Join us on a tour of Australia's oldest three-storey structure, the Female Orphan School. Built in 1813 with the intention of providing shelter for the colony's young girls away from the hardships of Sydney Town, this historic site later transformed into the Rydalmere Psychiatric Hospital before falling into disrepair and neglect. Covered in graffiti and seemingly forgotten, the future of the building was uncertain until restoration efforts commenced in 2000.

Now, painstakingly restored to its former glory, it serves as the proud home of the Whitlam Institute. In addition to guided tours, visitors can explore two galleries: the Permanent Exhibition on the Whitlam Government and the Margaret Whitlam Gallery.

TOUR TIMES

Saturday, 8 February 10:15am | 11:15am | 12:15pm | 1:15pm

Saturday, 3 May 10:15am | 11:15am | 12:15pm | 1:15pm

Saturday, 5 July 10:15am | 11:15am | 12:15pm | 1:15pm

Saturday, 4 October 10:15am | 11:15am | 12:15pm | 1:15pm

PARKING

For visitors to the Female Orphan School, parking is available in the Heritage Circle opposite the main door, at a charge of $9 per car per day. Parking tickets can be purchased at the Female Orphan School Visitor Information Centre and must be displayed on car dashboards.

All other on campus parking is payable at designated meters and vehicles must park in bays marked with blue lines.

Learn more about transport and getting to the Female Orphan School

Learn more about the history of the Female Orphan School.

whitlam.org

Heritage Tours | Female Orphan School

Choose your tickets

General Admission ticket

Donations

Whitlam Institute Trust