Ginger Indian

The creamy korma, the infamous butter chicken – these are dishes very typical of the rich, filling Mughlai cuisine of India’s north. There’s so much more to explore though at the passionately foodie Ginger Indian restaurant. Hidden away in a downright adorable weatherboard cottage, strung with fairy lights and buzzing with diners every night and weekend. Try the classic Darbari goat curry, or one of the many biryani rice dishes on offer, followed by an impossibly rich shahi tukra sweet bread pudding.

94 Wigram Street Harris Park | 8061 7245 | contact@gingerindian.com.au | Facebook

Taj Indian Sweets & Restaurant

Why not start with dessert? After all, that’s how it happened for one of the first Indian restaurants, Taj Indian Sweets & Restaurant. In what is now the ‘Little Bombay’ of Harris Park, the main length of Wigram Street and surrounding blocks is filled with Indian eats and treats. Australia’s widest selection of Indian sweets is laid out in this store, a favourite with local residents and visitors. Taj Indian opens at 10.00am, too, so you really can start with sweets.

91 Wigram Street Harris Park | 9633 2118 | info@tajindianrestaurant.com.au | Facebook

Neelam Indian

Cosy, comfy, friendly – and just down the Macquarie Street end of the City’s Eat Street area – Neelam Indian is the place to settle in for a proper meal and taste your way through India. Owner Gyan Chand brought his veteran five-star chef’s skills from the old country to Parramatta almost two decades ago to serve everything from a good-value lunch thali of house dishes, to specialties hailing from Madras, Kerala, Mughlai northern cuisine and even a Pondicherry Indo-French fish favourite.

79 Macquarie St Parramatta | 9635 9476 | enquiry@neelamrestaurant.com.au | Facebook

Saravanaa Bhavan

Well, not silver as such, but the many thali-style meals served on a metal tray in traditional fashion in this international vegetarian chain restaurant will make this the cheapest and easiest instant trip to India you’ve ever had. Saravanaa Bhavan is one of 68 outlets (30 of which are in southern India). Dive into the crispy dosai pancakes, the thali trays, the thick utthpam chock-full of onions or the savoury plantain bajji, fried in batter and served with dahl. It’s no nonsense, it’s authentic and it’s fun.

 Octagon Business Centre, 1/99 Phillip St, Parramatta | 8628 0315 | sydney.saravanaabhavan.com.au

Pandemic in Parramatta – from 1919 to 2020

Through these COVID-19 times, you might have heard references in the news to the 1919 Spanish flu (Pneumonic Influenza) outbreak. How did the Parramatta community’s response 100 years ago differ to that of today? From contact tracing, to public hygiene, closure of public spaces, financial relief and quarantine, the echoes between the past and our present reality are striking.

“The wearing of an effective respirator over the nose and mouth will prevent the passage of germs,” reads the NSW Health Department guidance from the Parramatta Municipal Council in 1919.

A hundred years later and the fundamental health guidance remains the same with today’s NSW Government advising the public to wear face masks when social distancing is not possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Disinfectant should be liberally used wherever necessary” states a Health Directive Parramatta Municipal Council Correspondence file from 1919, reflecting the advice we hear today to disinfect surfaces and use hand sanitiser regularly. 

Discover the pandemic experiences of the City of Parramatta in 1919 and compare it with your personal lived experience a century later in this fascinating online exhibition.

On the street where you live

The street and suburb that you live in today might be as familiar to you as your own face but strip it of its current modern-day façade and what did it look like decades and even centuries ago? Would you be able to recognise it?

Take North Parramatta, for example. For thousands of years, the land was a hunting ground and sacred meeting place for Burramattagal clan members of the Darug people. 

When colonial settlers arrived in Australia, North Parramatta became the site of the Parramatta Female Factory, constructed in 1818-1821 and the first purpose-built destination for convict women in Australia. The building then became the Parramatta Lunatic Asylum in 1848 before getting renamed the Parramatta Hospital for the Insane until 1970 when it closed to get re-built and renamed Cumberland Hospital in 1983.

You can connect with the history of your local community in Parramatta by searching your street and suburb.

The great outdoors

Many of us are using this opportunity to get more in touch with nature in the many green spaces around Parramatta but did you know that there used to be a zoo in Parramatta Park? This was in fact the first zoo in Western Sydney.

Parramatta Park has been teeming with wildlife for many tens of thousands of years. For the traditional custodians, the Burramattagal people, it was a bountiful ground for hunting and fishing.

When colonial settlers arrived, they brought domesticated farm animals and non-native wild animals with them. Governer Macquarie’s wife Elizabeth was even said to have established a Deer Park and small menagerie in the Old Government House grounds in the early 1800s.

Located close to the Gatehouse entrance on George Street, Parramatta Park Zoo housed native wildlife and exotic animals until it eventually closed and was demolished in 1958.  

Learn more fascinating stories about the history of your much-loved parks and gardens in Parramatta.

Parramatta’s workforce is educated, professional and diverse

Parramatta's residency makeup is inclusive and diverse. It’s a cultural melting pot that fuses global skill and experience equipping businesses and employers in Parramatta to compete on a global stage backed by professionals who speak the language of international business.

A younger, more populated and professional community

By 2041, Parramatta’s current population of 279,000 is expected to grow to 487,000.

Parramatta’s job profile is becoming increasingly more professional with 60% of its population now working in professional, administrative or management roles.

As the population grows, Parramatta’s diverse workforce will become younger, more professional and corporate. Increasingly, more young families and young urban professionals are calling Parramatta home.
 

Connecting education and industry

Parramatta is experiencing a shift towards a modernised and integrated core of educational precincts in the heart of the City.

Leading this is the educational hub at 1 Parramatta Square, which creates opportunities for collaboration and industry-focused research between Western Sydney University students, PwC and Sydney Water. 

The planning of future education and training precincts is set to follow this model of collaboration between industry and academia with hubs being incubated within the CBD, Rydalmere and Westmead.

One such hub in the Parramatta CBD is the $280 million world-class 19-storey engineering innovation hub joint venture between Western Sydney University and the University of NSW, scheduled to open this year. 

People need more than just a great workplace culture to thrive

Productivity and profits are well on track when the right people are engaged. But people need more than just a great workplace culture to thrive, they need a vibrant place outside work where they can shop, dine and be entertained. 

The City has more than 300 restaurants, cafes and bars alongside a flourishing night-time economy and retail environment where more than $1.2 million in retail turnover occurs every day. 

Careful city planning is giving rise to activated outdoor spaces where workers, residents, students and visitors can enjoy a range of activities and environments after hours.

1 million square metres of office space

Over the next four years, Parramatta will become a 1-million square metre CBD with a variety of spaces and office types. At an average $520 per square metre, office space in Parramatta is almost half the cost in the Sydney CBD where it costs $1030 per square metre.

It's a compelling narrative for executives to consider expanding in or relocating to Parramatta.
 

Have a cuppa at one of Australia's oldest surviving houses

Built in 1793, Elizabeth Farm is Australia's oldest homestead. Built as the home for young British military couple John Macarthur and his wife Elizabeth (the house's namesake), the property witnessed major events in Australia's colonial history including the birth of the Australian wool industry and the Rum Rebellion of 1808. Now run by Sydney Living Museums, Elizabeth Farm is a hands-on museum where you can walk through the cottage and its expansive gardens, experience a taste of colonial life and on weekends enjoy a cup of tea and scone in the renowned Tearoom. 

Elizabeth Farm | 70 Alice Street Rosehill

Wander the River

The Parramatta River walk is a 3.5 kilometre signposted path on the northern bank of the picturesque Parramatta River mapping out the journey of Governor Arthur Phillip as he travelled upriver from Sydney Cove to establish Australia's second European settlement. Walk the track under the historic Lennox Bridge, built in 1839, to The Crescent in Parramatta Park where Governor Phillip first landed.

The artwork along the river path is by Ngemba artist Jamie Eastwood and interprets the events of 1788, the settlement of the Europeans and the displacement of the Burramattagul people who had prospered along the river for thousands of years. Don't forget to stop in at the Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre to witness the Life of the River exhibition, a 2.5-metre-tall archaeological core sculpture capturing the story of the Parramatta River bank.

Reflect on significant moments in Australia's social and political history 

The Whitlam Institute and Female Orphan School at Western Sydney University is a building filled with history. Opened in 1818, it was once home to orphaned convict and Aboriginal girls who were given a basic education here before it became a hospital for a century until the 1980s.

The grand building is now split into two wings, one housing a museum of the female orphan school and the other the Whitlam Institute and Margaret Whitlam Galleries since 2013.

Visiting the Female Orphan School is a rich and rewarding experience, and one worth repeating to see the changing art and social history exhibitions in the Margaret Whitlam Galleries, as well as the A Changing Australia: the time of Gough Whitlam exhibition. The Whitlam Institute, a research foundation and public policy institute, is also home to the Prime Ministerial Collection, filled with more than 35,000 objects related to Gough Whitlam including the letters and photographs of one of Australia's most remarkable Prime Ministers.

• Female Orphan School and Margaret Whitlam Galleries 
• James Ruse Drive and Victoria Road Rydalmere
• Visit the Whitlam Institute website for admission details

Be moved at the former Female Factory

2018 is the 200th anniversary of the Parramatta Female Factory, the sprawling location in North Parramatta which was a place of assignment for female convicts, a hospital, a marriage bureau, a factory, an asylum and a prison for those who committed a crime in the colony. Here you can uncover a history of convict womens’ incarceration experience (including removal of children), learn about the earliest dedicated women’s health service, early industrial textile history, and the first worker’s action in Australia. The site is now a public hospital; the site can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Guided tours can be arranged by appointment only.

Parramatta Female Factory Precinct | Building 23, 1 Fleet Street North Parramatta

Admire a colonial cottage

Built in 1824, Hambledon Cottage, was part of John Macarthur’s Elizabeth Farm estate and is only a few hundred metres from Elizabeth Farm cottage. It was used as additional accommodation by the Macarthur family and their friends. Best known resident was Penelope Lucas, governess to the Macarthur daughters. All of the furnishings are genuine period pieces and some have a special connection with the early colony. Reverend Samuel Marsden’s desk and Governor Fitzroy’s bed are memorable pieces. The cottage is built of sandstone brick and is a house museum - giving visitors an accurate sense of a colonial cottage in the early to mid 19th century.

Hambledon Cottage | 63 Hassall St Parramatta

Journey through industrial history

Experience a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Dairy Cottage Precinct in Parramatta Park through monthly guided tours. Built in 1796, the cottage is one of Australia’s oldest colonial sites and in the early 1800s it was enlarged and converted into a dairy with a sunken milk-processing room. Tours of this historically significant site are held by the City of Parramatta’s Host & Guides and include interpretive, audio-visual and artefact displays.

To book contact the Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre on 8839 3311 or visit the Dairy Cottage Precinct website.

Uncover the heritage of the land

Experiment Farm Cottage sits on one of the most important pieces of land in the founding of New South Wales. It was here that Governor Phillip issued the first land grant to former convict, James Ruse in 1789. Ruse went on to become a pioneer of agriculture and used the property to demonstrate an experiment in self sufficiency and survival. In 1793, Ruse sold his farm to surgeon John Harris who built the existing cottage in the 1834. Take a guided tour one of the oldest standing residences in Australia.

Experiment Farm Cottage | 9 Ruse St Harris Park

Go cycling

A 3.2-kilometre long loop, dedicated to cyclists, runs around the western half of Parramatta Park, skirting the Parramatta River on one side and the park's periphery on the other. It's a relaxing, scenic ride on its own, plus there are several options for making it longer.

One of the most popular is the Parramatta Valley Cycleway, which travels alongside the river to Morrison Bay Park, Ryde and passes significant landmarks such as the Riverside Theatres, historic 19th century Lennox Bridge and Parramatta Wharf.

Cyclists can divert into the CBD and jump off their bike for a coffee at one of Parramatta's many cafes or explore a piece of Australia's sporting history in Sydney Olympic Park.

Visit a grey-headed flying fox camp

Visitors usually hear Parramatta Park's grey-headed flying foxes before they see them. After all, five or six thousand creatures can make a heck of a lot of noise.

Their camp takes up one hectare of land in the park's north-eastern corner, on the banks of the Parramatta River. Passersby are welcome to watch as long as they like, provided they don't disturb the bats, which are a threatened species.

Another 140 species of wildlife can be spotted wandering, swimming and flying around the park, including longfin eels, eastern long-necked turtles, eastern water dragons and blue-tongue lizards.
 

Turn back time

Built in 1796, The Dairy Cottage was home to George Salter, an ex-convict turned cattleman. In the early 1800's the cottage was converted to a dairy with sunken milk-processing room constructed alongside. The milk room still remains today and can be viewed beneath the adjacent Ranger's Cottage. 
 

Wander through a rose garden

In the park's southeastern corner lies Rumsey Rose Garden, home to one of the biggest collections of heritage roses in Australia.

Even for rose experts who know their blooms inside-out there's a chance of seeing an unfamiliar variety. The brightest explosions of colour happen in May, October and November. However, that's no reason to stay away any time of year: the lovely, central lawn is made for picnicking and sunbathing anytime.

If you're feeling peckish, the nearby Macquarie Gatehouse Tea Rooms serves high tea, with or without sparkling wine, and Circa Espresso's pop-up (and completely outdoor) cafe Georgie Boy can supply your picnic food and caffeine requirements.
 

Take a walk through history

Given the land's rich and varied history, Parramatta Park is crowded with interesting sites. While some visitors choose to wander at will, making discoveries as they go, others opt for a self-guided tour. There are three walks, each focused on a particular subject.

The first, the Burramatta Aboriginal Landscape Trail, covers the indigenous relationship with the land, including bush tucker, medicinal plants and fire management.

The second, called Colonial Rose Hill, transports walkers into the late 18th century, when the British settled here, cultivating New South Wales's first farm, a convict camp and town plans, including a grand 70-metre wide avenue. The third, Parramatta Park Monuments and Sites, takes in 19th century gatehouses, a ruined bathhouse, a Boer War memorial and a colonial dairy cottage.
 

Visit Australia's oldest public building

One of the most-visited spots in Parramatta Park is Old Government House, the oldest remaining public building in New South Wales. Constructed between 1799 and 1818 this majestic, two-story residence is a well-maintained example of Old Colonial Georgian architecture.

Ten governors used it as their country dwelling, including Lachlan Macquarie, who, with his wife, Elizabeth, preferred Parramatta to grimy Sydney Town, and added major extensions to the building. 

Calling all brides to be!

Make the other ‘big day’ one to remember by gathering your support crew and heading to Parramatta, the heart of Sydney and your dream bridal destination. Don’t leave it at gown shopping- treat yourself with all Parramatta has to offer.
 

Food and drink

With your girl gang all together, there is no better reason to make the most of Parramatta - not only as wedding central but as a dining destination too.

Try a pre-fitting wine at Alex&Co overlooking the Parramatta River, a glass of bubbly and fresh warm scones with jam at high tea at Lachlan’s at Old Government House, some roaring 20s cockails in the luxurious rooftop bar Nick & Nora's or a post-purchase celebration meal at the rustic and enchanting The Coffee Emporium.

Whether you’re a nervous or excited bride, take the time to revel in the moment with your friends accompanied by some of the finest food and wine in Sydney.
 

Dress to impress

For the savvy bride, Parramatta is a dream destination for dress shopping with bridal emporiums like Vision in White and Bridal Secrets within walking distance of each other in the Parramatta CBD, taking the hassle out of gown shopping.

Otherwise make a short trip down Victoria Road to Rydalmere and start your visit at Brides of Sydney. Don’t forget to call ahead to book any appointments!
 

Maid to measure

If the girls are all together, why not get them fitted for their gowns at the same time? Try bridal showrooms for made to measure or head to Westfield Parramatta, colour palette in hand to see what styles might fit your theme at boutiques like Sheike, Kookai, Dollhouse or old favourites Myer and David Jones.

Pamper your squad

If you all need to put your feet up after a big day of shopping, treat yourselves with Classic Foot Reflexology treatments at Spa Moment Parramatta or pedicures at Cara Beauty Spa. You’ll be back on your feet and ready for action in no time. If you have longer to spare, book the team in for top to toe treatments at Moroccan Hamman Day Spa or Face Body Day Spa for therapeutic massages and facials to keep weary shoppers relaxed. Get your hair wedding ready at Hair By Phd or Bodhi Boutique. 
 

Flower Power

In need of some inspiration for your bouquet? Take a wander down Church Street to discover the floral haven of Dots Flower Shoppe, a local favourite for over 30 years. If you’re in town on a Friday, visit the Parramatta Farmer’s Markets in Centenary Square from 7.30am - 2.30pm for some seriously fresh DIY flower inspiration. Floral Expressions in Northmead Shopping Village is another must-visit for fresh flowers arranged with love. 

Rose & Co is a new florist located in Parramatta Square that is hard to miss thanks to their wall of beautiful flowers and fresh same day delivery.

Practise Makes Perfect

If the pressure of the looming first dance has you shaking in your boots, prepare to impress your wedding guests after attending a salsa or bachata dance lesson at Urban Salsa. All that dancing will get the endorphines flowing to help with any pre-wedding stress! 
 

Visit a Venue

While you’re here, why not arrange a visit to one of the many outstanding wedding venues scattered throughout the CBD and wider City of Parramatta? From an elegant wedding at Old Government House to a stunning modern reception at one of the city’s many hotels, you’re spoilt for choice with venues in Parramatta. Bookings essential.
 

Outdoor adventure activities in Parramatta

Parramatta has so much to offer in the way of the great outdoors so if you're feeling cooped up, why not get outside into nature and start exploring. Throughout the city, you'll find generous green space and effort to preserve nature as well as history. Here are a few favourites for you to enjoy.

Boating at Lake Parramatta Reserve

Want to spend the day out on the water but don't want to drive to the beaches? We have the perfect solution for you: Lake Parramatta Reserve! You can hire different types of equipment based on what kind of outdoor adventure you want to have. 

If you're looking for a leisure activity, you can hire a pedalboat. If you want some exercise, you can pick a kayak or rowboat. Parramatta Rowboats is open on the weekends, public holidays, and school holidays. Visit the Parramatta Rowboats website for more details. 

Run the Parramatta Park loop

The Parramatta Park loop is a popular route for cycling and pedestrians. Just over three kilometres, it's the perfect spot for a run. You're surrounded by nature and run past historical monuments like the Old Government House.  

If you're looking for a longer route but don't want to run laps around the loop, you can connect to more pedestrian-friendly cycleways. Some paths head along the Parramatta River all the way to Sydney Olympic Park. 

Brickpit Ring Walk Sydney Olympic Park

For nature and animal lovers, we recommend visiting the Brickpit pond. The location used to be a brickyard, but now it's a protected habitat for green and golden bell frogs. An elevated walkway (18.5 metres high) was built so you can view the pond beneath without disturbing any of the wildlife. 

The 550-metre ring walk gives you a unique view of the area. You can listen to the frogs and birds as well as learn more about the historical site. The panels along the ring teach you about the area's history and what it was like to make millions of clay bricks used to build Sydney. 

Blaxland Riverside Park

Blaxland Riverside Park is home to the largest and most popular playground around Parramatta. Located in the Sydney Olympic Park near the Parramatta River, it has activities to keep kids of all ages entertained for hours.

The large park holds more than just the playground. There are great walking and cycling tracks as well as picnic areas for everyone to enjoy. It's also located near Newington Armory.

Badu Mangroves

The Badu Mangroves are part of Bicentennial Park. They contain the largest Mangrove Forest and Coast Saltmarsh remaining on the Parramatta River. It's also part of the largest intertidal wetland in the area. The Badu Mangroves are home to a wide array of flora and fauna, including many colourful waterbirds. 

There is a boardwalk that lets you move through the wetlands. It is accessible all year round, making it an outdoor activity you can return to often.

Darug Culture Camp & Bush Tucka Walk tour

Parramatta has a rich history reaching back tens of thousands of years to the Darug people, the traditional custodians of the Darug nation. With a community focus on honouring and remembering, there are many ways you can learn more about the area's history. 

The Darug Culture Camp and Bush Tucks walk tours teach you about plant uses, tools and local culture. They are a chance to spend time in nature with an Aboriginal guide. Make sure to book your ticket ahead of time, as these events often sell out early (especially during school holidays). 

Monster skatepark

Monster skatepark is one of the best places to go for an outdoor adventure. Activities and facilities are available for skateboards, scooters, and bikers of all levels. 

This skate park is located in Sydney Olympic Park with the only international standard indoor/outdoor ramp set up in Australia. It includes an indoor street course, an outdoor vert, and a mini ramp.  

RiverCat ferry from Parramatta to Circular Quay

The RiverCat ferry is a 50-minute cruise up the Parramatta River to Circular Quay. It gives you a unique view of the area that most Sydneysiders don't even know exists. Starting in Parramatta with the mangroves, you head past waterside suburbs into the city. You'll end your journey with a spectacular view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.