The neighbourhood of Parramatta is a land of heritage-listed sandstone architecture, beautiful parks and cosmopolitan restaurants, all built around the centuries-old Parramatta River.
In the dynamic river city, you can travel through more than 200 years of Australian history in one day — from an Aboriginal bush food garden to the Georgian-inspired Old Government House. If nature’s more your thing, take a wander through Parramatta Park and meet some water dragons and grey-headed flying foxes. Or jump on a bicycle and follow Parramatta River all the way to Sydney CBD (or as far as you want to pedal). Whatever you get up to, there are loads of cafes, restaurants and bars to keep you well-fuelled.
We’ve explored Parramatta inside-out and upside-down to bring you its finest offerings. As soon as you get the chance, board a ferry at Circular Quay, jump on a train at Town Hall or get in your car and make tracks. New adventures await.
Parramatta is a 40-minute drive from Sydney CBD, and there’s plenty of parking in CBD available. But, if you don’t have a car or don’t want to drive, there’s public transport. The loveliest way to travel is by ferry, which takes around an hour from Circular Quay. Alternatively, there’s a direct train from Central Station, which takes around 25 minutes.
If you’re planning to hang around Parramatta CBD, then stick to walking or cycling. There’s plenty to see, do, eat and drink within a one-kilometre radius, as well as a handy shared path network. If you’re keen to explore nearby neighbourhoods, like Sydney Olympic Park and Harris Park, check out the train timetable. There are local buses, too.
Begin your day with coffee and brekkie at Circa Espresso, followed by a wander along the beautiful Parramatta River foreshore and a roam around Parramatta Park. Come evening, be sure to swing by Nick & Nora’s for a creative cocktail featuring top-shelf spirits and house-made ingredients before heading to Riverside Theatres for a show.
It’s safe to say that most Parramatta locals are food lovers. You’ll find them slurping up laksa at Temasek, feasting on Greek dishes at Kouzina Greco and lingering over hot Vietnamese pho at Pho Pasteur. In warm weather, enjoy a picnic on the shores of Lake Parramatta as you watch the walkers, joggers and cyclists pass by.
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Ruse Bar and Brasserie -
Mikazuki Parramatta -
Oribu -
Misc. Parramatta -
Baba Ghanouj Parramatta -
Lilymu -
Woolpack Hotel -
Albion Hotel -
Adora Handmade Chocolates Parramatta -
Temasek -
Riverside Brewing Company -
Dot's Flower Shoppe -
The Commercial Hotel -
Nick & Nora's Parramatta -
Paper Plane Cafe -
Lil Miss Collins -
Black Seed Eatery -
Meraki Coffee Parramatta -
XS Espresso -
Alex & Co.
To discover more in Parramatta, head this way.