Parramatta is central to Sydney – both geographically and historically – and Foundation Festival is an opportunity to engage with the place via a lively series of events taking place October 31-November 3. There will be tours, suppers, debates, launches and more, culminating in a huge family day at the North Parramatta Heritage Precinct.
Old Government House is 214 years old and not all of its spirits rest easily. Join a Halloween Ghost Tour outlining the history of eerie encounters at the site, followed by supper.
John Macarthur is remembered as the father of the local wool industry but his status is much disputed. John Macarthur – Villain or Visionary? is a supper event at Hambledon Cottage, built by Macarthur in 1824. Actors will portray Macarthurs’s family and colleagues as they tell his story and wage a lively debate.
Take a walk along the Parramatta River and Park with an Aboriginal traditional custodian, learning about connections to land, plants, tools, hunting and other aspects of local culture. Warami Mittigar Aboriginal Twilight Cultural Walk with Darug Elders is suitable for the whole family.
Meet the Ancestors is a guided tour of Parramatta’s four cemeteries. Witness the final resting places of First Fleeters, convicts, Indigenous figures, artists, politicians, heroes and villains, and hear their stories.
Head to Elizabeth Farm for the very punny Now Museum, Now You Don't – a licensed, interactive experience that explores themes such as the Macarthur family and the Darug people.
Historian Judith Dunn will be launching her new book, Then and There Lying Dead, about murders in Sydney’s west, with morning tea and a short talk. A Parramatta Park Tour & Lunch offers a comprehensive tour of Old Government House, Dairy Cottage and Parramatta Park. Bring a hamper to Mrs Macquarie’s Picnic, a family event in the grounds of Old Government House.
Finally, Sunday November 3 is Foundation Day in North Parramatta Heritage Precinct. There will be walking tours, horse and cart rides, workshops, exhibits, ‘rare trades’ demonstrations, food trucks, classic cars, live music and storytelling. A highlight will be Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo, the interactive dinosaur meet-and-greet with a cast of large dinosaur puppets.
Check the website for more information on Foundation Festival.