Foundation Day

Parramatta’s history came to life at Hambledon Cottage Reserve for Foundation Day, with a day of free family-friendly activities, historical talks, workshops, live music and more.

Visitors stepped back in time, explored Parramatta’s history and enjoyed activities for all ages throughout the day.

A child sits on an adult's shoulders reaching up toward a large soap bubble at an outdoor community event.

Saturday 31 October

Hambledon Cottage Reserve, 63 Hassall Street, Parramatta

Visitors had the chance to discover Parramatta's history and enjoy a day of free family-friendly activities, talks, workshops, live music and more at Hambledon Cottage Reserve. 

What's On

Face Painting

An adult holds a young child at an outdoor community event. Both have colourful face paint, with a spiderweb design on the adult's face and purple butterfly-style face paint on the child's face.

Face Painting

Visitors added a splash of colour to the day with free face painting.

Roving Entertainers

Two historical reenactors dressed in bright red military uniforms and tall black hats stand outdoors holding replica muskets.

Roving Entertainers

British “red jacket” soldiers and playful bubble artists roamed the grounds, creating fun experiences and photo opportunities.

Kids' Craft Workshops

A child with colourful face paint decorates a food item at a community activity table, spreading a topping with a small spatula.

Kids' Craft Workshops

Kids got hands-on with free nature play activities designed to inspire creativity and care for the environment.

Cart Photo Booth

A family of four sits inside a historic horse-drawn mail coach, posing for a photo during a community event.

Cart Photo Booth

Families stepped back in time and captured memories at the charming cart photo booth.

Petting Zoo

A child wearing a black cap gently reaches out to pat a duck inside a small animal enclosure at a community event.

Petting Zoo

Visitors met, petted and fed friendly farm animals.

Open House

Two volunteers dressed in period-style bonnets, aprons and long skirts stand in the doorway of a heritage house.

Open House

Visitors stepped inside Hambledon Cottage to discover its architecture and learn about the lives of those who once lived there.

Historical Talks

A historical interpreter dressed in a white bonnet and period-style clothing speaks to a group of visitors inside a heritage building.

Historical Talks

Historical and archival experts shared fascinating stories from Parramatta’s past.

Live Music

A community choir performs on an outdoor stage, with singers holding sheet music and wearing matching turquoise scarves over black outfits.

Live Music

Visitors enjoyed live music, including popular songs performed by the Valley Voices Choir.

Market and Food Stalls

Visitors gather at Parramatta District Historical Society and heritage stalls, browsing displays beneath pink umbrellas; a lively community event feels welcoming.

Market and Food Stalls

Visitors explored community, heritage and food stalls inspired by the spirit of Australia’s first recorded fair, held in Parramatta in October 1822.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the event being held?

Foundation Day 2026 is held at Hambledon Cottage Reserve, 63 Hassall St, Parramatta 2150. 

When is the event?

The event is on Saturday, 31 October 2026 from 9am-2pm.

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.

How do I book an activity?

All activities, including talks, workshops and the open house, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

More information regarding the booking of Tours and Talks will be 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 food stalls available on the day.

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 First Aid, please speak to staff at the information stall.

Will there be public toilets nearby?

Yes, there are public toilets available.

Is there free drinking water?

Yes, free water bubblers and refill stations will be available.

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?

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

How do I get there?

We recommend taking the Parramatta Light Rail to the Robin Thomas or Tramway Avenue stops and enjoying the short walk to Hambledon Cottage Reserve.

Alternatively, carpooling is recommended. 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.

Visit Transport for NSW to Plan Your Visit 

Where can I park?

The St Ioannis Greek Orthodox Church (163 George St, Parramatta) has generously provided access to their free car park (entry is via Purchases Street) and is a short walk to Hambledon Cottage Reserve. Alternatively, there is limited parking on Alfred Street, Oak Street and Alice Street.

Plan Your Day

The Ultimate Guide to Parramatta's Foundation Day for Historical Lovers

A family sits inside a historic horse-drawn mail coach, posing for a photo.

The Ultimate Guide to Parramatta's Foundation Day for Historical Lovers

Discover Parramatta's History at Foundation Day

Two people dressed in historical period clothing stand in front of a heritage cottage surrounded by purple jacaranda petals.

Discover Parramatta's History at Foundation Day

Top 5 Free Kids Activities at Foundation Day

A child reaches into a fenced animal enclosure to gently pat a goat while several goats and a sheep gather nearby.

Top 5 Free Kids Activities at Foundation Day

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