Fast facts
- Heritage heart of Sydney
- Western suburbs
- 50-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay
Why go there
As Sydney has grown, Parramatta has become its demographic heart. It’s a city of elegant parks, historic charm and a vibrant multicultural footprint. A wealth of restaurants present cuisine from around the globe, and the area also offers extensive shopping, a cutting-edge theatre complex and a premier horse-racing venue.
One of the best ways to travel to Parramatta from Sydney is by RiverCat, a catamaran ferry that plies the length of Parramatta River. Historic homes and churches, Aboriginal artwork and lush gardens are just some of the highlights to see in this elegant precinct.
Things to do
- Stroll along the Harris Park Heritage Walk to see the area’s historic homes.
- Take a hot-air balloon ride with Cloud 9 Hot Air Balloons.
- Step back in time at Old Government House, built in 1799, home to the early governors of NSW.
- Visit Elizabeth Farm, built in 1793, home of Australia’s first pastoralists, John and Elizabeth Macarthur.
- Eat out – choose from more than 140 restaurants and cafés offering everything from alfresco dining to colonial splendour.
Don’t miss
- Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre.
- Experiment Farm Cottage.
- Parramatta Riverside Theatre.
- Golden Slipper Racing Carnival at Rosehill Gardens.
- Heritage Festival, in April.