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Foundation Day in Parramatta (Free)

  • Hambledon Cottage Reserve (map)

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!

A free event celebrating Parramatta’s history and heritage!

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.

There’s also:

  • Market Stalls

  • Historical Tours

  • Historical Talks

  • Live Music

  • Food and Beverage

Event Details:

  • Dates: Saturday 1 November, 9am-1pm

  • Suitable for: All ages

  • Location: Hambledon Cottage Reserve, 63 Hassall Street, Parramatta.

  • Notes: 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.

  • Notes: 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

More info & tickets here.

Later Event: 1 November
And Still I Rise (Free)