For those who like getting where they’re going fast, hop the T1 from Central to Parramatta or Penrith. For a more scenic journey, ferries run from Circular Quay to Parramatta Wharf, departing every day between 7am and 7pm. To get around Parramatta city itself, take advantage of the free shuttle bus that runs a continuous loop of the city. And now we have the new Metro, you can get to Castle Hill within 30 minutes if you jump on at Chatswood.

Parramatta’s Riverside Theatre is one of the major arts hubs of greater western Sydney, alongside Casula Powerhouse and Campbelltown Arts Centre. With three stages and a cinema, Riverside hosts plays from around the world, talks from acclaimed authors, and comedy acts. It hosts festival shows, popular sing-a-long sessions the theatre is praised for its accessible performances for kids.

Church Street provides an excellent base for exploring Parramatta’s shopping and dining district. And Penrith’s High Street is where you’ll find the best independent shops and bakeries, alongside crowd-pulling late-night eats like charcoal chicken joint El Jannah.

Harris Park is where locals come for authentic Indian street food, found inside a row of heritage cottages. Taj Indian Sweets was one of the first eateries in the area, opening 15 years ago, leading the way for South-East Asian grocery stores, sari shops and restaurants like halal butcher Desi Kasai and upmarket diner Ginger Indian.