Heritage Tours | Female Orphan School

Discover the rich history of Australia’s oldest three-story structure, the Female Orphan School.

Established in 1813 to provide shelter and care for young girls away from the hardships of Sydney Town's colony, this significant heritage site later became the Rydalmere Psychiatric Hospital before falling into disrepair. Abandoned and covered in graffiti, its future remained uncertain until extensive restoration efforts began in 2000, culminating in its full revitalisation by 2013.

Now meticulously restored, the building serves as the proud home of the Whitlam Institute. Visitors can explore its remarkable past through guided tours and visit two exceptional galleries:
the Permanent Exhibition on the Whitlam Government and the Margaret Whitlam Gallery.

TOUR TIMES

Wednesdays & Thursdays:  10:30am | 11:30am | 12:30pm | 1:30pm

and on selected Saturdays:

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 tour ticket holders to the Female Orphan School, parking is available in the Heritage Circle opposite the main entry door. Tour tickets must be displayed on the car dashboard.

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

Parramatta Light Rail offers convenient access to the Western Sydney University Campus -  with its station only a short walk from the Female Orphan School.

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


Learn more about the history of the Female Orphan School.

whitlam.org