It’s simple to find yourself in Parramatta with time to kill, whether you’re there for a meeting, to watch a game at CommBank Stadium, or to arrive early for a performance at Riverside Theatres. With so much to see and do, you may experience a lot in a short period of time. Here’s how to get the most out of your time taking in the sights of Parramatta.
1. Enjoy Highlights From Nature and History
The Burramattagal people, a clan of the Darug, have traditionally lived in the Parramatta area for about 60,000 years. This area has a significant Aboriginal heritage. The City of Parramatta is the second-oldest settlement region in Australia, hence it also has a significant colonial past.
Start near the ferry wharf and stroll along the river for a tour of Parramatta’s attractions from a historical and natural perspective. Before crossing Lennox Bridge, read the inscriptions along the river that tell Indigenous stories. To get to Parramatta Park, cross over CommBank Stadium. The neighbourhood bat colony can be seen and heard if you cross Buttons Bridge to get to Little Coogee.
In the spring, ascend Parramatta Park to the Wistaria Gardens before turning around and returning to the city’s core on foot. The bungalows for the Rangers and the Dairy are visible as you go around the park. Additionally, you can stop by Old Government House to view the current display.
Lunch at Lachlan’s will round out your exploration of nature and history. If you’re not quite so hungry, try the Georgy Boy Café or the Gatehouse tea rooms for some food and a hot beverage.
In the spring, ascend Parramatta Park to the Wistaria Gardens before turning around and returning to the city’s core on foot. The bungalows for the Rangers and the Dairy are visible as you go around the park. Additionally, you can stop by Old Government House to view the current display.
Lunch at Lachlan’s will round out your exploration of nature and history. If you’re not quite so hungry, try the Georgy Boy Café or the Gatehouse tea rooms for some food and a hot beverage.
2. For Foodies
In Parramatta, foodies are spoiled for choice. Visit Circa Espresso in the CBD to begin your adventure if you’re travelling on foot. To receive a free coffee, purchase a bag of their coffee beans. Then visit the Asian supermarket on Church Street or browse a Chinese bakery close by for delectable baked goodies. Check out the amazing pastries from Threefold and pick up a sandwich from Harvey’s Hot Sandwiches for lunch as you go through Parramatta Square. Pick up a fresh loaf of sourdough bread from Bourke Street Bakery or visit Adora for handcrafted chocolates if you want to bring some food home.
Make the 10-minute stroll to Harris Park if you wish to get outside of the CBD. For Lebanese pastries and cakes, people with a sweet craving should go straight to Sweetland Patisserie. If you’re searching for a savoury meal, Nepalese Momo’s street cuisine is a fantastic quick lunch option. Also highly recommended is Billu’s if you want to sample a Thali plate. On Wigram Street, sometimes known as “Sydney’s Little India,” you can find Billu’s. You may discover plenty of delicious eateries and Indian grocers along the street where you can get genuine culinary items to prepare your own meals.
If you have a car and some more time in Parramatta, you can drive about the city in search of regional specialities. Tatra Delicatessen is the place to go for Polish and other European goods. Fireworks Foods has genuine Mexican ingredients. Once you’ve finished all of your shopping, stop by Riverside Brewing Company, one of Parramatta’s most well-known attractions, for some locally brewed beer.
3. Before the game (at CommBank)
Sports are big in Parramatta, and CommBank Stadium is a major draw. Be sure to arrive a few hours early if you’re travelling to Parramatta to attend a live game. For a happy hour deal with delectable nibbles, stroll through Parramatta Square and stop at the Ruse Bar & Brasserie or CicciaBella. By purchasing football and rugby equipment and accessories from Peter Wynn’s Score, you can ensure that you are wearing the colours of your team. If you’re still a little peckish, stroll down Church Street’s Eat Street to explore your alternatives. Visit Coco Cubano for tapas, margaritas, and a Cuban flair. Attempt ALEX&Co. with a fantastic pizza and beer.
Go to Club Parramatta if you want to be closer to the stadium. It is close to Parramatta Park and offers a variety of bars and eateries. If you want to throw a ball around before the game, the CommBank Stadium is less than a 10-minute walk away. A playground is also available for kids to use if they need to burn off some extra energy. Visit Messina to celebrate with a gelato flavour combination in your team’s colours after the game.
4. Prior to the riverside performance
Here are a few places in Parramatta’s CBD you must go if you’re going to a concert at Riverside Theatres and want to lean into an artsy night. Visit begin your exploration of the vast inventory of both new and vintage vinyl records, go to Beatdisc Records. After you’ve had your fill of music, visit the pottery and art gallery on Hunter Street. Local artists’ works are shown and for sale in this fine arts gallery.
Set down to enjoy the culinary arts once you become hungry. Depending on your preferences, there are a variety of places to select from. Sit down at Temasek for quick, inexpensive, and delectable Singaporean-Malay food. Visit Lola Cocina for tapas and margaritas with live flamenco and guitar performances and Spanish-themed fare. Experience Lebanese and Mediterranean food at Armani Restaurant if you’re looking for a sophisticated dining alternative.
Accessing Parramatta
Plane
You will land at Sydney Airport (SYD), which is 21 kilometres from the city centre if you are flying to Parramatta. The quickest flight from Singapore to Parramatta takes off and takes about 7 hours and 40 minutes.
Car
Another way to travel to Parramatta is to rent a car in Sydney, which is located around 20 kilometres away. Sydney is home to locations of several rental car companies, including Sixt and Hertz.
Bus
There are bus lines from Greyhound Australia to Parramatta.
Accommodations in Parramatta
If you plan to stay in a Parramatta hotel, a double room at a 3-star hotel typically costs roughly S$ 266 per night, whereas a 5-star hotel may cost as much as S$ 875.