Chanel

Chanel is an iconic brand and named after founder Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanelle. What began in Paris has continued to redefine fashion, attitude and lifestyle for over 100 years. From challenging women’s clothing designs to become more comfortable to being credited with original ‘the little black dress’, Chanel creates timeless fashion. 

Lacoste

Lacoste is named after founder and French tennis legend René Lacoste. Originally dubbed “the alligator” by the American press, it morphed into “the crocodile” when he returned to France. The nickname stuck and inspired the brand’s emblem. The short-sleeved polo, now a wardrobe staple, comes from Lacoste.
 

APM Monaco

APM Monaco was founded by Ariane Prette Monaco and is a contemporary fashion jewellery brand. Inspired by the chicness of Monaco and the South of France lifestyle, it’s synonymous with elegance and luxury. 

From rings and necklaces to bracelets and earrings, you’ll find pieces that you can effortlessly style into your unique wardrobe. 

MECCA

MECCA started in Melbourne with a vision to bring the best brands around the world to Australia. Now more than twenty years later, MECCA offers over 100 brands and their own cosmetic line. Here you’ll find everything from makeup and skincare to fragrance and hair treatments.

Sephora

Sephora is owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s leading luxury goods group. Sephora operates more than 2,700 stores in 35 countries, expanding its reach and the variety of products offered. From trusted classics to emerging favourites, as well as their own Sephora Collection line, they carefully curate brands you’re sure to love. 
 

Oroton

Oroton is Australia’s oldest luxury fashion brand, founded more than 80 years ago. Famous for their designer bags that were originally made from mesh, Oroton now specialises in leather goods. A few years ago, they expanded to launch their first clothing line.

Mimco

Mimco began designing its unique accessories in Melbourne. Focusing on individuality, collectability and quality, their accessories let you make a statement. Self-confessed as ‘creative, collaborate, fun & (slightly) unconventional’ you are sure to add to your wardrobe when you step into their store. 

Bec + Bridge

Bec + Bridge is locally produced in Sydney. Founded by Becky Cooper and Bridget Yorston, the female-led company celebrates diversity and confidence for all women. Their products are made for women of all shapes and sizes. 

Aje

Aje is a contemporary Australian fashion brand known for its unique designs and effortless style. This brand values art, beauty and tough femininity. Aje collections bring together urban and coastal style and celebrate Australian nature and culture. 

Zara

Zara is one of the largest international fashion companies belonging to Inditex: the world’s largest apparel retailer. While the first store opened in Northwest Spain, there are now over 2,000 stores in more than 85 countries. Structured with a vertical supply chain, Zara takes ‘fast fashion’ to a whole new meaning. They can design and distribute a product in their stores within just a few weeks!  

Uniqlo

Uniqlo is a Japanese company that’s growing its reputation as the place to go when shopping for the basics. It provides casual clothes for all kinds of people – giving you quality clothing that you can use to showcase your individual style. 

Uniqlo is a research and technology-based company that is constantly looking for ways to innovate fabric and designs. One example is their HEATTECH clothing line designed to generate and retain heat from your body. 
 

GUESS

GUESS is known for redefining denim and has expanded to sell its own clothing line, watches, fragrances, and more. Their stonewashed, slim-fitting jeans with zippers near the ankles were just the beginning of this business 40 years ago. Founded by the Marciano brothers, GUESS is now a truly global brand with over 1,000 stores.

Fun fact: Marty McFly wore GUESS denim clothing in the 1985 movie Back to the Future.
 

H&M

H&M, short for Hennes & Mauritz, sells affordable and fashionable clothes for men and women. With their business concept “fashion and quality at the best price”, they continue to produce clothes and accessories based on the latest trends. Regularly collaborating with luxury brands, H&M combines high-end fashion with high-street shopping.
 

Going Green in your City

There are plenty of ways to explore a city while being kind to the environment. Here’s our green-hearted guide to Parramatta.

3) Carry your cup

City dwellers in Parramatta love a flat white as much as the next Australian, but what we don’t love is the estimated three billion takeaway coffee cups, many of which end up in landfill each year as a result of our loyal commitment to caffeine. Because many paper coffee cups are lined with plastic, they can’t be recycled, so the best way to avoid this unnecessary daily waste is to bring your own reusable cup. 

Visit the Responsible Cafes website for more information.

4) Sustainable shopping

Trash & Treasure Market:

Parra Pickers is Parramatta’s very own Trash & Treasure Market. The night market, hosted by The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre, is held every 3 months. It is tucked away in the corner of Hunter Street, Parramatta showcasing an array of pre-loved, vintage, antique, homewares, books, toys, clothes and bric- a- brac for you to immerse, appreciate, own and take home. 

Visit The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre website for more information.

Parramatta Op-Shops:

Find some amazing pre-loved items at one of Parramatta's op-shops and give your money to a good cause all in one. Check out The New Leaf and Anglicare on Macquarie Street Parramatta or Vinnes and Salvos in North Parramatta.

Sustainable Shopping Tour:

Looking for some responsible retail therapy? Discover how to shop ethically and sustainably in Parramatta. Learn about the circular economy, discover some hidden gems and pick up easy tips and hacks on how to get started on a more sustainable life! Led by a friendly, energetic and knowledgeable guide, the tour includes an environmentally friendly coffee stop and a sustainable survival kit to help you convert your discoveries into everyday practices.

Visit the Sustainable Shopping Tour event page for more information. Check out the Good Gift Guide for inspiration on where to buy sustainable gifts for friends and family. 

5) Reduce - Reuse – Recycle and REPAIR

Everything old is new again! The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre hold workshops to teach the art of fixing things and to help keep household stuff out of our landfill.

Visit The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre website for more information.

6) Grow Your Own Food

Watching seeds sprout and grow into food is one of life’s easiest and most gratifying small pleasures. With a few community garden projects starting to pop up around Parramatta, you can sink your hands into dirt and reap the happiness and healthful rewards.

Telopea Community Garden is one such plot, where once-strangers come together over a common purpose to grow food and build community. Individuals and families have access to fresh, organic produce and share their gardening know-how with each other.  

The Bruce Miller Reserve in Ermington gained a community garden at the end of 2017. Surrounded by leafy parkland, it’s a pleasant place to roll up your sleeves, take up a spade and do a little dirty work. The garden welcomes locals and visitors alike to take a walk through the raised beds – in return for a little gardening, you can help yourself to some produce. There’s also a ‘street library’, where you can borrow or swap a book.

At the award-winning Wentworthville Community Garden, passionate members come together to cultivate fruit, veggies and flowers across individual plots and communal beds, or simply soak up the lush garden views with a cuppa in hand.

7) Compost Revolution

Join the Compost Revolution and reduce the amount of food waste that goes to landfill. If you give in the Parramatta LGA you are eligible to receive 50% the RRP of composting gear and free delivery with the Compost Revolution. 

They provide guidance on a range of composting products to suit all living types, from the humble yet effective Worm Farm to the Bokashi to the Dirt Vadar extraordinaire. Their handy tips on how to get started with composting make it really accessible for people who are new to it. 

Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of waste going to landfill, but you'll also get the benefits of not having a stinky bin and you'll even find you don't have to take the bin out as often. 
 

8) Walk close to nature

While our leafy city is home to more than 300 beautiful parks and reserves, perfect for soaking up some rays or tucking into a lazy picnic, sometimes it’s nice to get the body moving, too. From an easy two-kilometre amble to a 9.3-kilometre, day-long jaunt, Parramatta has 15 varied walking tracks to explore. These trails traverse all manner of lush natural settings – from freshwater river flats and rainforest gullies to hills cloaked with towering blue gums. 

You can also combine bushwalking with learning something new through the city’s Get Into Nature program. Kids and adults alike can join one of the free events to learn more about the area’s precious flora and fauna. There are also native bee habitat-making workshops, and gatherings with Darug elders to hear about the local Aboriginal culture.

Visit The City of Parramatta Community Sustainable Opportunities page for more information.

Educate AT Parramatta alliance

Council has launched the ground-breaking EducateAT Parramatta Alliance, uniting universities that have a presence in Parramatta to advocate for, and attract talent to, the centre of global Sydney.

“This powerful alliance has one key goal: to help Parramatta become the best city in Australia for students to study and succeed,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.

At a historic ceremony at Western Sydney University’s Parramatta City campus today, City of Parramatta Council CEO Brett Newman signed the EducateAT Parramatta Charter along with Western Sydney University, University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, University of New England, Swinburne University of Technology, and the Western Sydney Local Health District. 

“EducateAT Parramatta is our shared vision for Sydney’s Central River City – a thriving hub of academic excellence, jobs growth and opportunity for the people of Western Sydney and the world,” Cr Dwyer said.

“Parramatta is known for its world-class universities and the respected Westmead Health Precinct, with an education sector worth $1.6 billion. We’re taking this to the next level by creating an environment that invites and cultivates talent and world-leading research in the centre of global Sydney.”

City of Parramatta Council CEO Brett Newman said: “We’ve created a powerful partnership program to transform Parramatta into a globally-recognised hub for education and training, where students can build careers for life. We look forward to working with alliance partners to make our vision a reality.”

The EducateAT Parramatta Alliance is a priority of Council’s ‘Where it’s AT’ brand strategy, launched in 2020 to promote Parramatta as a premier city for residents, students, businesses and visitors.

Under the Charter, alliance members will develop a range of projects to: position Parramatta as a destination for educational excellence; advocate for more affordable student accommodation and better transport options; link students with industry; and improve the City’s liveability and sustainability.  

Outside adventures

There’s plenty for all the family to enjoy at Sydney Olympic Park. Enjoy a day out in the parklands with a picnic; bring your bike and a helmet and explore the 35kms of bike paths spread throughout; join an Archery or Laser Tag program or take a dip in an Olympic pool at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (currently closed due to improvement program - last updated June 2021).

During the school holidays, Sydney Olympic Park is host to a number of sports clinics where you can learn from some of Sydney’s best athletes and professional coaches or Meet a Park Ranger and learn all about the wildlife that also call Sydney Olympic Park ‘home’.
 

Blaxland Riverside Park Playground

Sydney's largest and most exciting park is lucky enough to be located within Sydney Olympic Park and draws visitors from all around who can easily spend the entire day at the Blaxland Riverside Park Playground. Man made mountains hide tunnels and slides and swings here swing so high the kids enter a whole other universe. 

The water play area is a hugely popular spot to cool off, especially for the little ones, and the climbing ropes and tracks in between make this park a must visit. Bike tracks, picnic spots, the beautiful Parramatta River running beside it makes for a great family day out. 

Eat, drink and stay

If you’re coming for an event, out and about on a weekend or even planning a Sydney staycation, Sydney Olympic Park has it all.

There are multiple accommodation options, from budget to five star hotels.

All major venues are easily accessible by public transport.

Your tastebuds can even go on an adventure – taste menus from Flying Sushi, The Brewery Bar + Kitchen, Lotus Story, P’nut Street Noodle, Ribs n Rumps, Bacar Restaurant, Waterview Café and Armory Wharf Café.
 

Learning and Discovery

Learn all about Sydney Olympic Park with the help of the team of Park Rangers. Sydney Olympic Park’s Visitor Programs team hosts a number of tours throughout the year. You can learn about heritage sites – Newington Armory and Abattoir Heritage Precinct; native flora and fauna and participate in a Park Care program, learning about how to take care of our environment.

Events at Sydney Olympic Park

Home to some of the biggest events, venues and teams, such as the Sydney Royal Easter Show, State of Origin, NRL Grand Final, Sydney Showground, Ken Rosewall Arena, Qudos Bank Arena, GWS GIANTS, GIANTS Netball, Sydney Kings and more!

The Sydney Olympic Park events calendar is full every year.

Pho Pasteur

One of the best-loved Vietnamese restaurants in Sydney, this is authentic Vietnamese at its tasty, fresh and honest best. Pho Pasteur is proud of its history and heritage – and this pride translates to one superb dish after the next. Mr & Mrs Pham arrived in Australia in 1978 as refugees from South Vietnam, and the recipes they use have been in the family for generations. As the name suggests, Pho Pasteur’s signature dish is their Pho – rich beef stock, the perfect blend of herbs and spices, and great depth of flavour. Fans of Vietnamese food should look no further, there are but a handful of Vietnamese restaurants in Sydney that can produce a bowl of Pho with as much depth of flavour as Pho Pasteur's.

They also do an outstanding spring roll wrapped in lettuce (a must try), a mean poached chicken Bun Bo Hue (a spicy noodle soup), and a seriously good soft shell crab.  Pho Pasteur has a great range of options for vegans, too – thanks to Mrs Pham’s mother being a vegan for over 50 years, and passing on her recipes down the line. This is not the cheapest Vietnamese you’ll find, and there’s nothing tizzy about the décor (well, except the mirrors), but it’s a standout for all the right reasons.

137 Church Street Parramatta | (02) 9635 0782

Lotus Story

Found 15 minutes drive southwest of the Parramatta CBD, within Sydney Olympic Park, this nifty little eatery offers a short but satisfying menu, covering baguettes, rice paper rolls and noodles only.

Produce at Lotus Story is of premium quality and tried-and-tested recipes are given creative twists. Highlights include char siu pork baguette with twice-cooked, honey-glazed pork neck; rice paper rolls with shiitake mushrooms and tofu; and ha doan pho with 300-day grain-fed wagyu beef, brisket, 12-hour broth, mint and bean sprouts. Come lunchtime, queues aren't unusual.

2 Dawn Fraser Avenue Sydney Olympic Park

Got Pho?

Got Pho? in Carlingford are brand spanking new, and they’re already well on their way to becoming one of the most popular hotspots for quality Vietnamese fare. They do traditional South Vietnamese Pho, but also a wide range of other specialty noodle soups, small snacks, and drinks and desserts.

It’s always a little scary choosing off a great menu for the first time, but Got Pho? definitely deserves repeat visits. Their vermicelli salad is packed with crispy lemongrass chicken, their pork and spring roll taro salad are divine, and for beef lovers, their combination beef noodle Pho with rare beef, beef brisket, beef tripe, beef meatballs and beef tendon is a ripper.

They also do great Vietnamese-inspired Longan drinks, perfect for a hot day, but if you’re a die-hard durian fan absolutely do not miss their Trái cây dầm – that’s mixed fruit with shaved ice, condensed milk, and durian. In fact, Got Pho? Have some of the yummiest and brightest drinks and sweets around – their three-colour-drink gets ten points for fun!

827 Pennant Hills Road Carlingford | 02 8628 0687

My Hao Cuisine

Like some of the best finds, they appear where you least expect. Tucked away in the Chisholm Centre in Winston Hills is one of the suburb's best-kept secrets. A favourite among locals, My Hao offers a small but tasty authentic Vietnamese menu.

Think of it like "Vietnamese - The Greatest Hits" if you will! Marinated pork chop with broken rice, rice paper rolls, house-made pho and lemongrass chicken are some of the hits you can expect to see. They also do a mean pork 'banh mi' lunch special starting from $6.00. If cheap and cheerful is part of your eating out criteria, My Hao won't disappoint!

Shop 4, Caroline Chisholm Drive Winston Hills | 02 9688 7631

The Albion Hotel

The Albion Hotel is a cornerstone of the Parramatta live music scene, with a beer garden that has undergone many transformations but is still perfect for those laid back DJ Sunday Sessions. Albion Fridays are jam-packed with the best RNB, Hip-Hop and house DJs take over the Albion Club & Courtyard every Friday night while Vibe Saturday’s have party tunes in the lounge and the best NRG sin the beer garden. 

135 George Street Parramatta 2150 | 8587 4600 | Facebook | Instagram

ALEX & Co.

The fusion of cosmopolitan dining and the cocktail/bar culture of ALEX&Co. is what makes it one of the most popular spots in the city. Thriving with live music, what began as a venture to merge Parramatta’s dining and bar culture, has expanded to an elevated destination experience.

Every night is the live DJ starts at 7pm but Thursday and Friday nights are the big ones with RNB 90’s till now and after work Friday nights. Always changing it up, be sure to follow ALEX&Co. to see what’s next.

330 Church St, Parramatta | Facebook | Instagram
 

Commercial Hotel

Just a stone’s throw from the train and bus interchanged, the Commercial Hotel is a popular after-work drinking spot with colleagues that turns into dinner and a late ride home thanks to the live music the keeps the Commercial pumping on Friday nights.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back session, Jazz night is every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from 6pm.

2 Hassall St Parramatta | 9635 8342 | Facebook | Instagram

Club Parramatta

Club Parramatta is a great place for people to get together to eat, drink and be entertained by live music and events. Each week DJs are playing in the Upstairs Bar to wind down on Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday sessions are a relaxing way to end the weekend, all washed down with cocktails from the extensive list on offer.

2 Macquarie Street, Parramatta | 8865 5100 | Facebook | Instagram

The Winston

Playing host to myriad events, there’s always something on at the Winston. They have some great regular events including live music every Saturday night and Sunday roasts, grills and braises to keep you cosy, as well as pub classics.

There are also special events all year round. Not to be missed in August is their Whisky Masterclass – a soul-warming night with Whiskey Connoisseur Cameron Pirret where you’ll be introduced to 5 international whiskies will be matched with a selection of cheeses.

Caroline Chisholm Drive, Winston Hills | Facebook
 

Riverside Theatres

A major cultural institution in downtown Parramatta, Riverside Theatres is the premier performing arts venue in Western Sydney. Riverside Theatres plays an important role in building a diverse, thriving local city culture including theatres and live music. By connecting artists with audiences, attracting talent and industry and supporting education and innovation, it contributes to the city’s liveliness, vibrancy and economic activity while facilitating authentic community dialogue and interaction.

Corner Church and Market Streets, Parramatta | 8839 3399 | Facebook

General Bourke

Previously known as the lovable "PJ's", the establishment has returned to its roots renaming itself back to General Bourke. As at most alehouses inspired by the emerald isle, music is central, with DJs spinning old school tunes on Fridays and bands belting out '90s anthems into the wee hours on Saturdays. But that doesn't mean the craic is inescapable.

For a quiet Guinness, there's the Ante Room, which features a sandstone fireplace, or the Hearth, fitted with red banquettes. The first-floor terrace is dedicated to a sunny beer garden. On the bistro menu are burgers, woodfired pizzas, steaks and moreish snacks, such as baked camembert with rosemary, lemon and garlic.

74 Church St Parramatta | Facebook | Instagram

ANZ & CommBank Stadiums & Qudos Bank Arena

Parramatta is home to major event stadiums including ANZ and CommBank outdoor stadiums and the indoor events space, QUDOS BANK ARENA. Live music from these venues has been bringing joy to millions with acts such as Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Adele, Justin Bieber, U2 and Jay Z as well as classics such as Billy Joel and Elton John.

Would you believe there are over 350 parks across the greater Parramatta LGA – and that’s not including sporting fields. With so many to choose from, planning a picnic, a morning out or a walk to the park can have so many options. City of Parramatta Council have developed a Parks and Reserve search so you can filter exactly what you are looking for either by suburb or feature. 

John Wearne Reserve, Carlingford

With a major upgrade in December 2020, John Wearn Reserve at Carlington has Gone Wild. Celebrating a safari theme, the playground now features large statues of wild animals the fill the park with the sound of monkeys and lions. The whole park is nature based, with the play equipment continues the safari theme into the many play spaces for different ages. More than just a playground, John Wearn Reserve also features a new skatepark, an ampitheatre complete with stage, multi use sports courts and a fenced off-leash dog park.

John Wearn Reserve, 161 Balaka Drive, Carlingford
 

Caber Park, Winston Hills

Caber Park is really the tardis of parks. From unassuming frontage of a couple of tennis courts on Clackmannan Avenue, once past those it opens up to a 3.6 hectare bushland park and playground. With several play areas, there is literally something for everyone with age appropriate play equipment from the littles all the way up to the bigs as well as a basketball hoop and rebound wall. A great space for birthday parties due to its large undercover seating area and on-site facilities, kids can go nuts after being hyped up on sugary party treats.

Caber Park, 22 Clackmannan Road, Winston Hills
 

Gallery Gardens, Old Toongabbie

Gallery Gardens playground got a major upgrade in 2021 with a new nature based playground open were kids can climb there way into two large wooden tepees or draw on the new chalkboard walls. While the tennis courts and amenities were also upgraded, what makes Gallery Gardens more than a playground is the bushland generation that has opened up the opportunity for a great bushwalk when you are finished at the playground.

Gallery Gardens, Picasso Crescent, Old Toongabbie
 

Pierre De Coubertin Park, Newington

Another great park with a recent upgrade, Pierre de Coubertin Park at Newington is a fantastic spot that ticks a lot of boxes. The park itself stretches quite long from the Marketplace to the off leash dog park. In the middle is the fantastic park with shade cloth cover and a range of activities including inground trampoline and a running track paying homage to the special place Newington played in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

With the Marketplace so close, its hard not to finish the day with fish and chips from Fishbowl or a delectable treat from Annaya Artisan Bakery at the end of a playdate.

Pierre de Coubertin Park, Newington Boulevard, Newington
 

Blaxland Riverside Park, Sydney Olympic Park

You couldn’t have a top playgrounds article without include Blaxland Riverside Regional Park. This park is huge, at 3 hectares its what could be considered a two-parent park. It’s the largest playground in Sydney.

There are swings for days, every type of play equipment your child could ever want as well as the water park next door, the Armory café with a great menu and bike tracks than span all the way to Parramatta. Blaxland Riverside Park has gas and electric BBQ’s free for use however all spaces are shared and cannot be privately booked out.

Blaxland Riverside Regional Park, Jamieson Street, Sydney Olympic Park
 

Ruse Bar & Brasserie

Located in the Parramatta Square precinct, Ruse Bar and Brasserie is a space for the people of Parramatta to meet, drink and dine.

Wine, dine and relax with friends in a European-inspired all-day dining brasserie, taking influence from the best of Australia and using the finest produce to deliver a rich sensory dining experience of smells, sights and sounds with the Josper and Basque grills at the heart.

The expansive indoor and outdoor European inspired space is comprised of a brasserie with a private dining room and wine cellars. Alongside this is an extended main bar area also with inside and outside seating/dining with its own kitchen and casual dining offering.

The two spaces work separately and together to offer a broad range of quality dining experiences for their guests, with an open-fire grill menu and a broad selection of wines, showcasing the best of Australia and Europe right here in the heart of Parramatta. 

3 Parramatta Square, 153 Macquarie St, Parramatta | Website

Nick & Nora's

Nick and Nora s is a cocktail and champagne bar that brings the golden era of glamorous and decadent post prohibition soirees to the modern day - sky high over Parramatta. Inspired by fictional murder solving duo Nick and Nora Charles from novel The Thin Man, Nick and Nora s Parramatta brings the couples legendary parties and love for all things cocktail and champagne to its exceptional rooftop location on the 26th floor of V by Crown. Step inside to experience the true Nick and Nora Charles hospitality and let their world class bartenders create the perfect libation.

Level 26/45 Macquarie St, Parramatta | Website

Willo Restaurant & Bar

Willo Dining becomes an experience with guests enjoying the theatre of our open kitchen, being drawn to order from what they see being prepared by chefs well before they see a menu.

Our menu has been designed to share with an unrestricted approach, an experience for the senses. We encourage our guests to sit back, relax and let our innovative and exciting menu take your taste buds on a journey.

Willo Bar offers a boutique experience with a grand presence as you enter. It hosts a curation of beverages including signature cocktails along with a premium selection of wines, beers and spirits, both locally and internationally. Pull up a seat at the bar and take in the vibrant restaurant atmosphere or enjoy your drink with a side of live music outside in our Urban room.

32 Smith St, Parramatta | Website

ALEX&Co. 

ALEX&Co. is a playful and cosmopolitan dining and bar destination located in the heart of Parramatta. What began as a venture to merge Parramatta’s dining and bar culture, has expanded to an elevated destination experience. Offering a modern-fusion menu, sexy ambiance, and vibrant service, ALEX&Co. is the place that transforms even your most ordinary weeknights to weekends.

Complimenting their open dining and bar spaces, ALEX&Co. offers contemporary spaces ideal for any type of celebration, event, or function. From corporate events to family functions, our space sets the tone for a comfortable and welcoming setting.

Shop 2-4/330 Church St, Parramatta | Website

General Bourke

Previously known as the lovable "PJ's", the establishment has returned to its roots renaming itself back to General Bourke.

As at most alehouses inspired by the emerald isle, music is central, with DJs spinning old school tunes on Fridays and bands belting out '90s anthems into the wee hours on Saturdays. But that doesn't mean the craic is inescapable.

For a quiet Guinness, there's the Ante Room, which features a sandstone fireplace, or the Hearth, fitted with red banquettes. The first-floor terrace is dedicated to a sunny beer garden.

On the bistro menu are burgers, woodfired pizzas, steaks and moreish snacks, such as baked camembert with rosemary, lemon and garlic.

74 Church St Parramatta | Facebook | Instagram
 

PARKROYAL Hotel: BAR30 & Bistro

From hot beverages to refreshing cocktails, choose from a wide selection of drinks along with delicious lunch and dinner options at BAR30 & Bistro. Join us indoors by the bar or outside on the alfresco deck! It’s the perfect place in Parramatta to ease into the afternoon or wind down the day with friends, family or colleagues.

Looking for the best Happy Hour deal in Western Sydney? Head to BAR30 & Bistro from 5:00pm to 7:00pm every day! 

30 Phillip St, Parramatta | Website

Novotel Parramatta: 350 Lounge & Bar

Serving up seasonal menus, the 350 Restaurant & Lounge is a vibrant dining location with a carefully curated menu by experienced Executive Chef Kiki.

With its Asian-Western fusion cuisine and relaxed contemporary dining experience, it's the perfect place to wind down and enjoy good food, wine and company in excellent hands.  Make a reservation and enjoy a premium dining experience in the heart of Parramatta.

350 Church St, Parramatta | Website

The Albion Hotel

The Albion Hotel has been keeping Parramatta's people hydrated since the 1860s.

These days, the expansive beer garden, dotted with trees and canopied with striped umbrellas, is the place to retreat. Hang out with friends in the spacious, sun bathed beer garden or enjoy great pub grub from their classic menu. The Albion Hotel is also dog friendly with all dogs large and small welcome to enjoy the beer garden right along side you until 8pm.

There's a tempting signature cocktail list, including a Rose Negroni (Regal Rouge Wild Rose Vermouth, Campari, Beefeater Gin, peach bitters) and a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini. Live music adds to the laid-back atmosphere on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, while DJs power the dance floor on Saturday nights. Hungry visitors can fill up on hearty pub classics – from burgers and pizzas to Angus rump steaks.

135 George Street Parramatta 2150 | 8587 4600 | Facebook | Instagram

The Woolpack Hotel

In 1796, The Woolpack became one of the first ten pubs in Australia, when Governor Phillip handed over a licence. Originally, the hotel occupied a building across the road, before moving to its current spot in the 1890s.

Since then, it's had a contemporary revamp, giving it a beautiful outdoor courtyard, a main bar filled with plush lounges and a high-tech sports bar. There's plenty of drinks to choose from, including a long, interesting wine list and a fun, creative cocktail menu. M & J Thai Restaurant runs the dining room, serving up lunch specials, stir fries, curries and noodles.

19 George St Parramatta 2150 | 9635 8043 | Facebook

The Commercial Hotel

The Commercial Hotel's claim to fame is its beer tanks. Filled with unpasteurised draught, these vessels allow drinkers to get their brew in its freshest, purest state.

The best spot to enjoy it is in the airy beer garden, complete with splashes of greenery, a 3.5-metre screen and an all-weather canopy, which lets in the sun but shuts out the rain.

Another atmospheric option is the light-filled Verandah Bar, overlooking the garden. The menu covers pub classics, as well as some adventurous signature mains, such as French-style lamb shank and crab ravioli.

2 Hassall St Parramatta | 9635 8342 | Facebook | Instagram

7.30am – Morning munchies 

Get your day off to an early start by grabbing a bite at one of the many local cafés scattered around the suburb. Popular options include Paper Plane Café (5/2 Horwood Pl) – a boutique coffee house serving up healthy food and Little Marionette drip, Homage Specialty Coffee for the world's best jaffles and homemade delicious treats (2/71 Horwood Pl) and Circa Espresso (21 Wentworth St) – serving Modern Australian farm-to-table cuisine and excellent brew.

9.30am – Walk it out

Pick up a walking map from the Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre for a self-guided walking tour. One of the most popular is the Hidden Stories Trail. This 2.5 kilometre route reveals some of the suburb’s little-known secrets. (Like exactly who built the underground chambers inside the Lennox Bridge...)  

Alternatively, get in touch with your inner historian, with a tour of Parramatta’s colonial heritage. Sites to see include Australia's three of Australia’s oldest European buildings (Elizabeth Farm, Dairy Cottage and Old Government House), Australia's oldest cemetery (St John’s), oldest surviving church site, oldest military site and more!   

11am – In the pic(nic!) of time  

If you’re travelling on a Friday visit the Parramatta Farmers Market at Centenary Square. Here you can fill your shopping bags with a range of local, fresh organic produce, as well as artisanal baked goods and delicious cold meats and cheeses. Alternately, embrace the culinary offerings of the migrants from over 50 different countries, who now call Parramatta home and stock up on essentials at one of the local ethnic supermarkets. 

Particularly popular:

• Tatra (5/20 Victoria Rd) a Polish deli selling a variety of Eastern European specialities
• Manaeesh (95 Macquarie St) which churns out fresh Lebanese oregano pizzas and spinach pastries, daily  
• Bourke Street Bakery (186-190/1 Church St) famed for its classic Aussie sausage rolls

Local tip:

Gelato Messina (283 Church St) serves their signature quirky flavours to go. Pack a well-iced esky and stock up on a scoop (or three) of your favourite, for the inevitable 3pm munchies! Fairybread ice cream anyone…?!

12:30pm – The great Australian lake off 

Grab your fully stocked picnic basket and head over to the hidden urban oasis that is Lake Parramatta. Depending on the weather – and your commitment to physical activity! – a quick dip or bushwalk through the marked tracks is the perfect way to unwind. Otherwise enjoy a relaxing lunch break. Just don’t forget to clean up after yourself!

3.30pm – Shop till you drop 

Join the crowds at Australia's busiest Westfield shopping centre for a spot of retail therapy at Westfield Parramatta (159-175 Church St).

Take your pick from major Australia department stores (such as Myer, David Jones and Kmart), high-street favourites and specialty retailers (selling everything from cinnamon scrolls to scented candles). Or, if your budget is less Prada, more popcorn, catch a movie at the adjoining Event Cinemas. 

6pm – Dinner takes it all 

Getting hungry? Luckily, you’re literally a few steps from Eat Street (AKA Church Street) and its nearby laneways crammed with options for a delicious way to end the day. And kick off the night!

A short stroll from the Westfield, getting there may be easy, but the struggle to decide what to eat is real.

8:00pm – Just a stage you’re going through 

Get cultural and catch a show at Riverside Theatres (Corner Market and Church Street), Parramatta’s premiere multi-venue performing arts centre. Whether you opt for drama or dance, comedy or classic theatrical production, the stage is set for an entertaining evening.

10:00pm – Sweet street 

Church Street is also home to a dizzying array of dessert and drink options, making it perfect for a post-theatre treat.  

Popular Bay Vista Dessert Bar and Café (330 Church St) serves almost every sugary concoction imaginable to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. Although perhaps your doc would disagree! Milky Lane is home to some amazing desserts with a nostalgic twist - don't miss the deep-fried golden gaytime!

From there, the newly refurbished Bar 30 and Bistro (Parkroyal Parramatta, 30 Phillip St) is the perfect place to settle in for a drink. Or try Alex and Co’s (Lot 2-4/330 Church St) premium selection of beer, wine and sprits. If you want to go up in the world, Nick & Nora's has the best rooftop bar views in the City, elegant art deco interiors and a premium cocktail list.