Neighbourhood Guide: Parramatta

Concrete Playground
May 26, 2021

Located along the Parramatta River, this diverse sister city to Sydney is fast becoming a go-to CBD in its own right.

Its locals are food-lovers through and through, with the suburb lined with some of the best cafes, restaurants and bars that NSW has to offer. And the multi-billion-dollar Parramatta Square project has added a whopping 3000 square metres of hospo space alone. When you’re tired of eating, go for a stroll along the river — the Parramatta River Foreshore hugs the CBD and surrounds for 3.5 kilometres.

Located along the Parramatta River, this diverse sister city to Sydney is fast becoming a go-to CBD in its own right.

DID YOU KNOW

The Darug people first settled in Parramatta around 60,000 years ago. The Aboriginal name for the region is Burramatta, which translates to “eel creek”. The area is still known for its nutritious soil and rivers — especially where the saltwater of Port Jackson meets the freshwater of the Parramatta River. The Parramatta Eels Rugby League Club chose its name for this reason.

GETTING AROUND

Sydney CBD is just a 25-minute express train ride away. The train station also offers direct access to the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast. For a more scenic route, the ferry runs all the way from the Parramatta River to Circular Quay and Barangaroo. A dedicated Light Rail is currently under construction, too, with stage one planned to open in 2023, taking commuters from Westmead to Carlingford.

PROPERTY PRICES

There are heaps of good reasons to buy in Parramatta, including the appealing property prices. The median prices ranges from around $566,000 for units and around $1.26-million for houses (according to Realestate.com.au). The area has seen considerable growth in recent years too, with the five-year-sale growth rate currently at 4.1-percent for houses. Check out NAB’s Property Report to learn more, then use its handy Home Loan Calculator to find out how much you can borrow. Or, book an appointment here.

LOCALS LOVE

Parramatta is considered Sydney’s second CBD, largely because of its thriving food scene. You can find heaps of sister venues to some of our city’s best restaurants, like CicciaBella, and plenty of homegrown favourites, including laksa king Temasek. That’s not to mention the incredible bar scene, with the opulent vibes at Nick & Nora’s and the inventive cocktails at Uncle Kurt’s taking top prize.

Living in Parramatta

Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.

Cafes

Whether you opt for a rustic farmhouse feel or sleek Scandi vibes, you're guaranteed a hearty, inventive brunch here.

1. Lil Miss Collins

Hearty, healthy dishes among shipping containers and recycled timber.

2. Circa Espresso

Middle Eastern-influenced brekkies and small-batch roasted coffee.

3. Paper Plane Cafe

Bright, fresh fare and farmhouse vibes.

4. Meraki Coffee Parramatta

Lebanese-inspired cafe fare, quality coffee and inventive drinks in Parramatta.

5. Black Seed Eatery

Tastiness and healthiness collide at this stunning Parramatta cafe.

Restaurants

With great eats every ten paces, deciding where to eat in the area can be difficult. Here's where to start.

1. Temasek

Where Parramatta locals get their Malaysian laksa and Singaporean chilli crab fix.

2. Harvey's Hot Sandwiches

Parramatta's retro diner has saucy subs and a Nutella fountain.

3. Pho Pasteur Parramatta

Perhaps the best pho you'll find in western Sydney.

4. Ciccia Bella Parramatta Square - CLOSED

An Italian diner in Parramatta Square by Icebergs' Maurice Terzini.

5. Lilymu

This neon-lit Parramatta restaurant is whipping up tom yum dumplings and black garlic mie goreng.

Watering Holes

From group hangs to romantic date nights, every drinking occasion is covered in Parramatta.

1. Nick & Nora's Parramatta

Enjoy incredible views, a luxe 30s-inspired fit-out and a covetable Champagne collection.

2. Uncle Kurt's - CLOSED

You'll find Parramatta's first small bar hidden away in a non-descript car park.

3. Riverside Brewing Company

A brewery inspired by long Aussie summers.

4. Coco Cubano Parramatta

Start the party — or keep it going — at this all-day Cuban-inspired eatery.

5. Ruse Bar and Brasserie

Plan your next group feast at Parramatta Square's spacious, smoke-driven diner.

Arts and Culture

Some of Sydney's most artistic minds are putting their innovative creations on display in western Sydney.

1. Parramatta Clay and Arts

Play with clay at this not-for-profit ceramics studio.

2. Riverside Theatres

Catch a show at Parramatta's huge performing arts centre.

3. Pari

An artist-run initiative dedicated to telling hyper-local stories through contemporary art.

4. Parramatta Artists' Studio

Attend an exhibition or workshop at western Sydney's home of emerging creative talent.

5. Information and Cultural Exchange

A community initiative fostering the talents of artists from underrepresented communities.

Leisure and Outdoors

It may be Sydney's second CBD, but Parramatta is home to a surprising amount of natural beauty.

1. Lake Parramatta

Enjoy a lazy afternoon float on the lake.

2. Parramatta Park Loop

You can see the best of Parramatta Park on two wheels.

3. Badu Mangrove Boardwalk

Wander through a lush mangrove forest set within Sydney Olympic Park

4. Parramatta River Foreshore

Combine history with natural beauty on a stroll along the Parramatta River.

5. Elizabeth Farm

Step back in time with a visit to one of the oldest houses in Australia.

After-Dark Action

Live music is just the start of this western Sydney suburb's late-night offering.

1. Albion Hotel

Parramatta's late-night, dog-friendly pub has one of the best beer gardens in Sydney.

2. Alex & Co.

An ambitious new all-day bar and eatery in Parramatta.

3. Parramatta Gaol

Do an after-dark ghost tour of this abandoned prison.

4. Labyrinth Escape Rooms

Sneak around a cursed circus or break out of an insane asylum at this escape room centre.

5. Pinot and Picasso

Come with wine. Leave with a self-made artwork for your apartment.

Living in Parramatta

Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.

CP's Picks

These are our favourite things to do in the area.

Nick and Nora's

Step back in time (and a casual 26 storeys above ground) at this opulent 30s-inspired bar.
Riverside Theatres

Parramatta's premier performing arts centre has a jam-packed roster for 2021 — from comedy galas and cabarets to film festivals.
Temasek Parramatta

For huge portions, low prices and possibly the best laksa in Sydney, get yourself to this laneway eatery.