Indian Paan and Falooda: A Mouthwatering Explainer

When Sanjay Dodhi opened Durga’s Paan and Falooda House in Harris Park in 2012, it was the first of its kind; there was no other paan shop in Australia. Fast-forward ten years and his business is as busy as ever — when we visited in June, a group of tourists from Melbourne had made the trip specially, and were waiting outside for the shop to open! But what are these two Indian treats? And when should they be eaten? Discover it all below. 
 

 

Falooda

Falooda is a sweet Indian drink-dessert with roots in the Persian dessert faloodeh. It’s made in layers, one by one, from syrup, milk, basil seeds, falooda (arrowroot and rice noodles, not vermicelli as commonly thought), jelly, ice-cream, nuts and tooty frooty. It's best enjoyed post-dinner as a dessert or as a sweet treat during the day, and can be found all over India. There are many varieties of falooda but at Durga’s, Sanjay offers rose, pista (pistachio), saffron, chocolate and kulfi iterations. Our tip? Take a group of friends and get a flavour each! What does it take to make a good falooda, we asked Sanjay: “Me!” 

Falooda

Paan


Paan, conversely, is a spice-laden digestion aid and mouth freshener, that’s also somewhat of a dessert. Like falooda, paan can be found all over India and is made in a variety of forms. In a nutshell, plain paan is a betel leaf brushed with catechu, topped with a single cardamom pod, coriander seeds, fennel and sugar-coated fennel seeds, sweet supari, rose petal jam and coconut, then folded into a neat, one-bite triangular package. A taste bud explosion.
 
Each component serves a purpose and aids a different ailment. Betel leaves are said to help a sore throat and coughs, catechu for mouth ulcers, cardamom for blood pressure, coriander and fennel seeds to enhance flavour, sweet supari for sweetness, rose petal jam to cool body temperature and coconut for flavour and balance. 

Opt for a paan at the very end of your meal, after dessert, to satisfy lingering sweet cravings and to set things right in your stomach and get your digestion on track!

Keen to try falooda or paan? Durga’s at 3/14-20 Station Street East, Harris Park, is the place to make it happen. It’s just three minutes from Harris Park station and right next door to Chatkazz. Dessert, anyone?  
 

Fresh Paan Store Front

24 Hours of Snacking (and Feasting) in Harris Park

Spending an entire Saturday in Harris Park, exploring all the cuisines and food available, is a day well spent. At just a 10-minute walk from the Parramatta CBD or four-minute walk from Harris Park Station, Harris Park is a convenient, delicious suburb to explore and eat your way through. This suburb harbours a diverse community, and from that, a diverse culinary adventure awaits. Check out our how-to-spend-a-Saturday-eating-in-Harris-Park guide below.

 

Breakfast — 7.30am

You’re up and at it! Welcome to Harris Park! First stop is SweetLand Patisserie. This Lebanese sweet shop is loved in the community (and further afield!) for its traditional Lebanese sweets, eggless cakes, ice-cream and coffee. The must-order here at 7:30am is the znoud el sett, a finger-shaped, ashta-stuffed filo pastry doused in syrup. They’re delicious with a black coffee and often sell out quickly.

Lebanese Pastries in Shop Window

Morning tea — 10am

You’ve had your sweet treat, and a few hours to digest, so now, naturally, it’s time for a snack. Once 10am hits, head over to Radhe Supermarket on Station Street. This Indian Grocer is packed full of Indian snacks, produce, spices and heaps more. Try your hand at a bag of Haldiram's Aloo Bhujia to tide you over ‘til lunch — you will not be disappointed.   

Indian Grocer Aisle

Lunch - 12:30pm 

With your tummy rumbling once more, the food party begins. At lunch head to Harris Park classic Momozz for a plate of their finest butter chicken momos — an amalgamation of two very delicious dishes. Another option? Do as the Harris Park locals do and grab a street food feed. Shri Refreshment Bar Harris Park always has a long line and it’s no wonder — its thali, curries and chaat are well worth the wait. Pull up a stool at the tables next door and dig in with your roti.

Afternoon tea — 3pm

The mid-afternoon slump can only be cured by one thing: ice-cream! Duck down to Rocket Kulfi to try one of its many traditional Indian ice-cream flavours on rotation. Our pick? The strawberry or saffron. Not feeling something sweet? Contrary to its name Taj Indian Sweets & Restaurant is a great spot to recluse in for an hour or two with a chai and samosa chaat. Sweet or savoury, it hits the spot.

Lebanese Pastries on Display

Dinner — 6pm

By now the appetite should be roaring for the final leg of your food-filled day. Harris Park stalwart Ginger is a great spot for groups of any size and specialises in Mughlai cuisine. Enter for creamy butter chicken, spicy madras and the biggest naan in Sydney! Chatkazz is also an excellent option, with a menu of over 200 north and south Indian dishes. Head here for dosa, chhole bhatura, Indian street food snacks and lots more.

Indian Samosas

Dessert — 8:30pm

No doubt a digestive will be in order after your food-filled day and Durga’s Paan & Falooda House on Station Street is the place to find it. Durga’s was the first dedicated paan shop to open in Australia and offers classic paan (a “mouth refresher” of betel leaf folded and stuffed with a variety of spices, herbs and sweet condiments) and a range of different falooda (a Mughlai cold dessert made with falooda noodles, ice-cream and nuts). Both delicious, each satisfying a different craving! 

Durga Paan + Falooda House


A food-filled weekend in Harris Park is a day well spent! Happy eating and snacking, and be sure to tag @atparramatta in all your socials content to show us what you discover.  
 

 

Where to Eat In Harris Park with a Crowd

Harris Park is a great spot to head when dining with a big group of hungry diners. Check out our list of places to try, according to occasion, below.  

Food with Friends

We’ve all been there — being dealt the “you book dinner!” card with an ever-expanding guest list and on-set panic and excitement about where to make the reservation. It needs to be spacious, yes, but will the venue suit the mood of the occasion? Is there something for everyone to try? Does it cater to varied budgets? All factors are important and Harris Park is a great spot to head when dining with a big group of hungry diners. From Lebanon to Nepal, north Indian to south — the dining options are endless in this snapshot suburb of the subcontinent. Check out our list of places to try, according to occasion, below.  


For a Work Morning Tea


SweetLand Patisserie has been a Harris Park stalwart since 1998. These authentic Lebanese sweets are sought after by the local community and people further afield — customers travel from the northern beaches and Newcastle for their Hindu-friendly, no egg cakes! Drop in here with your team for a quick morning tea or meeting, and be sure to grab a piece or two of sweet-and-flakey baklava or ashta-stuffed znoud el sett (Lady’s Arms) to accompany a strong coffee. If a savoury morning tea is in your sights, head down the street to Taj Indian Sweets & Restaurant. This 100% vegetarian spot has sweets, yes, but also 19 types of chaat, paratha, naans and lots more — an option for everyone.

Lebanese Pastries

For a Birthday Party or Get Together with Friends

Party or catch-up? There’s no looking past Chatkazz on Station Street East for a big group of friends or family— it’s buzzing, colourful and easily caters to large groups. With over 200 items on the menu, it’s hard to pick just a few favourites from the extensive north and south Indian offering, but the chhole bahtura and jini dosa are an excellent place to start.

 

Chatazz Store Front

For a Team Celebration 

Momozz on Wigram Street is a great option for a more laid back vibe! This Indian-Nepalese diner is famous for its momos. Our recommendation? The butter chicken momos — chicken momos steamed and tossed in a rich butter chicken sauce. Disclaimer: there’s no stopping at one! 

Nepalese Dinner

For a Post-Game Catch Up

After something quick and breezy but have a bit of a crew? Shri Refreshment Bar is a great option for a savoury plate and cup of lassi post-team sport. The line is always long here so be patient, it’s also cash-only so make sure your wallet’s ready! As for your order, we can’t go past a thali with two curries with rice or roti. The mango lassi and pakoras shouldn't be overlooked either! Regardless of what you snag, be sure to pull up some tables and chairs in the seating area around the corner.

Shri Buffet

For After-Work Drinks


Chulho on Wigram Street is the best option for post-work drinks in Harris Park. It’s a 10-minute walk from Parramatta, or four-minute walk from Harris Park Station, and makes for an easy spot to get to once the clock hits 5pm! Head here for Nepalese food, beer and whiskies, plus live music. Be sure to book ahead so you don’t miss out.

For a Family Dinner

Ginger is the place for excellent, authentic north Indian Mughlai cuisine. Like many other restaurants in Harris Park it’s well-suited to big groups and is family run. Portions are very generous — and the naan? The biggest in Sydney! The butter chicken is one of the best around the suburb and the fish masala is a must. After everyone’s had their Mughlai fill, dash across the street to Rocket Kulfi for a sweet kulfi ice-cream on a stick. The last stop: Durga’s Paan and Falooda House for a mouth-freshening, digestive paan. 

Still unsure on where to head? Simply explore the food-filled suburb on foot and follow your nose (and stomach)! Happy eating and snacking.

 

Rocket Kulfi Ice Blocks

Walkability is recognised around the world as one of the key aspects that makes a city liveable. Walkability is defined as being able to walk to shops, transport, work and other amenities and is intrinsically linked to positive health outcomes. However, it is well recognised that people will only choose to walk when the walk is useful, safe, comfortable and interesting.

As well as the practical aspects, walkability is also a measure of how pleasant and attractive an area is to walk.

Council’s commitment to walkability

The City of Parramatta recognises the importance of walkability and is seeking to create a safe, comfortable and interesting City for people to get active and connected. In 2017, Council launched the Parramatta Ways Walking Strategy which covers the LGA, and the Parramatta CBD Pedestrian Strategy.

The Parramatta Ways Walking Strategy is a long-term plan that will provide a network of high-quality walking routes through the LGA’s streets, open space and river corridors. Through public exhibition and engagement, the Parramatta community provided strong feedback and support for the project, its targets and objectives. Parramatta Ways aims to bring more life to the streets, creating a green, active and walkable city.

The Strategy recognised that to make walking attractive “we need to create a network that is safe, comfortable and interesting. To achieve this, the strategy requires a multi-layered and co-ordinated approach to walking infrastructure delivery.”

The Parramatta CBD Pedestrian Strategy also released in 2017 aims to make walking more attractive and accessible in the Parramatta CBD. This “will encourage all residents, workers, students, shoppers, and visitors to make safe, accessible and simple pedestrian journeys to jobs, to schools, as well as to recreational, cultural, and retail districts.”

Parramatta classified as ‘very walkable’

US-based Walk Score ranks Parramatta on its website with a score of 81 which is classified as ‘Very Walkable - Most errands can be accomplished on foot’. Walk Score measures the walkability of any suburb or city by analysing hundreds of walking routes to nearby amenities. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category and amenities within a five-minute walk are given maximum points.

Walk Score also measures pedestrian friendliness by analysing population density and road metrics such as block length and intersection density. Walk Score's mission is to promote walkable neighbourhoods, as one of the simplest and best solutions for the environment, health, and economy.

What makes a city walkable?

Many things contribute to the walkability of a city including places to live, work, eat, shop, and learn. And also access to active transport corridors, public transport links, as well as open spaces to exercise and relax.

Great places to live

Parramatta’s population is forecast to grow approximately three per cent per year. The City’s population forecast for 2022 is 287,289 and is estimated to grow to 487,731 by 2041. This increase in residents will bring economic growth as many of those people will seek work in Parramatta or set up their own new businesses, and walkability is an important part of this growth.

In the recent ABS census taken in 2021, high-rise living numbers were included for the first time, and the Parramatta LGA had more than 30,000 people living in high rises. 

As Parramatta’s population grows, the demand for quality open space will increase to meet the needs of the community. Increasing density and a trend towards more apartment living increases pressure on existing public open spaces, particularly as private open space is reduced. As a result, both access to and the quality of Council’s open space will play a critical role.

Accessible places to work

Parramatta has a dynamic and diverse workforce with a pool of two million people within a 30-minute commute. The area currently represents five per cent of NSW’s Gross State Product and is set to continue to grow. 

Over recent years Parramatta has become one of Australia’s most sought-after office markets, beating out other big city centres. It’s all part of the transformation of Australia’s oldest inland city into Sydney’s Central River City.

In the coming two decades, it’s forecast an additional 420,000 people will move to the region between Parramatta and Sydney, and more than 300,000 jobs will be created in the corridor by 2036.

Plenty of places to eat and shop

With more people living in the Parramatta CBD and increasing numbers of workers in Parramatta, comes a growth in dining and retail options for breaks during the working day but also after work, that are walkable.

Parramatta’s Eat Street area on Church Street has long been recognised as a restaurant hub with many cafes and restaurants serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to the residents, visitors and office and retail workers in Parramatta. Alongside Eat Street there are other precincts like Parramatta Square.

The three-hectare Parramatta Square development project has changed Parramatta’s skyline with six new buildings and a refurbished Town Hall all linked by 6,000 square metres of public domain.

Places to learn

The City of Parramatta is well on the way to becoming an education capital. Parramatta is already home to five universities — Western Sydney University, University of Sydney, University of New England, Swinburne University of Technology and Charles Sturt University, and it’s set to grow when UNSW Sydney opens a local campus shortly.

Sydney University will also establish a brand-new campus at North Parramatta in the Westmead Health Precinct where 25,000 students and 2,500 staff are predicted to work by 2055.

The education focus is not only on the tertiary sector. The NSW Department of Education relocated to Parramatta in 2018, bringing 1,800 jobs into the City and leasing 25,000 square metres of office space in Phillip Street.

Pedestrian and bicycle access

A key to any walking plans is sustainable transport options such as walking and cycling. Walking will help overcome the area’s geographic dispersion while improving health, increasing equity through increased low-cost travel options, reducing congestion, heat from car exhausts and carbon emissions.

The City of Parramatta is already working towards active transport infrastructure, and alongside the Parramatta Ways Walking Strategy, the Parramatta Bike Plan was also released in 2017.

Transport links

Allowing workers and residents to move around the City of Parramatta, and to travel to and from the area is paramount to a walkable city.

Parramatta’s transport infrastructure continues to develop with the Light Rail, Metro West, and Ferry upgrades.

The new transport modes are complemented by the existing services. The Parramatta Transport Interchange was recently upgraded and brings train and bus connections under one roof. This links with the future Parramatta Light Rail and Metro West just a short walk away, giving a seamless travel experience for commuters and other visitors. 

Outdoor space

Parramatta has many great destinations such as parks, natural bushland and heritage sites that provide good reasons to walk.

Parramatta already boasts over 350 parks and reserves like the popular Parramatta Park which boasts 85 hectares of open space with grasslands, mature trees, gardens and river frontage, features popular walking paths, cycleways and historic buildings.

The Parramatta Ways Walking Strategy and other development plans are an important part of making Parramatta Australia's next great city. As Parramatta takes its place as a global city at the centre of Sydney, it will help ensure the City meets the expectations of both current and future residents, workers and visitors.

With restrictions easing, most institutions and colleges are now encouraging students to return to campus and enjoy the university spirit in person.

If you’re planning on getting involved in your university’s academic and social culture, visiting your campus, and making the most of it is key. Below are five tips to help you enjoy and embrace your life on campus to the fullest.

Get involved in social club activities

Most universities will have a wide selection of clubs that you can join to socialise and meet people with similar shared interests. For example, you’ll be able to freely join a range of societies such as:
•    Sports and fitness clubs (football, ultimate frisbee, badminton, rowing, futsal)
•    Creative clubs (design, origami, music)
•    Wellness club (mental health)
•    Volunteering clubs (recycling, social justice)

Depending on the university or college you attend, there may be more social club options for you to choose from. Different clubs will also have varying types of activities that you can attend and enjoy, from formal ball dinners and premier movie screenings to casual lunches and coastal walks. 

Joining these social clubs is a great opportunity for you to make friends, bond over similar interests, as well as partake in the broader campus spirit. You’ll be able to join in on all types of hosted events and activities and enjoy your offline campus life to the fullest.

Try out the best campus foods

If there’s one thing you can enjoy on campus, it’s the food. Most universities and colleges will have food courts, restaurants, cafes, and all sorts of other dietary amenities that you can try and enjoy between your classes. Whether you’re after a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a filling lunch, or small energy-boosting snacks, there’s sure to be something for you on campus.

Most foods sold on campus are also take-away-friendly, meaning you can purchase a scrumptious meal and enjoy it anywhere you’d like. Lawns, ovals and quads in particular make for the best makeshift picnic spots when enjoying some food on campus.

Contribute to campus student publications

Contributing to student news and magazine publications is a great way to get further involved in your university’s campus life. Not only does it let you learn more about your university’s internal affairs, but it also allows you to have an active voice in your university or college’s external communications.

Although you can contribute to some student publications and magazines via online research, the best articles are those that are based on real life experiences on campus. For example, written pieces about food recommendations at your university are most engaging if they include personal reviews and detailed recounts of eating experiences - and of course, the only way to do this is to try out the foods on campus yourself.

Find your perfect, cosy study spot

It can be boring studying in the same room at home all the time, and the best way to avoid burnout is to settle in a new and cosy study spot, preferably on campus. Part of the fun of going onto the university campus is exploring all the nooks and crannies and finding your perfect study spot. From libraries to lawn benches to empty lecture halls, there are many different places you can visit to study on campus. 

You can use the time you have on campus to find the perfect, snug study spot where you’ll be most productive. Perhaps it’s a spot surrounded by other hardworking students or a place where you can study in peace and alone. No matter what kind of study environment you prefer, you’re sure to find a spot where you’ll feel most comfortable and efficient on your campus.

Embrace learning and attend offline classes

Offline classes are one of the biggest positives when it comes to making the most of campus life. The main point of enrolling and attending university is to learn, and although online learning certainly does have its benefits, offline learning is by far more effective in helping students digest new information. This is because offline learning is naturally more interactive and engaging and encourages a greater level of commitment. Embracing offline learning can also help you with adapting to campus life.

Enjoying campus life to the fullest

You’ve only got a few chances to enjoy campus life so make sure you try your best to make the most of it. Some of the best ways to help you enjoy campus life to the fullest include joining social clubs, trying out all the campus foods and finding the perfect place to study.

For more suggestions on how to make the most of your campus life, check out the AT Parramatta blog.

Are you excited to get back on campus after months of online learning? Or are you a returning student looking to experience on-campus learning once more? If so, you might be wondering how you can best adapt to life back on campus.

As colleges, institutions and universities in Parramatta transition back into offline learning, it’s no wonder you’re looking forward to experiencing everything in person. Below are a few tips to help you get back on track with campus life as quickly as possible.

Start meeting up with a study group

It can be tough getting straight back into the swing of things, especially if you’ve gotten used to studying online independently. To ease you back into offline and interactive learning, it’s a good idea to join a study group with friends or classmates.

Joining a small study group of four to five people can help keep you engaged with your class material, while also allowing you to share ideas and learning experiences with others. You can stay on top of your course work and review assignments more easily with others’ comments. It can also be more interesting than studying alone while giving you a chance to socialise and take advantage of the studying amenities offered on your campus.

You can book a library room complete with desks, projectors, power points, and whiteboards to help make your studying experience as enjoyable and productive as possible. Alternatively, you might even want to study outdoors on a bench or lawn and enjoy the bustling atmosphere on campus.

Partake in offline social activities

As fun as online game nights are it can be just as enjoyable (maybe even more) to socialise with others in the real world. Social clubs play a big part in campus culture, so it makes sense that partaking in some club activities will help you adapt to the on-campus lifestyle.

When it comes to social clubs on campus, there’s a wide range of activities that you can enjoy, from sports to music, to arts to volunteering. Depending on what your interests are, you can register for any type of social club and pick and choose what kind of events you want to attend. In this way, you can curate your experience on campus, meet fellow students in Parramatta, and enjoy the university spirit without overwhelming yourself.

Explore the campus environment

One of the quickest ways to start adapting and feeling comfortable to life back on campus is to explore the university grounds yourself. Looking at a map often isn’t enough, and it’s much more beneficial to see and experience everything yourself. 

Take yourself on a tour around your university or college, including the lecture and tutorial rooms you’ll be attending class in, any potential cosy study spots, as well as food places you might want to try out. Time yourself as you walk from classroom to classroom, so you know approximately how long it’ll take for you to travel between classes. Familiarising yourself with the university environment can help you adapt to life back on campus much more effectively.

Adapting to on-campus life

Making the most of your campus life requires you to adapt back to offline learning. Joining a study group, familiarising yourself with the campus environment, and attending support sessions can make your transition into on-campus life seamless and stress-free. Try the tips above and enjoy studying in Parramatta to the fullest.

Rosehill Gardens Racecourse is the premier racecourse in Western Sydney. It’s a grass track that hosts many Group 1 races throughout each season. Arguably the most famous race hosted at Rosehill Gardens is the world’s richest race for two-year-old Thoroughbreds: the $3.5 million Longines Golden Slipper. This race is held every year in March. 

Whether you’re going to the races for the Golden Slipper or one of the many other races at this venue, here is your guide to the ultimate race day experience at Rosehill Gardens.

Get Your Outfit Ready

Fashion has long been a part of the race day experience. For many, it’s more exciting than the actual horse races themselves. To get your outfit ready in one place, head to Westfield Parramatta. There are more than 450 stores for you to browse, ranging from your usual retail outlets to top international and designer brands.

Start with finding a dress by going straight to Review or SHEIKE. Once you know what you’re wearing, visit APM Monaco for your jewellery. Explore Oroton, Mimco, Myer and David Jones for a matching handbag. Make sure you have the right makeup to finish your look by visiting MECCA and Sephora, which have over 100 cosmetic brands to choose from.

For those wanting to wear a suit, visit the House of Albert suit shop for a new fit. Or, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, find a pre-loved item at Anglicare Op Shop on Macquarie Street or the Vinnies and Salvos, both located in North Parramatta.

Where To Watch The Horses

The racetrack is where all the action happens, but a lot builds up to that moment. You can experience that excitement and anticipation at a couple of places before the race: at the Day Stalls and the Parade Ring.

The Day Stalls are where horses are stabled on race day. Horses arrive at least two hours before their event, meaning you have plenty of time to view the horses at these picturesque stalls before you see them race. You’ll find the stalls at the southern end of the Rosehill Gardens Racecourse. 

The Parade Ring is the area where horses meet their jockeys before the race. The horses leave the Day Stalls and are led through the Parade Ring to the Mounting Yard, which is in front of the Members Grandstand at Rosehill Gardens. This is the final chance for racegoers to view the horses, see the jockeys, and become familiar with individual race numbers and silk colours. 

To watch the races themselves, viewers can stand trackside and watch from the fence. This gets you as close as possible to the horses, where you can hear and see them whizz past. For a better perspective of the entire race, find a spot in the JR Fleming Stand. There are places for unreserved general admission as well as members-only access.

Dine In Style

There is a range of places to eat at Rosehill Gardens ranging from food trucks to fine dining. If you’re looking to dine in style, here are a few fabulous options:

Ascot Restaurant offers a bistro-style luncheon and is available to the public. It provides a floor-to-ceiling panoramic view of the track, so you don’t miss a moment of the action. 

Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar is available for members only. It offers a three-course lunch and ATC beverage package. The elegant and modern atmosphere combines with the spectacular views overlooking the home-straight to make the most of your day at the races.

Winning Post Restaurant is the Rosehill racecourse’s signature restaurant. This three-course à la carte menu is open to the public and available at a discounted price for members. At Winning Post, you’ll have panoramic views of the track and Parade Ring.

Create Your Own Vibe

For an even more exclusive experience going to the races, reserve your own private terrace and suite. The Rosehill racecourse suites host up to 25 people with their stunning vantage point of the racecourse. You can create your own atmosphere and tailor the occasion for you and your guests. 

Each suite offers a grazing menu, beverage package, in-suite full wait service, and access to outdoor private undercover balcony and seating.

Keep The Party Going

The night is still young! Celebrate the wins and keep the party going after you leave the racecourse. Parramatta’s vibrant nightlife gives you plenty of venues to choose from. If you drove or don’t want to go too far, walk to the nearby Rosehill Bowling Club for a sundowner. If you’re open to catching a taxi into Parramatta, you’re in for a treat. You can get picture-perfect cocktails at Nick & Nora’s with a rooftop view. Or, if all the excitement at the races has left you hungry, find mouth-watering food within walking distance of the train station at Bayti or Lilymu.

Staycation in Style

If you don’t want the night to end – turn race day into a mini-holiday. You can have a staycation in style with hotels near the racecourse or in downtown Parramatta. Within walking distance of the racecourse, you have the Mercure Hotel, Nesuto Apartment Hotel, and Rydges Hotel. In the CBD, you can book a room at Novotel, Parkroyal or Meriton Suites, to name a few. 

Best Places to Meet Friends in Parramatta

When it comes to meeting and enjoying social activities with friends, the City of Parramatta is the place to be. No matter if you’re planning a chill night out, a daytime picnic gathering, or a learning opportunity such as a book club or salsa class, there’s somewhere for you and your friends to meet in Parramatta.

Find out where you can meet and what kinds of fun activities you can organise with your friends in Parramatta below.

Dan Mahoney Reserve

What’s even better than hanging out with friends? Bonding with their pets! Dan Mahoney Reserve is the perfect park to let your pets roam free while you catch up with your friends over some scrumptious picnic food.

Located in North Parramatta, the reserve is a large piece of flat and well-maintained land where pets can run around off-leash. An open and wide space, you can keep an eye on your pups while conversing with your friends at Dan Mahoney Reserve. You can access the area from Gladstone Street and Waugh Avenue.

Parra Reads Book Clubs

Parra Reads hosts many internal book clubs meeting monthly to discuss different books, share ideas and socialise in a friendly and casual environment. Not only are the book clubs great places for meeting and catching up with your current friends, but they’re also amazing to help you meet new ones.

You can join the City of Parramatta Library’s book clubs both virtually and in person. Depending on your interests, schedule and location, the library can refer you to your ideal book club.

If you’re looking to host your own book club, Parra Reads also offers Book Club Kits containing ten copies of the same book packaged in a handy tote bag for easy access. You can choose a book from a wide range of different genres, from fiction to non-fiction to memoirs and biographies.

Simply contact Parra Reads for more information on joining or creating your own book club for meeting friends.

Bar 30 & Bistro Parramatta

If you’re looking to wind down with your friends with a cool drink in hand, Bar 30 & Bistro is the perfect bar to be. Bar 30 & Bistro at PARKROYAL is one of the most famous bars and restaurants in Parramatta, with a menu featuring creative cocktails and Modern Australian as well as international dishes. 

The restaurant has both in-room dining and outdoor seating, meaning you can enjoy your lunch or dinner meal in an environment you like. You can order large bites such as garlic prawn pizza, beef nachos and sirloin steak to share or sip on contemporary cocktails such as the Boozy Chai Latte and Lychee Lime Fizz.

Paper Plane Cafe

Paper Plane Cafe is a local treasure, known for its delicious brunch food, artisan coffee as well as cosy seating options. It’s the perfect small and quiet cafe for monthly catchups with your friends, where you can enjoy good food and chit-chat for as long as you’d like.

The cafe’s all-day breakfast menu offers both sweet and savoury foods, so you don’t have to worry about choosing between the two on your visit. Best known for their eggy croissant, chorizo hotpot, and lamb stuffed sweet potato, you can enjoy and share all sorts of warm, scrumptious foods with your friends at Paper Plane Cafe.

Urban Salsa Dance Class

Do you want to take up a new hobby together with your friends? Why not join a premier salsa class and learn traditional Latin dance? Urban Salsa on Victoria Road in Parramatta is the perfect studio to do so, providing top instructors, a dedicated dancing space, and a fun and cheerful environment.

Enjoy a class with your friends and meet new ones as you partake in Parramatta’s growing salsa dance scene. Classes are divided into Beginners, Level 2 and up, so rest assured that no matter your dancing ability, you’ll be able to learn and enjoy a salsa class at Urban Salsa. You can even book private lessons with your friends if you’d like a bit more of an exclusive hang-out.

Games Corner

If you’re interested in playing a few board games or learning trading card games competitively with your friends, Games Corner is the place to be. Games Corner in Parramatta not only sells all of Australia’s beloved board and trading card games but also doubles as a gaming hub, hosting Sydney-wide events and tournaments every weekend.

You can play all sorts of training card and board games at Games Corner, such as the Digimon Card Game, Final Fantasy TCG and Yu Gi Oh. Depending on the kinds of games you’re interested in, you can also simply purchase one and bring it home for you and your friends to play.

Labyrinth Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are a great activity to try with friends, as not only are they a great cooperative and bonding experience, but they can also help you get to know your friends better.

Labyrinth Escape Rooms is Parramatta’s first real-life escape room service with a variation of intricately designed puzzles and stimulating skill-based problems. You and your friends will be challenged with improving conflict management, working as a team, and using your logical deduction skills to escape elaborate room sets. There are many different themed escape rooms with varying levels of difficulty that you can book, including the “Outbreak” session, “Insane Asylum” session, and “Mexican Cartel” session.

Enjoy Parramatta with Friends

When it comes to meeting up and hanging out with friends, there’s no shortage of places to visit in Parramatta. Whether you want to enjoy a couple of drinks with your friends, challenge each other in an escape room, or partake in a dance class together, you can do all that and more in Parramatta.

For more ideas, check out AT Parramatta’s blog.

What better way to learn more about Parramatta’s cultural heritage than on a leisurely, guided stroll? The City of Parramatta regularly holds walking tours exploring different aspects of Parramatta’s culture and history for you to enjoy. From architecture to Aboriginal origins, to art and food, there’s much to discover on Parramatta’s walking tours.

Find out what walking tours are available in Parramatta and which one you might want to sign up for the next weekend you have free.

Parramatta Square Art Tour

Join this 2 hour, free walking tour within Parramatta Square, the brand new commercial and community hub within the City core.

You will find amazing art installations, contemporary sculptures and beautiful heritage displays throughout the Square. Parramatta Square dazzles not only with its modern architecture but it provides world class artistic offerings which will surprise and astound you.

There is walking involved, please wear comfortable shoes and bring a drink. 

Warami Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural Tour

The Warami Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural Tour is a tour dedicated to the Dharug people in Parramatta - the traditional custodians of the land. An easy and relaxing walk along the Parramatta River and through Parramatta Park, the cultural tour will take you through aspects of Aboriginal culture that are local to the area. For example, the Dharug people’s connection to the land, particular plant uses, and use of hunting tools.

Designed to educate both adults and children alike, the Warami Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural Tour can be an exciting learning experience for participants of all ages. You can take inspiration from the tour to further explore the local Aboriginal culture and better understand not only the origins of the Parramatta land but its development processes which have led the area to become the modern iteration we see today.

Learning Dharug Ways

Spend time with an Aboriginal Custodian and learn about cultural heritage, food, tools and more on this one-hour activity held at PHIVE foyer.

The Darug people are Parramatta’s first people and the traditional custodians of this land.  Parramatta’s name comes from their word “burramatta, meaning “the place of eels”.   

This coming together is a wonderful opportunity to spend with an Aboriginal traditional custodian, learning about connections to land, plant uses, tools, hunting and other aspects of local culture.

Book your spot here.

First Contact Tour

Another inspirational tour centred around Aboriginal culture is the First Contact Tour. Based on real Aboriginal stories about loyalty, exploration, betrayal, and brutality, the tour aims to shed light on the hidden histories in Parramatta. From early frontier conflicts to Aboriginal records of trade, cooperation, and assistance, the tour covers a wide range of topics most Australians should be curious to know.

The First Contact Tour also uncovers some harsh truths about the Aboriginal people, military, convicts, and settlers. Based on first-hand records and recollections from the Aboriginal local community, the First Contact Tour explores the tumultuous time of early settlement in the Parramatta area.

Taste Cultural Food Tour

Taste Cultural Food Tours occasionally offers tours involving cultural food tasting in Parramatta. The City of Parramatta takes pride in its multicultural community, with many different authentic cuisines available to try on Church St, also known as “Eat St”. Whether you’re craving Korean, Lebanese, Italian, or Chinese food, there’s bound to be a top-rated restaurant in Parramatta that can satisfy your palette.

Taste Cultural Food Tour aims to take you through all the cuisines available in Parramatta, as well as guide you through the centuries of food development in the suburb, from indigenous times to colonial and modern eras. The latest Taste Cultural Food Tour in Parramatta included tastings of Nepalese, Malaysian and Japanese cuisine.

Harris Park Heritage Trails

Harris Park Heritage Trail is a 2.4 km heritage walk along Parramatta River east to Harris Park. As a relaxed, self-guided tour, the trail goes through colonial sites that are rich with stories and historical significance. The trail leads you through Georgian architecture-inspired Hambledon Cottage and a 200-year-old second house of Macarthur.

You can also take the trail to Elizabeth Farm and the Experiment Farm Cottage to admire and learn more about architecture from the 1780s and the early days of Parramatta.

Image: Elizabeth Farm

PHIVE Building Tour

We invite you to join a free tour of PHIVE, 5 Parramatta Square, the City’s new iconic community, cultural and civic building right in the heart of Parramatta’s CBD.

The state-of-the-art building, which extends over the original, heritage-listed Parramatta Town Hall, will create a modern connection with Parramatta’s rich history.

Hear about innovative design features, sustainable concepts, quiet spaces, cultural and artistic inclusions within the building.

Explore Parramatta through Walking Tours

Paramatta walks are some of the best ways to explore the suburb to its max. From food tours, to architecture tours, to cultural history tours, there are many ways for you to learn more about Parramatta. Take your pick and choose one that sounds most enjoyable for you!

Thank you for your interest in being a stallholder at our Burramatta NAIDOC 2022 event. Our stallholder applications have now closed for this year's event but please keep an eye out on our website and @atparramatta for future event opportunities.

City of Parramatta’s NAIDOC celebration has been running for over 10 years. It is a celebration of First Nations music, art, cultural, dance, language, and traditions. We are looking for food, arts and craft and service stalls that are run by First Nations or would benefit First Nations communities.

Please fill out our expression of interest form below if you would like to participate with your food, arts, craft and service stall at our Burramatta NAIDOC Day 2022 event on Sunday 10 July in Parramatta Park. 

people at a market stall looking at dream catchers

About Burramatta NAIDOC Day 

10.30am - 5pm
Sunday, 10 July
Pavilion Flat, Parramatta Park
In partnership with Greater Sydney Parklands
Free event, no tickets or registrations required

Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!  for NAIDOC celebrations in 2022.

NAIDOC Week (3 – 10 July) is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and the City of Parramatta will join the activities with Burramatta NAIDOC on Sunday 10 July.

The event is a family-friendly celebration for the whole community featuring children's workshops, market stalls, delicious food as well as some great performances.

kids doing painting at an arts and crafts table

Taking Part

The event is wholly funded by the City of Parramatta Council (CoP). CoP will be providing all infrastructures on site, including marquees, structures, generators, dry waste services, fencing, lighting, furniture etc. Site fees are in consideration of these costs and are determined by the Manager, Major Events. Any of the above elements (marquees, power, water connections/tanks, trestle tables, chairs etc.) must be ordered through Council through the below form.

Stallholder Fees & Prices

NB: Stallholder fees do not include health inspector fees, which are invoiced separately by Council’s regulatory team after inspection at the event. You will have the option to pay a one-off amount, or one fee to cover you for all City of Parramatta events for the year.

Marquee Stall

One 3m x 3m pagoda including pro flooring, service bench, 2x chairs, lighting, dry waste service, shared hand washing sink, up to 2 x 10 or 15 amp power, stall signage and additional scenic decorations for stall in theme of event.

Cost (ex. GST): $0

Van or Cart

One 6m x 3m space, dry waste service, 2 x 10/15 amp power.

Cost (ex. GST): $0

Additional Fees

Additional Electric Power - Extra outlet (per 10 amp or 15 amp point): $34

Electric Power (3 phase, 32 amp, 5 pin): $151

Additional trestle table – 1.8m: $20

Additional trestle table – 2.4m: $23

Additional Chairs: Plastic/unit: $5

Cool room: shared space: $150