Heritage Tours | Female Orphan School

Join a special guided tour of the Female Orphan School, Australia’s oldest three-storey building.

TOUR DAYS
--> Every Wednesday and Thursday
--> Selected Saturdays: 3 May, 5 July, 4 October

Step inside this extraordinary heritage site and discover its remarkable journey: from its founding in 1813 as a refuge for young girls in colonial Sydney, to its later life as the Rydalmere Psychiatric Hospital, and its eventual transformation after years of neglect and graffiti to the stunning home of the Whitlam Institute.

🎟 During the tour, you’ll explore:
--> The Gough Whitlam Prime Ministerial Museum
--> The Margaret Whitlam Galleries
--> Stories of care, resilience, and reform that shaped this historic place

GETTING HERE
♿ Fully accessible to all visitors.
🚗 Tour Ticket Parking: Free parking is available in the Heritage Circle, opposite the main entrance. Please display your tour ticket on your dashboard.
🅿️ General Campus Parking: Payable at meters; park only in blue-lined bays.
🚊 Public Transport: The Parramatta Light Rail offers easy access, with the nearest station a short walk away.

Learn more about transport and getting to the Female Orphan School.

Learn more about the history of the Female Orphan School.

Visit whitlam.org