Foundation Day FAQs

Foundation Day 2024 is held at Parramatta North Cultural Precinct, 5 Fleet Street, North Parramatta NSW 2151. Entry via Female Factory Main Entrance on Greenup Drive, North Parramatta.

The event is on Saturday 2 November 2024 from 9am-2pm.

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.

All activities including talks, workshops and tours are available on a first come first served basis. Tours and horse and carriage rides can be booked at the information stall at the entrance of the site. 

Yes, there will be a variety of food stalls available. Havenstone café which is located on the site will also be open on the day. 

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.

Yes, there will be roving first aid on site. If you require First Aid, please speak to Customer Service staff at the information tent.

Prams will be able to be pushed around the entire event site. Pram parking will be available outside the talks space and other workshop locations. 

Yes, there are public toilets located around the event site. Please see the event map for more information.

Yes, free water bubblers can be found near the bowling green.

Yes, all public entrances to Foundation Day are wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets are available. Unfortunately there is no disabled parking available for this event.

Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash, however dogs, (other than service dogs) will not be permitted into buildings, the petting zoo or workshop spaces. 

There will be limited parking onsite. We recommend to carpool or take the bus and enjoy the short scenic walk to the site.

There are many free on-street parking along Fleet St. Parramatta Leagues Club parking is also a short walk away from the event site.

From Parramatta Station, take the 600, 601, 603, 604 and 606 bus directly to the O’Connell St after Albert St stop. Once alighted from the bus, turn right onto Albert St. Walk down a flight of stairs and you’ll arrive at Fleet St. Walk 1 minute down Fleet St and enter the Parramatta Female Factory Friends Entrance. The scenic walk takes approximately 5 minutes.

Foundation Day held annually on 2nd November, acknowledges the date that Governor Arthur Phillip in 1788 came and selected a spot to found the town of Parramatta (initially called Rose Hill). The purpose being to grow crops in better ground to feed the colony, following the failure of crops in Sydney Cove. Over past years, Parramatta has recognised its birthday on this foundation day.