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Parramatta, NSW

Nestled approximately 24 kilometers west of Sydney CBD lies Parramatta NSW, a bustling suburb rich in history and culture. With its name derived from an Aboriginal word meaning “head of waters,” Parramatta has a long and fascinating history that dates back to its early years.

Shortly after the arrival of the British First Fleet in 1788, Governor Arthur Phillip established the town as a market town to supply fresh produce to the new settlement at Sydney Cove. Parramatta quickly grew into a hub for trade and commerce.

Known For

  • River city with rich history, cultural events and festivals
  • Vibrant dining and shopping scene
  • A wide variety of parks and recreational facilities

Parramatta NSW

During its early years, it was actually larger and more important than Sydney and played a significant role in the development of agriculture and the establishment of the wool industry in Australia.

Today, Parramatta is known for its vibrant dining and shopping scene, offering a diverse range of cuisines and retail options for visitors and residents alike. It is home to Westfield Parramatta, the tenth largest shopping center in Australia, where shoppers can indulge in some retail therapy and enjoy a variety of entertainment options.

Beyond its shopping and dining scene, Parramatta boasts an array of parks and recreational areas such as Parramatta Park and Lake Parramatta, where visitors can enjoy the great outdoors and soak up some sun. And for those interested in history and culture, Parramatta is home to several examples of early colonial architecture, including Old Government House, Elizabeth Farm, and St. John’s Cathedral.

old government house Parramatta

But Parramatta is not just a hub for culture and leisure. It is also a major commercial center in Greater Western Sydney, with a thriving business scene and modern infrastructure that make it an attractive destination for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to establish a presence in the region. With easy access to trains, buses, and other transportation services, Parramatta offers excellent connectivity and accessibility to other parts of Sydney.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a business owner looking for growth and development opportunities, Parramatta has something for everyone. To fully appreciate the suburb’s rich history and culture, visitors can start with a trip to the Parramatta Heritage and Visitors Information Centre, where they can explore Parramatta’s past and present and embark on a walking tour of the area.

Westfield Parramatta shopping centre

Located just 6km west of Sydney Olympic Park and Rhodes NSW, Parramatta is easily accessed on a picturesque Rivercat ferry ride up the western arm of Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River. Stroll along the Harris Park Heritage Walk that links the Rivercat with historic properties in East Parramatta. The Riverside walk features Aboriginal artwork inviting you to explore the story of the river. North of Parramatta are bustling suburban towns like Castle Hill and Rouse Hill.

Eat Street

Parramatta is a food lover’s paradise with a wide variety of culinary options. The suburb is a bustling dining scene that offers a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences. One of the most popular dining destinations in Parramatta is along the river, where several restaurants offer stunning views of the water.

For those looking for a dining experience on Church Street, the main strip in Parramatta, there are plenty of options to choose from. Church Street, also known as “eat street” is home to a mix of cuisines, from Italian to Thai, and everything in between.

Parramatta Square is a relatively new development that has quickly become a popular dining destination an a romantic dining experience.

Parramatta Square

LILYMU, located in Parramatta Square, is a must-visit. With a Chinese-centred menu and South Asian vibes, it’s perfect for summer dining. The extensive cocktail menu is a standout, with unique creations like the Tuktuk Spiced Margarita and Chow Sour.

MISC Parramatta, nestled in Parramatta Park, is another gem. The 300-seat restaurant boasts views of the tranquil river and offers a combination of Middle Eastern and South American cuisine, as well as modern Australian fare.

For a special date night, The Meat & Wine Co Parramatta (pictured below) is the perfect choice. Offering some of the best value-for-money fine dining in Sydney’s west, it’s known for its selection of delectable meats and fine wines. Indulge in raw meats for starters and choose from an extensive menu of steaks, including Wagyu Rump (Marble Score 6+).

The Meat & Wine Co Parramatta

Ruse Bar and Brasserie brings a touch of Europe to Western Sydney. With an open-fire grill menu and an extensive selection of wines, it’s perfect for large gatherings and endless good vibes.

Willo Parramatta is the perfect spot for a boujee night out. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is designed for sharing, with a focus on fresh, unique, and seasonally driven dishes made with Australian local produce. The open kitchen and dining area are beautifully designed with natural chromatic hues, making it a feast for both your eyes and taste buds.

If you’re a fan of Laksa, then Temasek Parramatta is a must-visit. This unpretentious restaurant serves up some of the best Singaporean-Malay cuisine in the area. Try their famous Laksa Singapura with Chicken, or opt for the King Prawn Hae Mee soup for a gourmet option.

For an experience rather than just a meal, head to Bayti Restaurant. Their set-sharing banquet menu for four or more people is designed to be shared and enjoyed together. With dishes like eggplant fatteh and pistachio baklava, you won’t want to miss this unique dining experience.

Lola Cocina Spanish Restaurant Parramatta is the place to go for authentic Spanish cuisine. The menu is full of innovative, flavoursome dishes, including Paella De Marisco with fresh seafood and green peas.

For classic Italian food, CicciaBella Trattoria + Bar is a great choice. From handmade pasta to grilled swordfish with salmoriglio and lemon, this restaurant is sure to impress. Don’t forget to save room for the classic tiramisu for dessert.

Mad Down Under is a great option for those looking for innovative Indian cuisine. With an open-show pizza kitchen and two tandoor ovens, this restaurant is bound to be anything but boring. Vegetarians will appreciate the many options on the menu.

If you’re in the mood for Japanese food, UMAYA Parramatta is a must-visit. The restaurant is known for its excellent selection of ‘Japanese Tapas,’ and their softshell crab, spicy takoyaki, and sushi rolls are not to be missed.

UMAYA Parramatta

For those who crave authentic Vietnamese cuisine, Pho Pasteur is a family-owned restaurant that serves traditional Southern Vietnamese dishes, including their popular Pho varieties. The restaurant has gained a reputation as the go-to spot for locals to get their fix of authentic Vietnamese food.

If burgers are more your style, BL Burgers is a great option. The restaurant serves up all the juicy creations of Sydney burger joint Bar Luca, including their signature Blame Chicanada burger, which features southern fried chicken, American cheese, maple bacon, maple aioli, and poutine.

Harvey’s Hot Sandwiches is the perfect place to grab a classic sando in Parramatta. Their American-diner-style sandwiches feature a range of fillings, but the Muffuletta, made with mortadella, ham, salami, olive spread, provolone cheese, and Swiss cheese, is a standout.

For a more upscale dining experience, Alex&Co is a great choice. Their menu features locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, and their signature cocktails are sure to impress. The Milky Way cocktail, made with ink gin, lemon, mint, butterfly pea, and tonic, is particularly intriguing.

Alex&Co Parramatta

Finally, if you’re in the mood for some truly indulgent burgers, Milky Lane is the place to be. Their burger menu is creative and varied, featuring fillings like wagyu beef, slow-roasted brisket, and Mac and Cheese patties. Their monthly specials, like the Italian burger with deep-fried mozzarella and spaghetti and meatballs, are not to be missed.

For one of the most picturesque brunches in Sydney, make sure to stop by the Social Hideout. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a light lunch, Parramatta’s dining scene has something for everyone.

Parramatta’s Best Bars

In addition to its vibrant food scene, the city also offers a range of excellent bars. Here are some of the best bars in Parramatta to check out.

Take a step back in time to the 1920s at Nick and Nora’s (pictured below), a noir-themed champagne and cocktail bar located on the 26th floor of the V building. While it can be a bit pricey, the experience of stepping out into high society in Parramatta is well worth it. Their cocktail range is murder-mystery inspired and includes tipples such as the French Conspiracy tinged with Earl Grey tea and a Burnt-Butter Old Fashioned.

Nick and Nora's Parramatta

Riverside Brewing Company is the perfect place for craft beer lovers. The brewery has been producing excellent beers for almost a decade and offers an exciting range of small-batch experimental concoctions, which the friendly bar staff is always happy to talk you through. Their core range includes the drinkable 33 Golden Ale and the 77 IPA, both of which are sure to impress.

For a typical Australian pub experience, The Albion Hotel (pictured below) is the place to be. This heritage building dates back to the late 1800s and boasts polished wooden furnishings, an expansive outdoor beer garden, and sticky late-night dance floors. It serves classic Australian beers on tap alongside modern cocktail offerings, including a fairy floss-topped tropical vodka mix and jugs of pornstar martini.

The Albion Hotel Parramatta

Uncle Kurt’s is a hidden gem in the heart of Parramatta. Despite its lack of signage, this bar is a hit with locals and visitors alike. It offers an extensive back bar and bespoke cocktails, including the popular espresso martinis with a blueberry twist and Westside gin and citrus mix with crystallized ginger garnish.

Whether you’re after a night out on the town or a relaxing drink with friends, these bars in Parramatta are sure to impress.

Things to see and do

Parramatta is a suburb that has much to offer. From its rich history and culture to its thriving business scene and modern infrastructure, it is a destination worth exploring. So the next time you’re in Sydney, why not take a trip to Parramatta and experience some of the things to see and do that this vibrant suburb has to offer?

Visitors Information Centre

Start your journey by visiting the Parramatta Heritage and Visitors Information Centre, which is known as the perfect starting point to experience the area known as “Sydney’s Living Museum”. You can learn about the history and heritage of Parramatta through various exhibits and displays.

Parramatta Riverside Theatres

Parramatta Riverside Theatres is an exciting destination for theatre lovers. Located in the heart of Parramatta, the theatre hosts over 1,000 events every year, ranging from drama to comedy and everything in between. With its state-of-the-art facilities and world-class performers, Parramatta Riverside Theatres is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a night of entertainment.

Parramatta Riverside Theatres

Parramatta Riverside Theatres is also committed to promoting emerging talent, with a range of initiatives designed to support up-and-coming artists. As a result, the theatre has become a hub for creative and innovative performers from across Australia.

With its central location and accessible transport links, Parramatta Riverside Theatres is easy to get to, making it the perfect destination for a night out with friends or family.

Rosehill Gardens

Rosehill Gardens is a popular destination for horse racing enthusiasts located near Parramatta. The venue is most famous for hosting the prestigious Golden Slipper, a horse race for two-year-olds that is considered one of the richest horse races in the world.

The racecourse itself is a marvel to behold, with beautifully maintained grounds and state-of-the-art facilities. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of the races and place bets on their favorite horses while soaking up the atmosphere and excitement of the event.

Aside from the Golden Slipper, Rosehill Gardens hosts a number of other major racing events throughout the year, including the Rosehill Guineas, the BMW Stakes, and the George Ryder Stakes. Each event draws large crowds of racing fans from across the country.

In addition to its racing events, Rosehill Gardens also boasts an impressive range of hospitality options. Visitors can enjoy fine dining experiences, private suites, and premium viewing areas, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the racing in style.

Old Government House

Old Government House is a remarkable piece of history located in Parramatta, Australia. Built in 1799, it served as the residence for the first ten governors of the New South Wales colony. Today, the house is open to the public as a museum, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience what life was like during the early days of the colony.

The house is a fine example of early Australian colonial architecture and is beautifully restored with original furniture and décor. Visitors can explore the many rooms of the house, including the impressive ballroom, the drawing-room, and the governor’s private chambers. The house has been decorated with some of the finest Australian colonial furniture, giving visitors a sense of the luxury and elegance that was enjoyed by the early governors.

A visit to Old Government House is a great opportunity to learn about the history of the region and gain a deeper understanding of the early days of the colony. The knowledgeable guides are on hand to provide visitors with insight into the lives of the governors who once called the house their home.

Old Government House is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and families alike. It offers a unique glimpse into the past, and visitors can spend hours exploring the house and its grounds. The house is located in Parramatta Park, which is also a great place to enjoy a picnic or stroll around the beautiful gardens.

Elizabeth Farm and Experiment Farm Cottage

Elizabeth Farm and Experiment Farm Cottage are two historic sites that provide visitors with a unique glimpse into the early days of the colony. Located in Parramatta, Elizabeth Farm was built in 1793 and was home to the Macarthur family, who were prominent wool growers in the area. The house is a fine example of early colonial architecture and is furnished with a collection of 19th-century furniture.

Kitchen in Elizabeth Farm in Parramatta

Experiment Farm Cottage, on the other hand, was built in 1834 on the site of the first private land grant issued to ex-convict James Ruse. The cottage is a simple yet charming example of early colonial architecture, and visitors can explore the cottage and its gardens to get a sense of what life was like during the early days of the colony.

Both Elizabeth Farm and Experiment Farm Cottage offer guided tours and educational programs, which are perfect for history buffs and families with children. Take a step back in time and discover the stories of the people who lived in these historic homes and the impact they had on the development of the Parramatta region.

St. John’s Cathedral and Cemetery

Visit Australia’s oldest Christian cemetery next to St. John’s Cathedral to see headstones of early convicts. You can also tour the cemetery at night on a Whispering Bones torchlight tour.

Parramatta Park

Finally, head over to Parramatta Park to experience the many historic sites such as the Governor’s Bathhouse and the Dairy Precinct. Enjoy a picnic or a leisurely stroll while taking in the beauty of the park.

Parramatta Park

Home of the Parramatta Eels

The Parramatta Eels are one of the most storied rugby league teams in Australia. Founded in 1947, the Eels have a long and proud history in the National Rugby League (NRL), having won four premierships and produced some of the game’s greatest players. Based in Parramatta, a suburb in the western suburbs of Sydney, the Eels play their home games at Bankwest Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 30,000.

Parramatta Leagues Club Stadium

The Parramatta Leagues Club is the official licensed club of the Parramatta Eels and is located adjacent to Bankwest Stadium. Established in 1959, the club has a rich history in the community and is a popular destination for fans on game day. The club boasts a range of dining options, including a steakhouse, Italian restaurant, and Chinese restaurant, as well as several bars and lounges.

The Parramatta Leagues Club is also home to a number of facilities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and tennis courts. The club hosts a range of events and functions throughout the year, including weddings, corporate events, and community fundraisers. Members of the club have access to a range of benefits, including discounts on food and beverage, priority seating at Eels home games, and exclusive access to members-only areas of the stadium.

The Parramatta Eels and the Parramatta Leagues Club are important institutions in the Parramatta community. They provide a sense of identity and belonging for fans and members alike and are a key part of the social and cultural fabric of the area. Whether you’re a rugby league fan or simply looking for a great place to dine or socialize, the Parramatta Eels and the Parramatta Leagues Club are well worth a visit.

How To Get To Parramatta

There are many ways to get there, but the most scenic option is by ferry from Circular Quay. Soak up stunning views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and glide along Parramatta River past the Sydney Olympic Park and Wentworth Point, until you reach Parramatta Wharf. The 85-minute journey is a true delight for your eyes and senses.

The Rivercat Ferry along the Parramatta River

If you’re short on time, the train from Central Station is a quick and efficient option, taking only 25 minutes. And if you prefer to drive, it’ll take you just 30 minutes to reach this exciting and diverse suburb.

Where to stay?

Experiences

  • City
  • Food and Wine
  • Historic/Heritage

Popular Activities

  • City Sightseeing
  • Cycling
  • Golfing
  • Shopping
  • Sightseeing
  • Nightlife
  • Food and Wine

About Parramatta

  • Locality: Suburb
  • Parramatta Postcode: 2150
  • State: New South Wales
  • Region: Sydney
  • Latitude: -33.81696
  • Longitude: 151.00345
  • Elevation: 22m
  • Population: 25798
  • Median Income: $39260
  • Area (Sq/km): 5.26
  • Timezone: Australia/Sydney

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