Discover Parramatta’s History at Foundation Day

Have you ever wondered what Parramatta was like 200 years ago?

Parramatta holds a deep historical and cultural significance with beautifully restored heritage buildings and sites dating back to the 1820s. On Foundation Day, Saturday 2 November, North Parramatta’s historic precinct comes alive with FREE family-friendly activities, tours, workshops and market stalls suitable for all ages. 

Whether you are looking for something to do with your kids or grandkids, catch up with friends or meet local people in your community, this event is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Parramatta’s past while enjoying the fun and festivities. 

Here are 5 exciting things to do at Parramatta’s historical event, Foundation Day.

Walking tour

The North Parramatta Precinct is home to some of the country’s most iconic heritage buildings and spaces that have shaped our present day. The site was once home to at least 5,000 of the 24,960 convict women transported to Australia. Experience in person the original Parramatta Female Factory and historical buildings constructed in 1818 that remain on the site. With expert tour guides providing context, history and heritage of the Parramatta Female Factory from 1804 and 1948, uncover the inspiring and touching stories of the women’s lives, survival, and their legacy. Join a free historic tour around the precinct by signing up at the information booth at the event. Get there early to secure your spot!

Workshops

Take to the streets of 19th century Parramatta and discover the craftsmanship found at local workshops. Levi the Village Blacksmith takes his hammer and forge on the road all over New South Wales demonstrating the art of blacksmithing. At Foundation Day, he will show various forging methods like twisting, bending, cutting, hardening and tempering over a lit-up furnace.

George Buchanan, winner of the arts and craft reality television show ‘Making It Australia’, will be leading the free Hobby Horse Making workshop. Get creative and decorate your own hobby horse which you can use to compete in the First Annual Parramatta Foundation Day Hobby Horse Race and take home at the end of the day. Prizes for best decorated hobby horse and race winner are up for grabs – this is an event that can’t be missed!

Market stalls

From vintage finds to everyday knick-knacks, you’ll come across thoughtful treasures and gifts at the Foundation Day Parramatta Fair. The fair was the starting point for the Royal Agricultural Society in NSW and is a tribute to the first ever fair held in Australia. The North Parramatta precinct also lends itself to a history of textiles, spinning, weaving, sewing, knitting and straw plaiting. The fair features the Artist Made Markets welcoming all types of visual and tactile practitioners, conscious creators and DIY makers. 

Horse and carriage rides

Breathe in the fresh natural air and take in the sounds of the local environment on a scenic horse and carriage ride around the North Parramatta Precinct. This unique free family-friendly activity allows you to experience a traditional and historical mode of transportation while enjoying a relaxing and entertaining tour around the historical site.

Displays

Take a unique opportunity to get up close and personal to a heritage fleet of armoured fighting vehicles on display by Lancer Barracks, Parramatta. Between WW1 and 2, mechanisation had arrived resulting in the British Empire’s first Motorised Machine Gun Regiment. The State Heritage-listed military vehicles that will be on display had been used at different times during the Regiment’s history and most restored to full mobility.

Along with the historical buildings and vehicles, Foundation Day attendees can also visit the Western Sydney Start Up Hub that is situated on the heritage site which will house real-life historic artefacts from Parramatta’s collection.