|

Behind the Sandstone Walls: Our Favourite Escape at Havenstone

Location: Havenstone Cafe, Parramatta Female Factory Heritage Precinct (Access via Fleet Street), Parramatta

Wide view of the heritage sandstone buildings, tall chimney stack, outdoor courtyard seating, and leafy jacaranda branch at Havenstone Cafe.

While the phrase ‘hidden gem’ gets thrown around quite a bit, Havenstone Cafe in North Parramatta truly earns the title.

Parramatta is a bustling hub, however once you step into this historic precinct it feels like pressing pause on the rest of the world. Set within the grounds of the Parramatta Female Factory, the site is layered with 200 years of Australian history.

Even if you aren’t usually one for history, it is impossible not to appreciate the gorgeous old sandstone buildings. The quiet, timeless beauty of the surroundings speaks for itself.

It sits conveniently close to Parramatta Park. In case you missed my recent post when we explored the park, you can read up on it here. The Cafe sits just around the corner from Parramatta Park, making it our favourite mid-week coffee stop away from the busier spots inside the park itself.

Settling In Under the Veranda with Monte

Getting there is straightforward. We usually drive via Fleet Street, where finding free street parking is easy, though you can often score a spot in the small car park right near the cafe.

You will know you have arrived when you spot the stunning ‘Little Lorikeets‘ mural on the wall leading up to the entrance. Painted by local artist Christina Huynh, it features two vibrant birds nestled among native plants, a gorgeous splash of colour that always sets the mood for a peaceful visit.

  • Historic sandstone buildings, a brick facade building, and tall palm trees along the pathway of the Parramatta Female Factory precinct.
  • Green picnic benches set up on a gravel path next to a historic sandstone building and a large tree with yellowish-green leaves.
  • Monte entering through the front door of Havenstone Cafe past an interpretive heritage sign marked C104a.
  • A light blue vintage bicycle with a basket full of cream and pink floral arrangements parked inside Havenstone Cafe.
  • Handwritten chalkboard menus displaying steak sandwich and acai bowl specials on a counter inside Havenstone Cafe.
  • Monte walking on a lead down the indoor corridor of Havenstone Cafe past white shelving units and a decorative bicycle.
  • Pastel-coloured cups on a tray, a green potted plant, and a vintage white display cabinet inside Havenstone Cafe.
  • Wooden tables and chairs set up under the covered veranda against historic sandstone walls at Havenstone Cafe.
  • A halved peri peri chicken wrap with fresh slaw and seasoned fries on a pink plate at Havenstone Cafe in Parramatta.
  • A woman bending down to pet Monte, her brown Miniature American Shepherd, on the veranda at Havenstone Cafe.
  • View of the inner courtyard and heritage buildings framed by the covered veranda pillars at Havenstone Cafe.
  • An open dark green door set in a sandstone wall with a welcome sign at the back entrance of Havenstone Cafe.
  • Monte, a brown Miniature American Shepherd, resting happily on sandstone blocks outside Havenstone Cafe.
  • Historic sandstone buildings, a tall brick chimney, and a covered veranda surrounding the grass courtyard at Havenstone Cafe.
  • A brown Miniature American Shepherd wearing a green harness and resting on concrete while out on a walk.
  • Historic sandstone buildings and tall palm trees in the inner courtyard of Havenstone Cafe at the Parramatta Female Factory precinct.
  • An outdoor shot featuring the colourful 'Little Lorikeets' mural painted by local artist Christina Huynh on a wall, showcasing native flora and birds, with a gravel path leading toward the historic sandstone buildings and entrance of Havenstone Cafe.
  • Brown Miniature American Shepherd sitting beside an outdoor cafe table on a sunny covered verandah overlooking palm trees and lawn.
  • Brown Miniature American Shepherd eating from a small white plate on the floor of an outdoor covered cafe verandah.
  • A freshly baked muffin and glass of latte on an outdoor timber table with the historic sandstone buildings of the Parramatta Female Factory precinct in the background
  • Black picnic tables and large outdoor umbrellas set outside the historic sandstone building and brick chimney at Havenstone Cafe.

The team here is wonderfully welcoming and always makes a fuss over Monte. They also have zero issue with us walking straight through the front entrance to get to the back, which opens up into a lovely inner courtyard.
You can sit on the covered veranda right alongside the building. It is a brilliant spot to visit with your dog on a rainy day, or to stay nice and cool during the heat of summer.

The menu is on the smaller side and well-executed. Whenever we visit after a walk, we usually order their burger or the peri peri chicken wrap with seasoned fries, both of which consistently hit the spot.

A Little Local History & Nearby Exploring

If you want to make a complete morning out of your visit, the surrounding precinct offers plenty to explore:

  • The Parramatta Female Factory: Established in 1821, this was Australia’s first-ever purpose-built convict factory for women. It remains one of the country’s most significant colonial heritage sites. You can read more about its history and the women who lived there via the City of Parramatta Heritage Guide.
  • Parramatta Park & The River: Just a short walk across the road, the park offers paved loop walks along the river, open grassy areas, and shaded paths.
  • Native Flora & Local Culture: The surrounding precinct does a wonderful job honoring local Indigenous culture and native plant life, something Christina Huynh’s artwork captures so well right at the entrance.

Havenstone at a Glance:

FeatureDetails
Address📍5 Fleet Street, North Parramatta NSW 2151
Opening HoursMonday – Friday, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm (Closed weekends)
Dog-FriendlyYes! Dogs are warmly welcomed on the covered outdoor veranda in the inner courtyard.
ParkingFree street parking along Fleet Street or the small car park near the cafe.

Full Disclosure: Not sponsored. We visit Havenstone as regular paying locals during our weekday walks around Parramatta.

Have you explored the historic grounds around North Parramatta yet, or do you have a favourite dog-freindly coffee spot you escape to?
Let me know in the comments below.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *