150 and is serviced by several public transport options.
- Light Rail: We recommend using the Parramatta Light Rail L4 Westmead & Carlingford Line to get to Hambledon Cottage Reserve. Get off at the Robin Thomas stop for a short 7-minute walk to Hambledon Cottage Reserve.
- Train: Hambledon Cottage Reserve is a 12-minute walk from Parramatta Train Station. Exit the station via Station St (exit 7), turn left onto Hassall Street and follow the footpath past Harris Street, Robin Thomas Reserve and James Ruse Water Playground until you arrive at Hambledon Cottage Reserve.
- Bus: From Parramatta Station at Bus Stand A2, take the 920 to Sutherland. Get off at the second bus stop (Parkes Street opposite Hambledon Cottage Reserve). Alternatively, take the 909 from Bus Stand B1 to Bankstown and get off at the same stop.
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