Parramatta and Western Sydney

A second city with deep history

Parramatta lies about 23 km west of the CBD at the head of the Parramatta River, on the country of the Burramattagal people of the Dharug nation. The colony established a farming settlement here in 1788 because the soil around Sydney Cove was poor, making Parramatta one of the oldest European settlements in Australia.

Today it is a fast-growing business and residential centre with its own skyline, restaurants and events — and a good way to see a side of Sydney most short-stay visitors miss.

Old Government House and Parramatta Park

Old Government House, in Parramatta Park, is the oldest surviving public building in mainland Australia and part of the UNESCO-listed Australian Convict Sites. The house and its grounds tell the story of the colony's early governors. Nearby, Elizabeth Farm and Experiment Farm Cottage are among the oldest European houses in the country.

Parramatta Park itself is a large riverside park, good for walks and picnics; check opening days for the houses before you go.

Powerhouse Parramatta and the river

Powerhouse Parramatta, a large new museum of applied arts and sciences on the riverbank, is scheduled to open on 7 November 2026 after years of construction. Expect strong demand in its first weeks; check the official site for timed entry.

The F3 Parramatta River ferry from Circular Quay is a scenic, slow way to arrive (around an hour), though tide and river conditions can affect services at the Parramatta end. Church Street's 'Eat Street' has restaurants from across the world, and Harris Park, a short walk away, is Sydney's best-known Indian food precinct.

Getting there and around

Fast trains run from Central to Parramatta in about 25–35 minutes. The Parramatta Light Rail (L4), opened in December 2024, links Westmead, the city centre and Carlingford. Sydney Olympic Park, the venue of the 2000 Olympics, is between Parramatta and the city.

Parramatta is also the logical base for the new Western Sydney International Airport, which opened on 25 October 2026 about 30 km to the south-west. For airport transport see getting there.

Staying in Parramatta

Hotels here are usually cheaper than in central Sydney and useful for early flights from WSI, events at Sydney Olympic Park or visiting family in the west.