Top 10 Attractions in Parramatta

There is a wide range of exciting things to do in Parramatta. No matter the weather, your age, or how much time you have – you can find the perfect way to spend your day. Here is a list of 10 attractions and activities in Parramatta to give you some ideas: 

1. Parramatta Square

If you love good food and drinks, a visit to Parramatta Square should be at the top of your list of things to do in Parramatta. Here you’ll find some of the best-known global restaurants and various cuisines from around the world. Just metres away from the Westfield shopping centre, you have international food and retail brands right at your fingertips. 

Parramatta Square will transform the city centre and create a precinct alive with commerce and culture.

2. Riverside Theatres

Riverside Theatres is the premier performing arts venue in Western Sydney. Hosting around 750 performances and events every year, this might become one of your favourite attractions in Parramatta. Live performances include plays, comedy, theatre, dance, and more. The cinemas show documentaries, art films, foreign language films, and more. 

The mosaic of art styles and formats reflects the vibrant blend of global cultures found in Parramatta. Visit the Riverside Theatre website to see what’s currently on stage and in cinemas.

3. River Valley Cycleway

If you’re looking for a healthier, more eco-friendly commute, then check out our local cycling network. Greater Parramatta has an extensive cycleways network such as two transit-ways, the M4 path links, Parramatta Park, and the Prospect Creek or Pipeline Cycleways. 

There are also a handful of new cycleway projects in the works, so you can look forward to new routes opening later this year. For pathway maps and cycleway finders, visit the City of Parramatta Cycling webpage. 

4. Parramatta Park’s UNESCO World-Heritage sites

There are 11 Australian Convict Sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Register – and one of them is in Parramatta. Parramatta Park with Old Government House was listed in 2010 as it represents “an organisational and social centre of convict transportation from 1788-1840.” 

Guided and self-guided walking tours, as well as virtual reality tours, are available for your viewing. To learn more about this site, visit Parramatta Park World heritage listing. 

5. Lake Parramatta

For a relaxing and fun day out in the sun, head on over to Lake Parramatta. At Lake Parramatta Reserve there are more than 70 hectares of bushland, picnic and playground areas. There are also several designated swimming areas (starting in October each year).

Activities include hiring boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. When you’re done playing in the water, you can take a stroll around one of the walking tracks and explore some Australian history. For information on how to get to the Reserve and to learn more about the available facilities, check out Swimming at Lake Parramatta. 

6. CommBank Stadium

Located in the heart of Parramatta, the CommBank Stadium provides the best place for fans to view and cheer on sports. With the steepest grandstands in Australia, CommBank Stadiums offers a unique live event experience. From sports and entertainment to cultural, community and business events, the Stadium is one of the most popular destinations in Parramatta. 

Visit the CommBank Stadium website to see the events schedule. 

7. Bicentennial Park

The Bicentennial Park at the Sydney Olympic Park is open from sunrise to sunset – and that still isn’t enough time to experience everything it offers. With hikes, bushwalks, sculptures and birdwatches, you can view nature and creativity at its finest. 

A regular attraction for locals and visitors alike, there is on-street parking as well as car parks if you’re looking to drive. You can learn more about the parking facilities and dog-friendly areas of the park on the Bicentennial Park webpage. 

8. Qudos Bank Arena

The Sydney Superdome, currently known as Qudos Bank Arena, is Australia’s premier indoor multi-purpose venue. Built for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the venue has a capacity of almost 17,500 for sports such as Basketball and Netball while capacity for concerts can exceed 21,000.

The colossal Arena has played host to a number of international superstars including Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, Madonna, Stevie Wonder, P!NK, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Metallica and Kendrick Lamar.

9. Blaxland Riverside Reserve & Newington Reserve

A children’s paradise, Blaxland Riverside Park is three hectares of play space for kids of all ages and abilities. With a range of activities and challenges, this is the perfect place for a family outing. For a full list of activities, visit the Blaxland Riverside webpage.

Right next to the park is the Newington Armory, which has been transformed into a unique arts precinct with the longest continuous gallery wall in Australia. The Armory has free exhibitions as well as film festivals and cultural activities. For information on tours and events, visit the Newington Armory webpage.

10. Parramatta Aquatic Centre

Parramatta is home to a state-of-the-art community facility that seamlessly integrates with the lush surrounds of Parramatta Park. The aquatic and leisure centre features a 10-lane, 50m heated outdoor pool and an 8-lane, 25m indoor pool for comfortable year-round swimming. 

The facility also provides a health and wellness centre, including a gym and space for classesplus a sauna, steam and spa facilities, and a multipurpose room available for community hire. 

Discover more about the Parramatta Aquatic Centre.

Coming Soon: MAAS Powerhouse Parramatta

Parramatta is continuing to rapidly transform into a major economic centre thanks to projects like Powerhouse Parramatta. As the first NSW State Cultural Institution to be based in Western Sydney, Powerhouse Parramatta will deliver dynamic exhibition, education and community programs. 

The Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences (MAAS) is part of the museum precinct in the Powerhouse Parramatta project. MAAS will quickly become the host to a variety of key attractions and activities in Parramatta.

Visit MAAS to learn more about Powerhouse Parramatta and the status of the project.