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 at Hambledon Cottage. Come dressed in your best vintage or heritage-inspired outfit and add an extra touch of charm to 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 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. Meet, brush and feed lambs, kid goats, ducklings, rabbits, chicks and more.
- Sustainable Craft Workshops: Kids can get hands-on with free nature play activities running all day in the Hambledon Cottage garden. From making their own bird feeder to potting a native plant, these fun workshops inspire creativity while teaching little ones about caring for the environment.
- Horse & Cart Photo Booth: Step back in time and capture a special memory with our charming horse and cart photo booth. A perfect keepsake for families to remember the day.
Market Stalls
Experience the spirit of Australia’s first recorded fair, held right here in Parramatta in October 1822. Originally organised by the Agricultural Society of NSW, the fair was a vibrant agricultural exhibition designed to promote farming, innovation and community connection. We honour that legacy with a lively marketplace with stalls from:
- The Village Blacksmith
- Parramatta Heritage Partners
- Parramatta Female Factory Friends
- Parramatta Lions Club
- Viking Craft
- Spinners & Weavers
- Lace Guild
- NSW Corps of Marines
- Parramatta Women’s Shed
- Combined Cemeteries
- Parramatta Art Society
Historical Tours
Step into the past at Hambledon Cottage, one of Parramatta’s most historic heritage landmarks.
Built in 1824, this elegant Georgian home is NSW State Heritage-listed and offers a glimpse into the past. Once occupied by Penelope Lucas, governess to the Macarthur daughters, the cottage holds stories of domestic life, education, and social change.
Step inside the Cottage for a free tour and uncover its architecture, the lives of those who once lived there, and the rich history of Parramatta.
Tours run every 15 minutes from 9.30am to 12.15pm.
Booking options:
- Online bookings: Available for tours on the hour and half hour. Click on the time to prebook your tickets: 9:30am, 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 11:30am, 12pm
- On-the-day bookings at the "Hambledon Cottage Tours" stall near the Cottage entrance on a first come first served basis: Tours will be available at quarter past and quarter to the hour.
Please check in at least 10 minutes before your tour starts. No-shows may be reallocated to walk-ins, so arrive early to secure your spot!
Historical Talks
Join free talks to discover and learn about Parramatta’s past directly from historical and archival experts. Online bookings are essential to secure your spot.
- The History of Swimming Places in Parramatta at 10am: take a journey with Les Fenech through time from swimming at Little Coogee on the river to Lake Parramatta and the development of Public Baths and Pools. Book here.
- Parramatta: Australia’s 2nd Settlement at 11am: Hear from Ken Smith about how this new settlement grew to become the large and vibrant City of Parramatta. Book here
- Banished Beyond the Seas – the Convict Women of Parramatta at 12pm: We hear the women’s voices as their experiences are brought to life with Ronda Gaffey through readings and a dramatization or two. Book here.
Live Music
Want to get your dance and groove on? Enjoy a lively mix of performances on the main stage, from choirs and solo artists to stirring pipe band music. But the music doesn't stop at the main stage!
Keep your eyes open for pop-up performances by the Parramatta City Brass Band, bringing bursts of energy and local charm throughout the day. There’s something for everyone, creating the perfect atmosphere for a fun, family day out.
Food and Beverage
Treat yourself to a delicious selection of food stalls at Foundation Day. Enjoy and look forward to:
- Parramatta Historical Society’s Cakes & Sweet Treats
- Mister Toastie
- Angie’s Pancakes
- The Mobile Coffee Company
- Coffee2U
- Parramatta Heritage Partners’ Cakes & Sweet Treats
- Parramatta Lions Club’s BBQ
Top 5 Free Kids Activities
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The Ultimate Guide for History Lovers
The Ultimate Guide for History Lovers
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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, tours, workshops and live performances on the day.
- 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:
- Mister Toastie
- Angie’s Pancakes
- The Mobile Coffee Company
- Coffee2U
- Parramatta Heritage Partners’ Cakes & Sweet Treats
- Parramatta Lions Club’s BBQ
- 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 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?
Hambledon Cottage Reserve is a parkland with primarily grassed areas with gravel access paths throughout. 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, the Animal Farm or workshop spaces.
- 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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