In the past few years, greater western Sydney has experienced tremendous growth, resulting in a fairly unique ecosystem of the old and the new. From retro secondhand vinyl shops and boutique jewellery stores to buzzing new food precincts, this is certainly one of Sydney's most diverse areas.
This expansive area is known for its diversity — both culturally and in public spaces. Here, you’ll find huge nature reserves and leafy suburban streets existing alongside vibrant town centres and sports stadiums. Parramatta, in particular, is considered to be Sydney’s secondary CBD and home to a number of large and small businesses.
We’ve partnered with the team at American Express to bring you the best of the local businesses in this growing area, so you can uncover the gems hidden among the labyrinths of restaurants, bars and shops. Better yet, all these places accept your American Express Card so you can shop small with ease.
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. Castle Hill will soon be accessible from the CBD via the new Metro — for now, you can 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. In summer, it hosts Sydney Festival shows, there are popular sing-a-long sessions to Mamma Mia! and the theatre is praised for its relaxed, 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.
Affectionately dubbed Sydney’s Little India, 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, upmarket diner Ginger Indian, cheap eat Teekhazz and the friendly Little India Supermarket.
THE SHOPPING LISTS
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Food & DrinkCastle HillNorthwest Growers
The fruit from this family run grocer comes straight from the owners' orchard.
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Design & StyleCastle HillBeautiful Blooms
This hole-in-the-wall florist has all of your last-minute gift occasions covered.
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Food & DrinkCastle HillThe Lane WineBar
You'll find this cosy wine bar in the heart of the Hills District.
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Design & StylePenrithEsteem Hair Beauty Spa
This local beauty bar is a local's go-to to feel good and look even better.
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Design & StylePenrithYour Floral Indulgence
Head here when you want beautifully arranged flowers without the pressure of picking a certain style.
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Design & StylePenrithDeus Ex Machina Penrith
Motorcycle culture-inspired clothing (and you don't even need to own a bike).
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Food & DrinkPenrithGelato Messina Penrith
Pick from 40-plus flavours (or just stick to that salted coconut and mango that you know you love).
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Design & StylePenrithThe Very Bazaar
This retro clothing store is carefully curated by its stylish owner.
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Design & StylePenrithHigh Street Music
This local music store has a combined 65 years experience teaching and sharing their love of music.
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Food & DrinkParramattaAdora Handmade Chocolates Parramatta
Take your pick from a cabinet of handmade gourmet chocolates.
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Arts & EntertainmentParramattaBeatdisc Records
Stop by to thumb the vinyl, but stay for the live music performances.
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Food & DrinkParramattaTemasek
Where Parramatta locals get their Malaysian laksa and Singaporean chilli crab fix.
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Design & StyleParramattaDot's Flower Shoppe
Parramatta's go-to florist has three decades of expertise.
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Food & DrinkParramattaButter Parramatta
The trio of box-fresh footwear, fried chicken and French bubbles reigns supreme.
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Food & DrinkParramattaNick & Nora's
Enjoy incredible views, a luxe 30s-inspired fit-out and a covetable Champagne collection.
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Food & DrinkNorth ParramattaXS Espresso
Home to Instagrammable shakes, hot cakes and fried chicken waffles.
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Food & DrinkParramattaThe Emporium
There's a new contemporary dining breeze blowing through New South Wales' second biggest city.
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Design & StyleRichmondCrazy Beautiful Life
Find linens, stoneware and whimsical decor at this homewares store in Richmond.
