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 — so you can shop small here with your Amex Card.

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.
THE SHOPPING LISTS
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Food & DrinkHaymarket
Gelato Messina Darling Square
Pick from 40-plus flavours (or just stick to that salted coconut and mango that you know you love).
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Food & DrinkHolroyd
Ribs & Roast Pty Ltd
A speciality sous vide meat business with two decades of experience.
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Food & DrinkCastle Hill
Northwest Growers
The fruit from this family run grocer comes straight from the owners' orchard.
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Design & StylePenrith
Esteem 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 & StylePenrith
Your Floral Indulgence
Head here when you want beautifully arranged flowers without the pressure of picking a certain style.
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Design & StylePenrith
Deus Ex Machina Penrith
Motorcycle culture-inspired clothing (and you don't even need to own a bike).
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Food & DrinkPenrith
Gelato 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 & StylePenrith
High Street Music
This local music store has a combined 65 years experience teaching and sharing its love of music.
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Food & DrinkParramatta
Adora Handmade Chocolates Parramatta
Take your pick from a cabinet of handmade gourmet chocolates.
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Arts & EntertainmentParramatta
Beatdisc Records
Stop by to thumb the vinyl, but stay for the live music performances.
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Food & DrinkParramatta
Temasek
Where Parramatta locals get their Malaysian laksa and Singaporean chilli crab fix.
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Design & StyleParramatta
Dot's Flower Shoppe
Parramatta's go-to florist has three decades of expertise.
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Food & DrinkParramatta
Butter Parramatta
The trio of box-fresh footwear, fried chicken and French bubbles reigns supreme.
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Food & DrinkParramatta
Nick & Nora's
Enjoy incredible views, a luxe 30s-inspired fit-out and a covetable Champagne collection.
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Food & DrinkParramatta
The Coffee Emporium Restaurant & Bar
There's a new contemporary dining breeze blowing through New South Wales' second biggest city.