Black Tie Ballroom

Known as the king of social dancing in Parramatta is the perfect spot to kick up your heels with some classic dance classes. Private dancing, group classes, and social events are on the Black Tie Ballroom calendar and cover all the classic dance styles including ballroom, rhythm and Latin, and salsa. The studio is open six days a week and offers a free introductory lesson.

28/55-67 George Street, Parramatta | 0429 216 602 | info@blacktieballroom.com | Facebook | Instagram

Urban Salsa

The mission at Urban Salsa is simple – to grow the salsa dancing scene in Parramatta and Western Sydney and uphold an ‘everyone’s welcome’ philosophy.

A dance class at Urban Salsa will also give you a fun lesson on the history, culture and food of Latin America too. It’s a social experience, one that is not limited to the studio. Raymund brings people together and fosters connection in his community by running social events both at the Urban Salsa studio and in venues across Parramatta.

Level 1, Suite 1 136 Victoria Rd entrance via the service lane behind the building, North Parramatta NSW 2151

Xtend Barre

With devotees like Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna, it’s no surprise that people everywhere are flocking to the nearest barre for a workout. If you’re in Parramatta, the nearest barre workout can be found at Xtend Barre Parramatta. Inspired by ballet, pilates, and yoga, barre is a full-body workout that focuses on isometric strength training. Xtend Barre is open seven days a week and offers the first barre class for free.

1/277 Church Street, Parramatta 

Dancekool

The first street style dance studio in Sydney, Dancekool in Parramatta provides instructors who are authentic and are true pioneers in their expertise of dance. Dancekool is renowned for being a hip hop institution, the company offers both private and group lessons with prices starting from as little as $10 per class. 

159-161 Shaftsbury Road, Eastwood and 1-3 Memorial Avenue, Granville

Pepa Molina Flamenco

If you’re looking for an emotional outlet and journals aren’t your thing, book in for flamenco classes at Pepa Molina’s. Flamenco prodigy Pepa Molina is reviving the seductive and highly expressive Spanish dance form that dates back to the 1700s. Flamenco classes run on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, or private tuition is available.

404 Church Street, Parramatta

Parramatta Park

With shelters for hire, well-maintained barbecues and several playgrounds to choose from, as well as the opportunity to explore a wealth of historic colonial architecture, this 85-hectare park is an oasis in the urban jungle that is the Parramatta CBD. Take your pick of prime spots in Parramatta Park: whether you’re after a quiet picnic near Wistaria Gardens or a swing through the air on a flying fox closer to the Westmead side of the park, your options are almost endless. Don’t forget to book your shelter in advance.

Cnr Pitt St & Macquarie St Parramatta

Lake Parramatta Reserve

This 73-hectare parkland may be located within two kilometres of the Parramatta CBD, but it feels like a world away. While it has historical significance, as the largest bushland surviving in the Parramatta Local Government Area, a recent facelift has reintroduced it to modern patrons looking for a local place to picnic, bushwalk, paddle in a boat and even swim. There are plenty of shelters and barbecues to choose from too. Read five reasons you should visit Lake Parramatta Reserve this weekend here.

28 Bourke Street North Parramatta, entry via Lackey Street

North Rocks Park

North Rocks Park is the ideal place for active kids to burn off a little energy. As well as secure fencing, the play equipment includes swings, rockers, spider rope pyramids and a small scooter path with tennis courts available for hire adjacent to the play area. Barbecues and picnic facilities are also available to keep spirited toddlers – and their supervisors - fed and fuelled through their play.

North Rocks Road Carlingford

Dundas Park

This park is a favourite among locals and with the addition of the Phillip Ruddock Water Playground, it’s also a great place to cool down on a warm summer’s day. For those looking to fire up the barbecue, three covered picnic tables and a hotplate are also available. 

42a Yates Avenue Dundas Valley 2117

George Kendall Riverside Park ​​​​​

Rumour has it that this park has the most barbecues of any reserve in the Parramatta region, making it a great option for large group gatherings and celebrations. Luscious green fields and views across to Sydney Olympic Park ensure this park is both practical and picturesque. Bring your whole gang, some meat and veg for the BBQ or a packed lunch and run wild in the great outdoors!

38 Spofforth Street Ermington

Halvorsen Park

Ahoy there! Halvorsen Park houses a fantastic nautical-themed playground with rope towers, a sandstone boat and several nature-based play elements for both kids and adults who want to get in touch with their inner child. While this park doesn’t provide BBQ facilities, it is not short of shaded grassy areas for those willing to pack their own picnic basket to satisfy any post-play hunger pangs.

Seamist Avenue Ermington

Rosella Park

This secret park and local favourite may be named after a noisy native bird, but its picnicking offerings are decidedly more discreet (although no less impressive). The main event here is the pentagon-shaped swing set, with five swings for the whole family to enjoy. Well-maintained amenities also include a newly added barbecue and clean toilet blocks.

43a Wigram Street Harris Park

Upjohn Park

You’d be excused for missing this from the street as it hides among the shade of native trees, but this park is a perfect picnic spot for those looking for somewhere a little more private. As well as a double barbecue and four picnic shelters, it features a scooter and bike track, sporting fields and plenty of creek and bushland for curious explorers to visit.

73 Kirby Street Rydalmere

Wentworth Common

Wentworth Common is a large park in the former Olympic complex right where Haslams Creek becomes Homebush Bay. Little ones can get imaginative in the playground that includes a sandpit, slide and flying fox, while the more adventurous can ride or run up the winding path of the Bay Marker before sitting in a shady spot with a packed lunch. Wentworth Common also features picnic shelters and barbecues, so you can show off your gold-medal sausage sizzle skills to family and friends.

Marjorie Jackson Parkway, Sydney Olympic Park

Blaxland Riverside Park

Don’t be fooled by the unassuming turn off to its home on Jamieson Street, this enormous park is spread over three acres and the offerings on site are just as huge. In addition to a playground with several barbecue facilities, a vintage train, and the opportunity to explore and learn at the BirdLife Discovery Centre, the lovely Armory Wharf Café is perfect for a sophisticated take on picnicking right by the river.

Jamieson Street, Newington (Off Holker Street)

Boronia Park

Little ones will love the playground at this Epping park, filled with all sorts of play equipment including a wooden set filled with trains, climbing ropes and see-saws for imaginations to run wild! With barbecue facilities, a supermarket within walking distance, and shaded seating areas scattered throughout, Boronia Park is the perfect place for an afternoon out.

Boronia Avenue Epping

Bicentennial Park

With barbecues and picnic benches galore, along with bike paths, water features, a tower to climb and a boardwalk that ventures into the Badu mangroves, Bicentennial Park is made for a day out. Grab a coffee and some hot chips at Café at Waterview and wander the lake before you hit the play equipment, spot some wildlife or perhaps even hire a bike! Children’s bikes, child carrier and tagalong bikes and tandem bikes for the big kids are all on offer to hire for a few hours or even the whole day!

Australia Avenue Sydney Olympic Park

Significance of the Discoveries

Excavations at 45 Macquarie Street revealed the well-preserved brick footprint – or as archaeologists say, ‘footings’ – of a convict hut and evidence of two more. Dating from the 1790s or early 1800s, these are the remains of some of the first European structures ever built on Australian soil. When Parramatta was a penal settlement, such huts were used to house convicts and by 1792 over a hundred of them had been constructed along George and Macquarie Streets. Rudimentary in the extreme, the simple wattle-and-daub structures would have formed a striking contrast to the fine Governor’s house, which overlooked them from the top of the hill.

As the project’s lead archaeologist Edward Higginbotham points out, ‘This is the first time that the physical remains of a convict hut have been put on display’, making the Philip Ruddock Heritage Centre a unique attraction for those interested in the early history of the colony of New South Wales. It’s hard to imagine that between ten and fourteen people lived in each of these buildings, sharing a space of around 7 by 4 metres. Picturing the inhabitants’ lives is a good exercise in historical empathy, even more so when you realize that they had no furniture and only a fireplace for both cooking and warmth.

Over time, as prisoners were moved into purpose-built barracks, many of the huts were leased out to free settlers and emancipated convicts, who developed the ‘allotments’ for residential and commercial purposes. The Philip Ruddock Heritage Centre contains remnants of a number of these early homes and businesses, including one of Australia’s first pubs, the Wheatsheaf Hotel, which operated here between 1801 and 1808. There are also the remains of a wheelwright’s workshop, where solidified drops of molten iron were found, having been left behind nearly 200 years ago in the process of making and mending wheels for the carts that carried people and produce between Parramatta and Sydney.

A baker’s oven, a stone used for grinding flour, a household well, water pipes, fireplaces and a timber-floored beer cellar are among the other structural finds that reveal the many different uses of this site over the years. Altogether, the discoveries here make this of the most significant archaeological excavations not only in Parramatta, but also in the whole of New South Wales.

The Visitor Experience

The immediacy and impact of seeing these remnants of old Parramatta exactly where they were discovered is further enhanced by the detailed interpretative signage that accompanies the displays. The Philip Ruddock Heritage Centre is not just an exposed archaeological site: it is also a beautifully curated museum of life in the early days of the colony.

Quotations from original letters, diaries and newspapers, and reproductions of contemporary paintings and drawings, add depth and drama to the stories revealed by the excavations. Even more intriguing are the displays of objects found during the dig. Fruit stones, shells and bones, bottles and eggcups show what the convicts and settlers ate, and how they ate it. Toothbrushes, medicine jars and fine-tooth combs tell us about their health and hygiene. Thimbles and pins, buttons and beads, provide insights into the way they dressed and adorned themselves. Inkwells and agricultural tools show the range of their occupations, while hundreds of clay pipes testify to a common love of tobacco. Marbles, chess pieces, dolls and toy soldiers reveal their recreations, especially those of the children who once lived here.

The exhibition curators have also created a beautiful collages of multi-coloured glass and ceramic fragments that reveal the complex trade connections the young colony had with China and India, as well as Great Britain.

On this compact site, thanks to the carefully designed displays and detailed background information, it’s possible to understand the ways in which physical excavation, archival detective work and broader historical explanation all complement each other in the process of bringing a buried past to light. Whether you’re interested in the economic life of the early settlement at Parramatta, or inspired by the fragments of a doll’s tea set to imagine the life of the child who played with it long ago, this is a place that will inform and intrigue.

After all, the river, which runs for fourteen kilometres from west to east, is the Harbour's main tributary. Plus, its headwaters are smack bang in the middle of Sydney's metropolitan area — in a tranquil, grassy spot behind Cumberland Hospital.

There are many ways to spend time in, on, above or beside Parramatta River. While fitness fanatics can get their fix on cycleways and footpaths, history buffs have the waterway's rich heritage to explore. For foodies, there are outstanding restaurants and, for culture vultures, Riverside Theatres hosts an array of artsy happenings. This guide is a springboard for watery adventures.

History and Heritage

For at least 40,000 years, the Burramatta people, a local Indigenous clan of the Darug Nation, lived on Parramatta River's banks, feasting on oysters, yams, mullet and, of course, eels. In fact, the word "Burramatta" can be loosely translated as "the place where eels lie down". Right near Parramatta Wharf, fresh water, flowing downstream, meets salt water, creating a perfect place for eels to breed and thereby making them easy targets for hunters. Today, the Burramatta people remain the area's traditional custodians.

However, in 1788, Governor Arthur Phillip turned up in a boat, searching for fertile soil. Armed with guns, he set up New South Wales's second British settlement — the first being Sydney Cove. The invasion led to cultural clashes, fierce fighting and the spread of disease, disrupting the Burramattagal clan's ancient way of life.

Today, Indigenous murals on the Parramatta River Foreshore Reserve interpret these—and later—events. They are the creations of Ngemba artist Jamie Eastwood. It's also possible to retrace Governor Phillip's journey via a 3.5-kilometre long, signposted walk.

Other important sites along the river include Old Government House, a two-storey Georgian manor that served as a country residence for governors between 1800 and 1847; Lennox Bridge, a single arch, sandstone bridge built by convicts in the 1830s; Parramatta Female Factory, where the colony's unassigned women lived and worked, often in slave-like conditions; and the Female Orphan School, which later became a psychiatric hospital.

For happy hours

Most would agree that there’s nothing like a good happy hour, particularly when it comes to beer and pizza. At ALEX&Co you can enjoy an extended happy hour session with refreshing $5 schooners and delicious $10 pizza from 3-5pm Monday to Saturday and 2-5pm on Sunday. They’ve got crowd-pleaser beer classics on tap including Furphy, Hahn Super Dry and James Squire 150 lashes.

Their ALEX&Co twist on the traditional Hawaiian pizza with double smoked bacon, chilli paste, and pineapple is great for fans of the famous meat and fruit pizza topping combo. Otherwise you might be tempted by their range of eclectic, quality pizza toppings including the BBQ wagyu brisket, pork and fennel salami and shitake truffle mushrooms. With the Mediterranean décor and riverside views, it’s a great space to sit back, sip your beer and relax with a belly full of pizza.

• Address: Lot 2-4 / 330 Church Street, Parramatta
• Phone: 02 9194 4499
• Email: reservations@alexandco.com.au

For classic hotel charm

The Winston was one of the first local venues to tap into the craft beer market and its extensive range of craft beers on tap make it a fine contender for an afternoon (and into the evening) session. For American-style craft beers try the Old Mate Pale Ale by Moon Dog Craft Brewery or the Feral Brewing Company’s Biggie Juice, otherwise the Budgy Smuggler Pale Ale by Nomad Brewing Co. is an Australian must-try brew. You can choose from its range of bars, from the charming classic hotel style bar and dining room inside, to the sun-soaked terrace and pavilions surrounded by lush gardens for those who prefer an alfresco experience. Their gourmet pizza menu is switched around regularly so as you work your way through the craft beers you can mix up your pizza choices too. You’ll also get to enjoy live music while you digest your pizza and sip your beer every Friday night from 9.30pm.

• Address: 170 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Winston Hills
• Phone: 02 9624 4500
• Email: info@thewinston.com.au

For pizza connoisseurs

Bondi Pizza make it their business to provide their customers with the perfect pizza and laid-back bar combination so book yourself a table here to soak in the chill Bondi Beach vibes in Parramatta. Their Chargrilled Lamb pizza, with its tender marinated lamb, balsamic onions and sweet potato crisps, is top of the list. The Meat Supreme and True Vegetarian are packed with the best meat and veggie toppings, hitting the spot for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. They’ve got Peroni on tap, a classic Italian beer, and some of the Aussie craft favourites bottled including 4 Pines Pale Ale, Young Henry’s Newtowner and Stone & Wood Pacific Ale.  

• Address: 320 Church Street, Parramatta
• Phone: 1300 383 860
• Email: parramatta@bondipizza.com.au
• Order: bondipizza.com.au, doordash.com, menulog.com.au

For so much choice

Club Parramatta will well and truly spoil you for choice when it comes to pizza and beer. With 21 different beers on tap, they cover all the Aussie classics as well as a couple of local flavours like Riverside Hex Session IPA, Riverside Stashe Milk Stout and their own signature beer, the Club Parramatta CP lager, brewed at the Marsden Brewhouse. For pizza, you can choose from 17 options. Meat-lovers will want the mouth-watering BBQ pulled pork, pepperoni fans will be keen to try their Italian Stallion and their Bruschetta pizza is a fantastic twist on the popular Italian starter. Those with a sweet tooth will want to finish up with a delicious Nutella pizza with fresh strawberries and vanilla bean ice cream. Just minutes’ walk from CommBank Stadium, Club Parramatta is also the perfect spot for you to get a pizza and beer in before or after the game.

• Address: 2 Macquarie Street, Parramatta
• Phone: 02 8865 5100
• Email: cpinfo@chrg.com.au

For a Mamma Mia experience

Mama & Papas brings the Mediterranean carefree vibes to Parramatta with their delicious range of pizzas and beers. There are pizza base sizes to suit every appetite - from 11 inches to 13 inches, to a whopping half-metre pizza (nicknamed mama mia) all made with delicious traditional mozzarella cheese. When it comes to beers, you've got the Aussie highlights - Hahn Premium, Pure Blonde, James Squire, Coopers as well as the international flavours of Peroni and Corona. Pair the Corona with the Mexicana pizza (pepperoni, capsicum, onion and chilli) or try the Mamas Special (grilled chicken, fresh tomato, herbs and aioli) and Papas Aussie Special (ham, bacon and egg). To top it all off, sit back, try some shisha and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. 

• Address: 295/301 Church St, Parramatta 
• Phone: 02 9687 8189
• Email: info@mamaandpapas.com.au
• Order: mamaandpapas.com.au, doordash.com

Riverside Brewing Company

Wash down your delicious takeaway pizza with something that has a bit of local flavour from Parramatta’s very own brewhouse, the Riverside Brewing Company. All their hand-crafted beers are brewed on-site and you can buy them fresh from the source at their cellar door (Fridays and Saturdays 2-6pm) or from a range of bottle shops. From the fruity, to the hoppy, to the spicy as well as the smooth and easy-to-drink, they cater for seasoned craft beer drinkers as well as those with a more easy-going taste. Try their Sixty-Nine Summer Ale for an easy-drinking beer with a citrus and passionfruit aroma and clean, refreshing finish.

• Address: Unit 3, 2 North Rocks Road, North Parramatta
• Phone: 02 9890 7007
• Email: beer@riversidebrewing.com.au

Adora High Tea

High tea with a side of pure coverture hot chocolate – we’ll take two! Tea, savouries, and some of the richest chocolate in the world are on offer at Adora Chocolates high tea service. Everything at this Parramatta patisserie is made by hand daily, so you know you’re in for a gourmet treat when you book a table for high tea. Adora’s tea for two sitting is $20 per person and bookings are required.

2b/103 George St Parramatta

PARKROYAL Parramatta

Feel like royalty at PARKROYAL Parramatta with their Royal High Tea for $59 or celebrate in style with the bottomless rosé and mimosa option for $79. Delicious savouries include your classic cucumber, dill and cream cheese sandwiches as well as a tasty tandoori chicken pinwheel on spinach bread. The lemon scones with clotted cream and mix berry jam go down nicely with the unlimited cups of tea and their other delectable sweets finish off the experience beautifully. Every Saturday 11am - 3pm. 

30 Phillip St, Parramatta

The Bells Road Social

You may have tried their popular Native Australian High tea but during the cold winter months, you'll feel warm inside at the thought of The Bells Road Social's 'taste of Winter' high tea. Delicious brown butter carrot cake, pumpkin and caramel pots de Creme, orange ginger tiramisu, curried apple and swiss cheese crostini all washed down with warm mulled apple juice or a virgin pear mimosa. This gorgeous cafe in Oatlands is the perfect place for a catch-up with friends over food that looks (almost) too good to eat! 

1 Bells Rd, Oatlands