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Rydalmere, nsw

Unearth your local history on a tour of the Female Orphan School Building

The Female Orphan School Building has been a key witness to some of the most significant social changes in Australian History. The building has shaped thousands of lives over the two centuries it has stood on the banks of the Parramatta River

The Female Orphan School was built in 1813 to shelter the colony’s young girls from the depravity of Sydney Town. The site went on to become the Rydalmere Psychiatric Hospital before being left abandoned. Derelict and covered in graffiti, the building’s future was in question before work began in 2000 to restore it to its former grandeur. Visit the restored building now home to the Whitlam Institute within Western Sydney University on a 60 minute guided tour.

Event dates

Event Details

Address:
Victoria Road, Rydalmere, NSW

The Female Orphan School is located on the Parramatta South campus of Western Sydney University, on the corner of James Ruse Drive and Victoria Road in Rydalmere.

Transport options include:

Train & Shuttle Bus
Catch the train to Parramatta station, then it’s a short walk to our Parramatta City campus at 169 Macquarie Street. From there, our free shuttle bus will take you to Parramatta South campus.

Light Rail
Frequent services run, connecting Carlingford and Westmead via Parramatta CBD. Please alight at Yallamundi Station.

Bus
Buses stop right outside our campus on Victoria Road, Rydalmere (opposite Rippon Avenue).

Car
Entry is via Victoria Road. Parking fees apply.

Times:

10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm

Entry fees:
Adults $ 15, Concession $ 12.50
Booking:
Prebooking requiredhttps://events.humanitix.com/heritage-tours-female-orphan-school
Website:
https://www.whitlam.org/whats-on
Onsite facilities: