discover parramatta - Parramatta City Council

DISCOVER
PARRAMATTA
Official Visitors’
Guide 2010
Discover
Parramaa,
a city that will surprise you.
As you explore the
contemporary landscape,
you will find a city
shaped by its river,
where Australia’s varied
past is showcased
through Parramaa’s
nationally significant
heritage, and the exciting
present reflected in
converging cultures.
Welcome.
WELCOMETOPARRAMATTA
Visitor Information
Coming to Parramatta: Transport Information
The Parramatta Story
City Centre
The River
Parramatta Park
Harris Park
North Parramatta
Dining
Entertainment
Major Annual Events
Arts & Culture
Shopping
Tours
Sport & Recreation
Around Parramatta & Beyond
Accommodation
Conferences, Functions & Exhibitions
Parramatta Essentials
Maps
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The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor
of Parramatta, Councillor Paul Garrard
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› www.discoverparramatta.com
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Passage boats provided a ferry
service between Parramatta and
Sydney from the early 1790s.
The crew of ex-convicts sometimes
asked the passengers to row the
boats themselves.
Luckily today the journey to
Parramatta is far easier,
and much quicker.
Let us
help you
discover
Parramaa.
Visit Parramatta
COMINGTO
PARRAMATTA
By Water
Catch the Rivercat from Circular
Quay and enjoy the scenic
50 minute trip up the
Parramatta River.
By Road
The first road from Sydney leads to Parramatta;
now seven arterial roads bring you here from
all corners of Sydney: Parramatta Road, the
Great Western Highway, the M4, Victoria Road,
Woodville Road, Windsor Road and Pennant
Hills Road all lead you here.
PARRAMATTAHERITAGE
ANDVISITORINFORMATIONCENTRE
The Heritage Centre combines visitor information with great
exhibitions that tell the story of Parramatta. Make us the first
stop on your exploration of the city.
346A Church Street, Parramatta
(just near the Lennox Bridge)
Phone: 1300 889 714
Fax: (02) 9630 3243
[email protected]
www.discoverparramatta.com
‘WALKPARRAMATTA’
Discover Parramatta on Foot
Keep an eye out for the distinctive signs that
will assist you to navigate the city on foot.
By Rail
Parramatta is a convenient 30 minutes
from Sydney’s Central Station with
direct connections to Wynyard and
Town Hall, and easy access
from Sydney Airport.
By Bus
Bus routes L20 and 520 operate
daily from Circular Quay, the
journey taking 1 hour.
Transport Information
Transport Infoline 131 500 or www.131500.com.au
Countrylink 13 22 32
Taxis Premier Cabs 24 hours 7 days 13 10 17
Car Rental Avis (9630 5877) and Thrifty (9682 4177)
BEINTHELOOP ‘the Loop’ is Parramatta’s
For more information, please contact the
Parramatta Heritage & Visitor Information Centre.
Call 1300 889 714 or go to www.discoverparramatta.com
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free shuttle bus service through the CBD
connecting the Visitor Centre with the Ferry
Wharf and Transport Interchange.
› www.discoverparramatta.com
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The Parramatta Story
The Parramatta Story
THE
PARRAMATTA
STORY
As you begin to discover Parramatta,
the colourful story of this modern, thriving,
city will emerge through the tales of its
people, cultures and significant events.
Parramatta has always been a meeting place. The
meeting of salt and fresh water brought the Indigenous
clans of the Darug together; the area’s first inhabitants
and traditional custodians for over 40,000 years. The
head of the Parramatta River was home to the Burramatta
clan, whose name means `the place where eels lie down’,
from which the name of the city was derived.
The river has always been a symbol of the area, having
also drawn European settlers who established a colonial
settlement in 1788; the city’s collection of heritage sites
tell the stories of struggle and survival.
The many cultures that contribute to Parramatta’s
eclectic nature have been meeting in Parramatta for
decades, each shaping the city with their contributions;
from the early years of trade, to the recent influence of
food, retail, music and culture.
Today Parramatta is a lively city, a hub of dining,
shopping, commerce and entertainment where people
continue to meet to enjoy the atmosphere of a city that is
both reflective and progressive.
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› www.discoverparramatta.com
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City Centre
City Centre
CITY
CENTRE
A bustling
scene day or night,
the city centre is where
you will find Parramaa’s
exciting dining, retail
and entertainment
venues.
Photos (except opposite lower left) : Terence Chin
Parramatta is a vibrant, contemporary
city with a dynamic social scene that
reflects its cultural diversity. You
will experience a slice of modern
Australia as you immerse yourself in
Parramatta’s city life.
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significant and impressive structures
including St John’s Cathedral whose
iconic towers have been part of the
city skyline for over 190 years, The
Roxy Hotel and the many modern
buildings and artworks that reflect
the city’s identity.
You will discover an exciting mix of
restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs
lining the streets of the city, jostling
for space with the many retail outlets
catering for your every need.
The city centre still offers a few
surprises; St John’s Cemetery, where
Australia’s oldest marked grave
dates to 1791, the Lancer Barracks,
and the Heritage Courtyard in the
Justice Precinct all stand in contrast
Nestled amongst a cityscape that
continues to change are fine examples to the modern city busily moving
of architecture that reflect the different around them.
periods in Parramatta’s history.
These important sites and the rich
As you walk through the city’s streets colours of the city add to the unique
and laneways you will stumble across character of Parramatta.
› www.discoverparramatta.com
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The
Precincts
River
The River
Lennox Bridge
Parramaa is
Sydney’s river city.
Step down to the river, sit under the
trees, play on the grass, peer into the
water or walk along the pathways and
enjoy an important part of the city.
You can pull up a seat at one of the
cafes overlooking the river or enjoy
your food on the landscaped banks
and watch the ducks, or if you’re
lucky, catch a glimpse of an eel.
Take a stroll along the Riverside
Walk; designed by Aboriginal artist
Jamie Eastwood, and see the stories
of Parramatta’s Indigenous culture
reflected in the artwork.
RIVER
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Photo far right: Terence Chin
THE
The Parramatta River was an
important food source and meeting
place for the Burramatta clan, with
the abundance of eels giving the
area its name. The river was also
the lifeblood of the fledgling colony.
Providing early settlers with fresh
water, it also provided them with
an important transport, trade and
communications route.
Riverside Walk
A Parramatta icon, the Lennox Bridge
was completed in 1839 using convict
labour, to replace an earlier timber
bridge, and is the oldest crossing on
the Parramatta River.
As you begin to uncover Parramatta’s
stories, you will begin to discover the
role the river played in shaping the
Parramatta you see today.
› www.discoverparramatta.com
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Parramatta Park
Parramatta Park
PARRAMATTA
PARK
Parramaa Park’s diverse
landscape and rich history
make it not only a perfect place
to relax during your exploration
of Parramaa, but an important
part of Australia’s story.
One of Australia’s most historic
parks, Parramatta Park evolved
from an Aboriginal settlement to a
Vice-Regal domain to a major public
park now bordering Parramatta’s
city centre.
Today it serves the people of
the city as a place of recreation,
sports and as a venue for the city’s
largest events, all in an important
historic context.
Originally home to the Burramatta
clan, the park contains evidence
of their occupation in the form of
scarred trees and weapons, which
shows us their tradition of hunting in
the woodlands surrounding the river.
Parramatta River. They disembarked
at the spot now known as The
Crescent, and established a major
government farm.
The park you see today contains
elements of Australia’s natural,
The river’s fresh water and the area’s Indigenous and colonial heritage,
and is placed on the National
fertile soils later drew the early
Heritage List.
settlers to the upper reaches of the
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› www.discoverparramatta.com
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Parramatta Park
Parramatta Park
Old Government House
a popular
spot for many of the Park’s
p
cyclists, joggers and those who prefer
a more leisurely stroll.
Follow the scenic Park Walk past
some of Parramatta Park’s most
important sites and take your time
exploring the hidden stories.
Starting at the George Street
Gatehouse the walk leads you past Old
Government House, the Dairy Precinct,
takes you down to the river and back to
George Street; taking approximately 40
minutes to complete the 2km circuit.
Old Government House is Australia’s
oldest surviving public building.
It was built by Governors John Hunter
and Lachlan Macquarie between 1799
and 1818 and is faithfully restored
and furnished to the Macquarie
period (1810-1821).
PARRAMATTA PARK
OPEN DAILY
Come and experience the lives of our
early colonial governors – celebrate
the bicentenary of Governor
Macquarie – and view the nation’s
most important collection of early
Australian colonial furniture.
The impressive George Street
Gatehouse (1885) marks the transition
from bustling city to peaceful park and
is only one of the significant structures
you will discover on your walk.
Parramatta Park, Pitt St Entrance
(car) or George St Entrance
Phone: (02) 9635 8149
Open: 10.00am - 4.30pm
Tuesday to Friday (closed Mondays)
Stop by the Parramatta Park Café and 10.30am - 4.30pm
Weekends (last tour at 4pm)
enjoy a drink or a light meal under
the trees overlooking the river. This is Admission fees apply.
For more information, please contact the
Parramatta Heritage & Visitor Information Centre.
Call 1300 889 714 or go to www.discoverparramatta.com
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To learn more about Old Government House and the
Governor’s Domain, join a guided tour and explore
one of Australia’s most important colonial sites.
Open Spaces - Heritage Places
QThe largest area of open space in Parramatta
QListed on the National Heritage List
QChildrens playgrounds, picnic and BBQ areas
QHistory and walking tours
QRiverside walks
QParramatta Park Café
Entry via Macquarie Street or Queens Road Parramatta
Ph 02 8833 5000 (Mon-Fri) www.ppt.nsw.gov.au
› www.discoverparramatta.com
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Harris Park
Harris Park
HARRIS
PARK
Harris Park,
an inner city suburb
of Parramaa, has in
recent years evolved into
a multicultural hub that
has forged its own strong
identity with links to the
Indian and Lebanese
communities.
The town centre has a range of sweet The Harris Park Heritage Walk,
shops, curry houses, delis, sari shops starting from the city centre and
the River foreshore, takes you past
and spice stores.
some of Harris Park’s iconic sites
and structures, and takes in ‘Life
Walk a little further and you will
Along the Riverbank’ which includes
experience a suburb that has
significant new artworks such as
touches of the area’s colonial past.
the Sentry Box, which bring to life
Where food is part of the area’s
elements of Parramatta’s rich stories.
identity today, it played a bigger
role in the earliest years of colonial
Continue along the walk and visit the
settlement in Australia. As the
city’s historic cottages and homes and
site of the first private farms and
learn of the hardships and struggles
as the birthplace of the merino
early settlers faced, and how they
wool industry, Parramatta was the
survived in and shaped their new home.
agricultural heart of the colony.
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Elizabeth Farm (1793)
Once home to Elizabeth and
John Macarthur, pioneers of the
Australian Wool industry, the house
is set in a re-created1830s garden
which includes Australia’s oldest
European olive tree. Without the
usual barriers or ‘don’t touch’ signs,
Elizabeth Farm offers a rich and
intimate experience of early 19th
century domestic life for everyone
in the family to explore and enjoy.
‘Life Along the Riverbank’
interprets Parramaa’s
colonial period of the
early 1800s. Four artworks
line the walk and you can
download podcasts to
your phone or iPod from
Council’s website or iTunes.
70 Alice St, Rosehill
www.hht.net.au
Phone: (02) 9635 9488
Open: 9.30am - 4pm
Friday to Sunday / NSW public holidays
/ Daily in January
and NSW school holidays
Tearooms open: 10am - 4pm
Friday to Sunday
Charges apply.
› www.discoverparramatta.com
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Harris Park
Right: Experiment Farm
Cottage. Photo by
David Hoffman.
Below right:
Hambledon Cottage
Experiment Farm Cottage is built on
the site of Australia’s first land grant.
Visitors will experience the story of
ex-convict James Ruse who ‘sow’d
the first seed’ and demonstrated the
fledging colony of NSW could feed
itself; and of pioneer John Harris surgeon, explorer, farmer, magistrate
and merchant, who built the
charming 1830’s house which is once
again filled with simple but elegant
Hambledon Cottage (1824)
colonial furniture.
Built for Penelope Lucas, governess
to John & Elizabeth Macarthur on
9 Ruse St, Harris Park
their Elizabeth Farm Estate.
(parking in Ruse or Alice Sts)
Phone: (02) 9635 5655
63 Hassall St, Harris Park
Open: 10.30am - 3.30pm Tuesday to Phone: (02) 9635 6924
Friday, 11am - 3.30pm weekends
Open: 11am - 4pm Thursday to Sunday
(last tour at 3pm)
and public holidays.
Admission fees apply.
Charges apply.
Hambledon Cottage
Built by John Macarthur in 1824
63 Hassall Street (Cnr Gregory Pl),
Parramatta
Open: Thursday - Sunday,
11am to 4pm
Groups & Enquiries
ph/fax: 02 9635 6924
http://www.hotkey.net.au/~parramattahistry/
Step back into the earliest days
of Australia’s Colonial History...
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North Parramatta
North Parramatta
NORTH
PARRAMATTA
L-R: The Eels play at
Parramatta Stadium;
diners enjoy a meal at
The Meat & Wine Co;
Prince Alfred Park;
Riverside Theatre.
As you cross the Lennox Bridge and
head north of the Parramatta River
along Church Street, you will find
a part of Parramatta that has an
eclectic story spanning convicts,
crimes, cultural institutions and
entertainment and sporting venues.
Today the city’s renowned Riverside
Theatres and award winning
Parramatta Heritage Centre draw
visitors to a range of performances
and exhibitions. In early colonial and
Victorian times however this part
of the city was home to the most
infamous institutions.
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Prince Alfred Park occupies a city
block where Parramatta’s first gaol
once stood. Overlooking the park
are impressive landmarks including
St Patricks Cathedral and Old Kings
School site. Great food can also be
found here, so why not try one of the
restaurants or cafes nearby or enjoy a
picnic amongst the flowers and trees.
Further north is a site of national
significance where the Female Factory
once stood. Built to house female
convicts, it played an important part in
the development of Australia and the
site can now be explored on tour (see
Tours section for more information).
Nearby Parramatta Stadium is
home to the city’s rugby league
team, The Eels, and plays host to a
number of large concerts and
events every year, including the
Supercross Championships and
the Deepavali Festival.
› www.discoverparramatta.com
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Dining
Dining
DINING
Parramatta boasts over 300
restaurants and cafes, bistros and
lunch bars that reflect the city’s
rich cultural mix. With Italian, Greek,
Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, Japanese,
Lebanese and Vietnamese restaurants,
as well as modern Australian, you
won’t know where to start, or stop.
Alfresco dining proliferates along
Church Street; a great place to
catch everything from gourmet
seafood to ‘five-minute’ noodle
bars. Its vibrant mix of restaurants,
cafes and bars provides a lively
atmosphere day or night.
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Call into Parramaa
Visitor Centre for a
FREE Dining Guide or visit
www.discoverparramaa.com
for a comprehensive listing
of all the dining options in
the city and Harris Park.
Phillip Street has built itself
a reputation for fine dining,
with some of Parramatta’s best
restaurants offering innovative
cuisine, some in spectacular
settings, while George Street and
southern Church Street specialise in
Parramatta’s great array of
Asian cuisines.
Historic properties throughout
the city provide an intimate dining
experience while cafés in Parramatta
Park and Lake Parramatta offer
views over Parramatta’s picturesque
parklands and waterways.
The surrounding suburbs of North
Parramatta, Granville and Harris
Park are the places to go in search
of gourmet produce and a great
range of exotic Middle Eastern, Indian
and Persian groceries and the best
Lebanese pastries in Sydney.
Photos (except bottom left): Terence Chin
Sink your
teeth into one of
Sydney’s premier
dining destinations and
savour Parramaa’s
diverse and exciting
range of cuisines.
› www.discoverparramatta.com
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Entertainment
ENTERTAINMENT
Riverside is also home to events from
some of Sydney’s signature festivals
including Sydney Festival, Sydney
Writer’s Festival, Mardi Gras and
the Arab Film Festival; allowing you
to experience the best of Sydney’s
diverse entertainment calendar.
You can also enjoy the best of
local talent through the Big Notes
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concert program of professional
and community performers and the
Western Sydney Dance Action.
The three theatre performing arts
centre is located on the banks of the
Parramatta River and is situated in
the Church Street restaurant precinct
with ample parking and easy access
by public transport.
ST TALENT
WITH SOME OF THE BE
IN AUSTRALIA
Photos: Derek Henderson (top); Justine Walpole (left)
With a diverse, popular and
accessible program all year round,
Riverside is the best place to catch
professional theatre, dance, opera
and comedy, including the Laugh
Garage comedy nights.
Riverside Theatres
is home to some of
Parramaa’s most
exciting performances,
events and festivals.
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A PERFORMANCE
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FEATURING
SOME OF THE BEST
THEATRE COMPANIES
IN AUSTRALIA
QUEENSLAND THEATRE
COMPANY
MELBOURNE THEATRE
COMPANY
SYDNEY THEATRE
COMPANY
BANGARRA DANCE
THEATRE
ALEX BUZO COMPANY
ENSEMBLE THEATRE
HIT PRODUCTIONS
GRIFFIN THEATRE
OZOPERA
Riverside Theatres is
a business unit of
CALL THE BOX OFFICE ON 8839 3399 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE
FOR DETAILS OF OUR SEASON, BIG NOTES MUSIC SERIES
AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
RIVERSIDEPARRAMATTA.COM.AU
Entertainment
Parramatta’s pub and bar scene
offers you everything from the lively
and the rowdy to the quiet and the
comfortable. You can enjoy a drink
at one of the city’s numerous bars,
a meal at the local pub or a night of
music till late.
One of Parramatta’s main
entertainment venues, The Roxy
Hotel hosts events and dances week
round with concerts and special
events taking place throughout the
year. It started life however in 1930
as a venue for silent movies. A grand
theatre it provided the city with one
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of the finest ‘picture palaces’ of the
time. The theatre has been praised
for its architecture and design, the
Spanish Mission style considered the
finest example in Australia.
You can also catch live music at The
Parramatta Leagues club and the
Parramatta RSL, while a host of other
pubs populate the city centre, each
with its own character. The perfect
way to enjoy the night is explore the
city on foot.
Visit www.discoverparramatta.com
for more information.
Major Annual Events
Major Annual Events
MAJOR
ANNUAL
EVENTS
From Parramaa’s
signature event Riverbeats
to the great lineup as part
of the Sydney Festival, the
city’s reputation as a host of
unique and exciting events
continues to grow.
Flowers on the river for the
Loy Krathong Festival (see p34)
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Hot-air ballooning on Australia Day
Riverbeats
Parramatta’s signature annual event
is a creative celebration of the vital,
life-enhancing role the river plays in
Parramatta. Riverbeats weaves music,
light and sound into a spectacular
cultural event on the banks of the
Parramatta River and around the city.
Riverbeats Live is the main event
showcasing exciting music and live
performances, and is complemented by
Parramatta’s great variety of cuisines.
Festival. Each year in January the
Festival offers a rich and diverse
program spanning dance, theatre,
music, visual arts and film.
Mardi Gras Festival
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi
Gras Festival, a Sydney institution,
returns to Parramatta with a variety
of events including exhibitions,
performances and the Mardi Gras
Film Festival. Check closer to the date
at www.riversideparramatta.com.au.
Loy Krathong
Parramatta’s Thai celebration of
Loy Krathong includes the beautiful
floating of Krathongs (candles and
flower offerings) on the waters of the
Parramatta River.
Australia Day
Australia Day kicks off nationally on
January 26 at 6am from Parramatta
Park with the traditional hot air
balloon launch. A village of stalls,
activities and entertainment
follows. An evening concert in the
Golden Slipper Festival
One of Australia’s premier horseracing Amphitheatre showcases the best of
Australian entertainment followed by
meets held at Rosehill Gardens over
March and April combines racing with a spectacular pyrotechnics show.
a multitude of events. The festival
culminates in the richest day of racing, Lunar New Year
A celebration of the Lunar New
the AAMI Golden Slipper Day.
Year with street performers, stalls,
displays and the spectacular lion
Sydney Festival in Parramatta
dance in February each year.
Parramatta hosts a number of key
cultural events as part of the Sydney
For more information on these, or other great events, pop into
the Parramatta Visitor Information Centre or call on 1300 889 714
Visit www.discoverparramatta.com to view our events calendar.
› www.discoverparramatta.com
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Major Annual Events
Major Annual Events
Happy As Larry played at the Riverside Theatres as part of hte Sydney Festival 2010
Sydney Writers Festival
Riverside Theatres and various city
venues play host to a number of
exciting events and activities during
the festivals.
Arab Film Festival Australia
The Arab Film Festival showcases the
best of Arab films at the Riverside
Theatres with a line-up that usually
includes award winning films and
Australian premieres.
NAIDOC Week
Various venues around Parramatta
host special activities and events
celebrating the history, culture and
achievements of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people.
Wisteria Festival
The festival celebrates the
breathtaking displays of spring
flowers in the Wisteria Gardens,
laid out in 1906 on the grounds of
Cumberland Hospital. The gardens
are only open during the festival in
September. Contact the Visitor Centre
on 8839 3311 for confirmed dates.
Foundation Day
Parramatta was established as
the second European settlement
on 2nd November 1788 and this
annual event recognises the diversity
of Parramatta and looks at the
many cultures that have made and
continue to make Parramatta
their home.
December comes alive with
Christmas celebrations and carols
at Parramatta’s historic properties
including Elizabeth Farm and Old
Government House and a concert
at Parramatta Park.
New Years Eve in Parramatta
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Riverbeats
New Years Eve
Parramatta’s popular New Years Eve
celebration has a great atmosphere
including free entertainment and
great food with a spectacular
pyrotechnics finale at 9pm.
› www.discoverparramatta.com
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Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture
From public art to
performances, events to
exhibitions – be inspired
by the exciting artistic and
cultural expressions in
Parramaa.
ARTS&
CULTURE
Contemporary arts practice
also flourishes with an annual
engaging program of exhibitions,
international residencies, public
events and activities.
The Parramatta Artists Studios
located in the CBD is home to
a variety of creative spaces for
We invite you to explore our city
professional contemporary artists
streets, buildings and open spaces
which are active with permanent and and has a lively display space
presenting regular changing
temporary art installations across
exhibitions.
Church Street, the river foreshore
and the new justice precinct. This
unique collection brings Parramatta’s 45 Hunter St, Parramatta
Phone: (02) 9687 6090
stories and histories alive, from the
Gallery open: 12pm - 4pm
distinctive indigenous eel motifs to
artworks that help convey memories Monday - Friday.
Entry is free.
of the early years of the colony.
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Opposite: Flock, Phil Lethean, 2007. Photo by Terence Chin.
Parramatta’s reputation as a dynamic
and creative city continues to grow
from our major arts presentation
venues such as Riverside Theatres,
creative production spaces in the
Parramatta Artists Studios to the city’s
visible and vibrant public art program.
› www.discoverparramatta.com
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Shopping
SHOPPING
Westfield Parramatta anchors the
southern end of Church Street.
One of Australia’s largest shopping
centre, it offers a fantastic shopping,
dining and entertainment experience
in one convenient location. The ‘Event
Cinemas’ complex sits atop a great
range of dining options from Asian,
Turkish and Italian foods as well as
boutique chocolate shop.
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Parramaa’s
retail experience
caters for every budget
and every interest from
local boutiques to brand
name retailers and
major department
stores.
Westfield is easily accessible by car
and provides ample parking, while its
direct connection to the Transport
Interchange makes getting there by
bus or train easy.
Photos: Terence Chin
The major shopping district is
centred on Church, George
and Macquarie Streets. Small
shops and arcades line these
streets providing a great variety
of fashion, music and other
specialist services.
Tours
Tours
Opposite: St Patrick’s Cathedral
Right: Old Government House
Below: The Female Factory
(Photograph by Bronwyn Elliott.
Copyright © Bronwyn Elliott 2009)
Bottom: Sydney Helicopters
TOURS
Parramatta’s tours range from the
historic to the mysterious, and
from the heritage museums to
tours of sky high proportions.
If you would
like to explore
Parramaa further
when you visit there
are many tour
options available.
The historic properties of Elizabeth
Farm (9635 9488), Hambledon Cottage
(9635 6924), Experiment Farm Cottage
(9635 5655) and Old Government
House (9635 8149) all offer tours. Call
to check fees and availability and to
Past Time Tours and Topp Tours are
make a booking.
two local tour companies offering a
St John’s Cathedral offers free guided range of fascinating guided walking
tours of the historic church 10:00am and other tours. Explore Parramatta’s
darker side with visits to its historic
to 2:00pm Thursdays and Fridays.
cemeteries or places of convict
(9635 5904).
occupation and hear stories of
Parramatta’s pioneers and prisoners.
Tours of St Johns Cemetery are also
available and can be organised through Bookings are essential and group
tours are welcome.
St John’s Cathedral (9635 5904) and
through Past Time Tours (9686 6861).
Call Past Time Tours on 9686 6861 and
Topp Tours on 9633 9562.
For guided tours of St Patrick’s
See www.discoverparramatta.com
Cathedral call 9630 1115.
36
For a tour with a difference check out
Sydney Helicopters at Granville, based
just outside the Parramatta city
centre. Offering tours that take in all
of Sydney and surrounding regions,
this is one of the most scenic and
breathtaking ways to explore Sydney
and Parramatta. Check out
www.sydneyhelicopters.com.au for
details and prices, or call 9637 4455.
› www.discoverparramatta.com
37
Sport & Recreation
Sport & Recreation
Parramaa has a
rich culture of sport.
From the impressive racecourse
at Rosehill Gardens, home of the
prestigious Golden Slipper Festival,
to the celebrated local rugby league
team, the Eels, Parramatta enjoys
a healthy culture of sport and
recreation that is complemented
by outstanding facilities for the
community to use.
SPORT &
RECREATION
The Parramatta Eels play their
home games at Parramatta Stadium;
a popular venue for events from
sports to entertainment and
community festivals.
Parramatta Leagues Club
where you can celebrate
with locals fans.
Nearby is the Parramatta Swimming
Centre (9630 3669), where you
can take a dip from late August to
mid-March in an Olympic sized pool
You can watch the Eels at play during as you enjoy the Parramatta summer.
the season with tickets available from Just outside the city is the Granville
Ticketek (9266 4800).
Swimming Centre (9637 1593), open
during winter.
Not far from the Stadium is Parramatta
Leagues Club on O’Connell Street,
www.discoverparramatta.com
BEST IN THE WEST FOR
SPORT & ENTERTAINMENT
W W W. PA R RA M AT TAS TA D I U M . C O M . AU
38
› www.discoverparramatta.com
39
Sport & Recreation
Sport & Recreation
The Golden Slipper Festival is
the world’s richest race for two
year olds and is one of many race
meetings held at Rosehill Gardens.
You can enjoy the atmosphere and
fun of race meetings at Rosehill
Gardens through out the year.
Tickets can be purchased through
Ticketek; call 132 849.
Tyrepower Parramatta
City Raceway
Feel the roar of the Sprint Cars
as they hurtle round the dirt track
at breathtaking speeds.
Wentworth Street Granville
(02) 9637 0411
www.parramattacityraceway.com.au
Tennis
Parramatta Tennis Centre provides 13
synthetic and 4 clay courts.
Barton Street, North Parramatta.
Cycling and Skateboarding
(02) 9683 1703
The Cycleway along the Parramatta
River foreshore connects to bike
Parramatta City Council has courts
paths that lead to Homebush Bay and
for hire in Winston Hills. They are
all the way to Botany Bay. Contact
open all year round from 7am to
the Parramatta Heritage & Visitor
10pm. Call 1300 367 891.
Information Centre for RTA Cycleway
maps. Parramatta City Council’s
Golf
Skateboard Facility at James Ruse
Parramatta has a number of golf
courses near the city centre including Reserve is a popular venue for local
and visiting skaters.
9 hole and 18 hole courses.
Contact the Parramatta Visitor Information Centre
for more information, call 1300 889 714.
40
› www.discoverparramatta.com
41
Around Parramatta & Beyond
Around Parramatta & Beyond
The popular Featherdale Wildlife
Park, Kildare Road, Doonside
is easy to get to. You can get
up close to over 2,200 animals,
including cuddling up to a koala
or handfeeding the kangaroos.
9622 1644
AROUND PA RRAMATTA
Sydney Olympic Park is just 6km
from the heart of Parramatta and
and set among 430ha of open
space, wetlands and waterways.
Over 35km of cycling and walking
paths and scenic boardwalks exist
within beautiful parklands, rare
saltmarshes, remnant forest, a
waterbird refuge and mangrove
forest, as well as places of Olympic
and historical significance.
The Blue Mountains are only an
hour from Parramatta by car or
train, making the trip to this World
Heritage National Park easy. The
proximity of the Blue Mountains
means you can explore them in
a day, taking in the famous sites
such as the Three Sisters.
Penrith, Blacktown, Ryde, Fairfield and the Sydney Hills including
Koala Park Sanctuary in Castle Hill are also within easy reach of
Parramatta. Drop into the Parramatta Visitor Information Centre
to pick up brochures on all these destinations and get our
friendly staff to help you plan your trips.
42
Top right: Photo by Fiora Sacco; © Sydney Olympic Park Authority
Image courtesy of Sydney Olympic Park Authority
& BE YOND
Top Left: Photo by Jesse Yardley - www.fotographix.ca
Parramaa
is at the centre
of Greater Sydney.
Its varied range of
accommodation and its ease
of access by both road and
public transport make it
the perfect base for
your holiday.
Only a quick train ride or a scenic
ferry trip away, Sydney City is
within easy reach, and many
visitors take advantage of the
convenience of Parramatta when
choosing to stay here.
FREE all day Koala encounters
Hop along to Australia’s largest collection of native animals
&%er 2,200 animals from more than 330 different species
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Open every day 9am – 5pm (closed Christmas Day)
217 Kildare Road, Doonside NSW 2767
Just 20mins from Parramatta.Take the Great Western
Hwy or M4 and follow the brown tourist signs to the Park
www.featherdale.com.au
› www.discoverparramatta.com
43
Accommodation
Accommodation
Crowne Plaza
Courtyard By Marriott
ACCOMMODATION
Parramaa has agreat
range of accommodation
options ranging from international
nal
standard 4 1/2 star hotels to
budget motels with locations
ons
rby.
in the city centre and nearby.
For more information visitt
www.discoverparramaa.com
HOTELS
Courtyard by Marriott
18 - 40 Anderson Street Parramatta
(02) 9891 1277
www.marriott.com.au/sydcy
The Courtyard by Marriott Parramatta
ends your search for the ideal
Western Sydney accommodation.
You’ll find the location convenient
to popular destinations, attractions,
businesses and shopping.
The hotel features 181 guest rooms,
restaurant, bar, swimming pool,
heated spa and 7 functions rooms
fully equipped with the latest
technology able to accommodate up
to 170 people.
Crowne Plaza
30 Phillip Street Parramatta
138 388
www.crowneplazaparramatta.com.au
Crowne Plaza Parramatta enjoys
a superb city centre location, nestled
in the heart of Parramatta’s trendy
Church Street dining precinct, just
a stroll from Westfield Shopping Town
and Parramatta Stadium. This awardwinning hotel features wi-fi
internet access, a business centre,
concierge service, contemporary
restaurant and bar, an outdoor
pool and complimentary access to
Parramatta’s Fitness First gymnasium.
The Courtyard by Marriott Parramatta is conveniently located
within 5 minutes walk from Westfield shopping Centre,
Railway Station and the Church Street restaurant precinct.
Features 151 deluxe rooms and 30 spa suites with high speed internet access, Foxtel and pay-per-view movies,
minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, individual climate controlled air-conditioning. Spa suites also feature an
additional lounge area and corner spa. Hotel facilities include ‘Twenty One Fifty’ a modern Australian restaurant,
serves daily buffet breakfast and weekday dinner, an outdoor swimming pool and spa and onsite car parking.
18-40 Anderson Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
44
p: 02 9891 1277 f: 02 9687 1148
e: [email protected]
› www.discoverparramatta.com
45
Accommodation
Accommodation
Mantra Parramatta
Cnr Parkes Street & Valentine
Avenue, Parramatta
(02) 9685 1600
www.mantra.com.au
[email protected]
Mantra Parramatta boasts 230
studio, one and two bedroom
apartments offering spacious
accommodation and kitchenette
facilities perfectly suited to both
corporate and leisure travellers.
Mantra Parramatta is the ideal choice
when mixing business with pleasure,
with conference facilities, outdoor
heated swimming pool and gym,
and featuring the in-house Ivory
Restaurant and Tantra Bar.
The Sebel
Parramatta
350 Church Street
Parramatta
(02) 9630 4999
www.mirvachotels.com
This 4-1/2 star hotel is located in
the heart of Parramatta’s shopping,
dining and entertainment precinct.
The Sebel Parramatta has 194
accommodation rooms, including 17
Suites (4 with spas). Guest facilities
include outdoor heated pool and
spa, sauna and gymnasium, as well
as undercover car parking and 24hour reception and room service.
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› www.discoverparramatta.com
47
Accommodation
Accommodation
MOTELS
Parramatta City Motel
Cnr. Great Western Highway
and Marsden Street Parramatta
(02) 9635 7266
www.citymotel.com.au
45 air-conditioned ensuite rooms
with private telephone. Covered
pool, guest laundry, conference
and training room. Coach tours and
groups welcome. Walk to Westfield,
shops, train and bus stations,
restaurants and Parramatta CBD.
Wesley Lodge
175 Hawkesbury Road Westmead
(02) 9635 1233
Wesley Lodge is ideally located
only minutes from Parramatta and
only a short walk from Westmead
Hospitals and railway station. A local
bus service links Westmead with
Parramatta’s array of shopping and
dining experiences. There are 59
comfortable 3 1/2 star rooms, with
tea/coffee facilities, TV, Foxtel, fresh
milk and wireless broadband access.
Rydges Parramatta
Mercure Sydney Parramatta
106 Hassall Street, Rosehill
(02) 8836 1000
www.mercurehotelparramatta.com.au
Located on the fringe of the
Parramatta CBD, with 164 spacious and
comfortable rooms, Mercure Sydney
Parramatta has built its esteemed
reputation on personalised service,
and an accessible location close to all
major arterials and attractions. Enjoy
the award winning M Restaurant and
the M Bar, or relax by the outdoor
swimming pool and spa.
Rydges Parramatta
116 James Ruse Drive Rosehill
(02) 8863 7600
www.rydges.com
The modern, spacious and relaxed
atmosphere of the Rydges Parramatta
is just a short journey from the
Parramatta CBD. With 151 guest rooms,
13 Conference Rooms, 2 Restaurants
and 3 Bars it is suited to all travellers,
whether on business or on leisure.
Experience the Rydges ‘Dream Bed’
in every one of the hotels rooms. The
hotel features a pool, spa and gym.
Stay in the heart of Parramatta
Y O U R T O P VA L U E FA M I LY M O T E L
Close to Westfield,
shops, RiverCat,
trains, and buses.
The perfect place to
base yourself for
business or pleasure.
If you are looking for a great place at a great rate call us now.
40-44 Great Western Highway (cnr Marsden Street) Parramatta
Enquiries: (02) 9635 7266 9 Reservations: 1800 227 410
www.citymotel.com.au
★★★✩
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151 NEW LOOK DESIGNER ROOMS
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116-118 JAMES RUSE DRIVE, ROSEHILL NSW 2142
PH: 02 8863 7600 FAX: 02 8863 7601
[email protected]
www.rydges.com/parramatta
48
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› www.discoverparramatta.com
49
Accommodation
Accommodation in Parramatta
has evolved
Stay a night or stay a while
Photo by Terence Chin
APARTMENTS
Meriton Serviced Apartments
1 800 214 822
180 George Street, Parramatta
Absolute Waterfront Apartments
(02) 8843 1300
Multiple locations around Parramatta Parkside Apartments
(02) 9894 0751
Grose Street, Parramatta
Caulta Apartments
Brickfield Street, Parramatta
(02) 9654 0030
541 Church Street, North Parramatta Church Street, North Parramatta
CFM – George Brown Hall
1300 138 125 0409 922 105
16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta
Quest Serviced Apartments
(02) 9687 7711
8 Hope Street, Rosehill
Fiori Apartments
(02) 9635 0235
13-15 Hassall Street, Parramatta
Waldorf Apartments
(02) 8837 8000
537 Church Street North Parramatta
18 Bellevue Street North Parramatta
110-114 James Ruse Drive Rosehill
Mantra Suites
(02) 9685 1600
Corner Parkes Street and Valentine
Avenue, Parramatta
With 179 fully self-contained apartments,
in the heart of Parramatta, feel at home and
stay with Meriton Serviced Apartments.
You’ll never want to squeeze into a
hotel room again.
BED&BREAKFASTS
Harborne House Bed & Breakfast
(02) 9687 8988
21 Boundary Street Parramatta
Choose from 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments
with kitchen, laundry, lounge / dining areas.
Resort style facilities include
indoor heated pool, sauna, gym,
on-site underground car parking
and outdoor BBQ area.
Reservations
1800 214 822 +61 2 9277 1111
[email protected]
50
MER40276
Parramatta
180 George Street Parramatta NSW 2150
www.meritonapartments.com.au
Conferences, Functions & Exhibitions
Conferences, Functions & Exhibitions
CONFERENCES
FUNCTIONS&
EXHIBITIONS
Parramatta is one of Greater
Sydney’s major centres for meetings,
conferences, exhibitions and events.
flexible function spaces to
meet all your needs.
Services range from intimate
candlelight dinners at some of
Australia’s finest heritage buildings to
major events for 2,000 or more, such as
the Caravan and Camping Supershow in
Rosehill Garden’s Grand Pavilion.
Parramatta provides
the perfect range
of attractions and
activities for partners and
breakaway events from
ghost tours, river cruises or
a day at the races.
Parramatta international standard
hotels and serviced apartment
complexes feature ‘state of the art’
conference facilities and a range of
During the evening stroll
along one of Parramatta’s ‘eat
streets’ and dine at one of the
many restaurants.
The following venues have meeting, conference, function, event or
exhibition facilities.
Courtyard by Marriott
14-18 Anderson St (02) 9891 1277
Parramatta RSL Club
Macquarie St (02) 9633 5177
Crowne Plaza
30 Phillip St (02) 9689 3333
Parramatta Town Hall
Church St Mall (02) 9806 5000
Elizabeth Farm
70 Alice St, Rosehill (02)9635 9488
Quest Rosehill
8 Hope St Rosehill (02) 9687 7711
Lachlan’s at Old Government House
(02) 9687 2662
Riverside Theatres
Cnr. Church and Market St (02) 8839 3398
Parramatta City Motel
Gt Western H’way (02) 9635 7266
Sebel Parramatta
350 Church St (02) 9630 4999
Parramatta Heritage Centre
346A Church St (02) 8839 3311
Waldorf Hotel
James Ruse Dve Rosehill (02) 8837 8000
Parramatta Leagues Club
15 O’Connell St (02) 8833 0777
Wesley Lodge
Hawkesbury Rd Westmead (02) 9635 1233
Parramatta Park Trust
(02) 8833 5000
Workers Parramatta
163 George St (02) 9633 5819
For a full list of places phone Parramatta Heritage
& Visitor Information Centre on 1300 889 714 or
visit www.discoverparramatta.com
52
Top: Crowne Plaza Melbourne Ballroom
Middle: Mantra Conference Room
Bottom: Old Government House
Workers Parramatta welcomes you to
experience the stylish and contemporary
comfort of the Lounge bar, Zest Café
and Outdoor Terraces.
Want to grow your business or celebrate “the event” then book your next function
at our unique and versatile function centre. Speak to our functions staff today!
View our weekly events on our new website www.workersclub.com.au and be sure
to check out our Virtual Tour.
163-165 George Street, Parramatta
T 9633 5819
F 9635 3099
E [email protected]
› www.discoverparramatta.com
53
Leave the car, take the Loop
10a
5pm m Daily
FREE
PARK
ING
the Loop is Parramatta’s environmentally friendly and accessible
free city bus, connecting tourists, residents and commuters to the
commercial, retail and recreational landmarks of the City Centre
Timetable
Monday - Friday : 7.00 am to 6.30 pm
Saturday : 8.00 am to 4.00 pm
For more information
Ph: (02) 9806 5050
www.parramattaloop.com.au
WIN
Get a Supershow Passport
on entry for your chance to win
caravan & camping prizes
W: supershow.com.au T: 1902 220 299
Parramatta City Library
Information and Library Services
Check Out
w!
no
Your Local Library
Programs & Activities | Internet | Latest Books, CDs & DVDs | Housebound Library Service | Community Languages
Parramatta City Library
Civic Place, Parramatta
tel: 9806-5159
Dundas Valley
Ermington
Branch Library
Branch Library
Sturt Street,
River Road,
Telopea
Ermington
tel: 9638-1146
tel: 9638-2270
Granville
Branch Library
8 Carlton Street,
Granville
tel: 9637-4270
Guildford
Branch Library
Railway Terrace,
Guildford
tel: 9632-6744
Constitution Hill
Branch Library
20 Hollis Street,
Toongabbie
tel: 9896-2201
Brought to you by:
www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/library
54
Supported by:
CREDITS
Discover Parramatta is Parramatta’s
official Visitors’ Guide, published annually
by Parramatta City Council. Printed
on 50% recycled paper, sourced from
plantation-based forests and printed with
vegetable-based inks.
PARRAMATTA
ESSENTIALS
Population
151,297 (2006)
Library
Central Library: Civic Place
Parramatta, Open 7 days,
(02) 9806 5159 and branches
Telephone Interpreter Service
131 450
Post Offices
For trading hours and post office
locations call 131 317.
Faxing and photocopying is available
at local post offices. Call 131 318.
Places of Worship
For a full listing, please see
www.discoverparramatta.com
56
Editorial
Services for Visitors
with Disabilities
Most public buildings in Parramatta
are accessible to people with
disabilities.
Toilets: Parramatta Railway Station,
Church St Mall next to the Town Hall,
Westfield (all levels), Central Library
and Parramatta Heritage and Visitor
Information Centre.
TTY Telephones: Westfield,
Parramatta Central Library,
Civic Place.
Parking: Civic Place outside
Parramatta Central Library and in
each of the city’s parking stations.
Wheelchair Accessible Buses: No.
520 from Circular Quay.
Karim Kisirwani, Tourism Information
Coordinator - Parramatta City Council
Design
Deuce Design. www.deucedesign.com.au
Print
Focus Press. www.focuspress.com.au
Photography
Photos: Terence Chin pages 8, 9, 11, 23, 33,
34, 50, 57 and cover / Ben Campbell pages
13, 36, 41 / David Hoffman page 18 / Jeremy
Piper page 20, 23 / Bronwyn Elliott page
37 / Jesse Yardley page 42 / Fiora Sacco ©
Sydney Olympic Park Authority page 43
Thanks:
Emergency Numbers
For urgent calls for fire, police and
ambulance dial 000
Parramatta Heritage and Visitors
Information Centre / Michelle Desailly,
Solaire Eggert, Henry Halim, Karen
O’Donnell, Mike Thomas and Lavinia
Thompson from Parramatta City Council /
Economic Development unit, Parramatta
City Council / Graeme Dube, Connex West
Publishing / Thanks to the organisations
who have supplied us with information and
images / Many thanks to Tourism NSW for
their ongoing support
Parramatta Police (02) 9633 9633
Crime Stoppers Hotline 1800 333 000
Westmead Hospital
Hawkesbury Road (02) 9845 5555
Children’s Hospital
Hawkesbury Rd, Westmead
(02) 9845 0000
NRMA Emergency Roadside
Breakdown Service 13 11 11
Photos: Terence Chin
Parramatta City Council
30 Darcy Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
Customer Service (02) 9806 5050
Email: [email protected]
www.parracity.nsw.gov.au
Business hours:
Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm
Saturday 8.30am - 12.30pm
Parramatta City Central Library only,
Council’s offices are closed on
the weekend.
Logos, branding and images are supplied
and used with permission. Information
is correct at time of printing and may be
changed without notice.
› www.discoverparramatta.com
57
58
› www.discoverparramatta.com
59
› www.discoverparramatta.com
60
Parramatta Visitor
Information Centre
346A Church Street, Parramatta
(just near the Lennox Bridge)
Phone: 1300 889 714
Fax: (02) 9630 3243
[email protected]
www.discoverparramatta.com
Join our mailing list!
Give us a call on 1300 889 714 to
receive copies of Discover Parramatta,
the monthly What’s On in Parramatta,
the Heritage Centre Calendar
or the Dining Guide.
www.discoverparramatta.com