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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GuideSeven Group Bonding Activities for When You're in Charge of Team Fun at the Office
Nothing bonds colleagues like performing a karaoke duet or cracking an escape room together.
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GuideSeven Next-Level Brekkie Rolls to Get in Sydney That'll Put a Pep in Your Saturday Morning Step
These mac ‘n’ cheese-filled croissants and hickory-smoked bacon rolls are just what the doctor ordered.
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GuideEight Mindblowing Vegan Dishes to Order in Sydney That'll Have Your Carnivorous Mates Coming Back for Seconds
Animal byproducts? I don't know her.
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GuideSeven Must-Have Homeware Items That'll Make Your Rental Apartment Feel More Like Home
Just because you don't own the walls doesn't mean you can't accessorize them.
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GuideNine Impressive (but Affordable) Gifts to Buy Someone You Don't Know Very Well
Dazzle your new friend, colleague or in-law with your chic taste — without breaking the bank.
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GuideNine Stunning Locally Made Jewellery Pieces You Should Buy for Someone Special (AKA Yourself)
Go on, they (you) deserve something shiny.
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GuideMerch to Buy When You Want to Wear Your Love of Your Favourite Sydney Venues on Your Sleeve
Support local — loud 'n' proud.
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GuideOffice-Appropriate Wardrobe Essentials If You're Not Ready to Let Go of Those Cosy WFH Vibes
Unfortunately, you will have to leave your fuzzy slippers at home.
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GuideGifts to Buy for Your Fur Baby Because You Just Can't Help Yourself
Your very good boy deserves nothing but the best.
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GuideSeven Epic Starters and Sides That Are Almost Worth the Restaurant Booking Alone
It's perfectly acceptable to fill up on multiple entrees.
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GuideSeven Moreish Fried Snacks to Devour After a Long Day in Sydney
Satisfy those hankerings with these bites of deep-fried deliciousness.
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GuideEight Winning Cocktail and Snack Combos to Order If You Just Can't Wait Till Dinner
Silence your grumbling tummy with one of these bite-sized dishes — and a tipple or two.
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GuideSix Sweet Treats to Get for Your Mate's Birthday If They (Weirdly) Don't Like Cake
Treat the cake-hater in your life to monster-sized eclairs, birthday breakfasts and boozy Italian desserts.
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GuideSeven Belly-Warming Noodle Soups in Sydney to Slurp Down on the Next Super Chilly Day
Warm yourself from the inside out with a hearty bowl of brekkie ramen or sweet and sour soup.
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GuideFive OTT Sandwiches to Eat for Lunch If You're Tired of Sad Desk Salads
Swap those soggy leaves for a sky-high chilli chicken sambo or a roll filled with gravy and golden-roasted pork belly.
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GuideSix Legendary Dishes That Put These Sydney Restaurants on the Map (and Still Hold Up Today)
Tick these top eats off your culinary bucket list.
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GuideSeven Pasta Dishes to Order in Sydney Restaurants That'll Put Mum's Spag Bol to Shame
Bookmark these Italian spots for when only a big bowl of carbs will do.
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GuideUnique Experiences That'll Give You a Behind-the-Scenes Peek of Your Favourite Sydney Venues
See how gelato gets made or settle in for a private poker game in a subterranean restaurant.
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GuideWhere to Eat When You're Craving All the Food You Ate on Your Trip to Japan
Eat like you're back exploring the Land of the Rising Sun.
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GuideWhere to Eat When You're Saving but Don't Feel Like Another Meal at Home
Places for a weeknight feed that won't blow the budget.
