Parramatta is the second oldest city in Australia where you can find rich colonial history, exceptional theatres, wide riverside green spaces, and an amazing foodie scene. It’s definitely one of the city’s most diverse and inclusive areas, where vibrant traditions come together, together with cuisines and festivals as a celebration of modern Australia.
If you want to know more about Parammatta, this article is perfect. We will share with you what the city is known for and if it’s worth visiting.
How Safe is Parramatta?
The city is very safe and there are police roaming around all the time. The local young people are also respectful and disciplined. Although it’s safe, there will always be some issues just like any huge city here. The city is full of diversity as many Asians and Indians live there, and these people are nice which makes it a quiet community in general. Parramatta doesn’t have any specific problems with late-night riots or a high rate of robbery, unlike the Sydney CBD.
What is Parramatta Famous for?
The city is a huge business and commercial centre and is the home of Westfield Parramatta, the tenth biggest shopping centre in Australia. It’s a one-stop hub for shopping, relaxation, and fun. From entertainment to fashion to dining to wellbeing, they offer almost everything there. So, if you have already booked a Parramatta hotel, make sure that you don’t skip this mall!
Also, Parramatta is one of the well-known transport hubs for Western Sydney, providing services for buses and trains, as well as offering ferry wharf and future metro and light rail services.
Is Parramatta is the Best Suburb?
Parramatta is quite a great suburb! It’s Sydney’s second CBD and has one of the largest shopping centres in Australia with efficient public transportations too. Trains are available to Penrith and City and buses to practically everywhere.
The restaurants in Parramatta will also make you fall in love with the city. They offer a lot of choices, great food, and great service. If it’s your first time there, you can also try Harris Park which is a nearby alternative for foodies too.
What are Some of the Best Neighbourhoods Near Parramatta?
Balmain. We’re sure that you already have Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Circular Quay on your list as a good tourist. Now, if you’re curious about how the locals live, why not take the ferry to Balmain and see it for yourself.
Balmain is breathtaking! Just imagine that you’re sitting beautifully on a peninsula that projects out into Sydney Harbour. This place was originally an industrial borough that adapted a bohemian brush to bring back its Victorian buildings and old workers’ cottages. However, this became a hit with the rich that the hippie community vibes is dwindling. Good thing is, Balmain’s health stores, rich foodie scene, weekend markets with antiques across Darling Street make up for it.
Australian National Maritime Museum. Are you a fan of the seas? This museum is an amazing place to discover Australia’s history on the seas, from replica ships to interactive activities and displays to exhilarating oceanic adventures. You can climb aboard actual and replica ships, check artefacts and memorabilia, and interact with nautical displays at this family-friendly museum. In this place, you can bring with your kids and learn together about the country’s wonderful maritime history in work, leisure, and defence, from the period of pre-colonisation to the current day. You can explore the museum at your own pace with a guided tour.
Where to Find Amazing Dishes and Restaurants?
If you love Fridays, then head to Centenary Square formerly known as Church Street Mall! It’s home to the vibrant Farmers Market. During the evening, this main street truly embodies its nickname “Eat Street” because they serve Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes for al fresco dining. If you’re into spice shops and Indian curries, you can go to lovely Harris Park. Also, if you’re looking for a remarkable Lebanese-style charcoal chicken, head to Granville, another diverse suburb.
Where Can I Learn About the City’s History?
You can learn about Parramatta’s 200-year colonial history as you walk down the cool gardens of Elizabeth Farm and see the beauty of the Georgian architecture and 19th-century furniture of Hambledon Cottage. In the close by Experiment Farm, you will learn how ex-convict James Ruse sowed the very first seeds for the crops in order to provide food for the colony.
Parramatta has always been a place where most people gather together since the pioneering days of Australian settlement. It’s a city where you will experience its fun mix of cultures, colonial heritage, cuisines, and admire spacious riverside parks.
The Darug people were known to have inhabited the Parramatta area for almost 40,000 years. For their food, they fished for eels in the Parramatta River.
So, are you excited about your next travel? We hope that this article helps you organize your adventure in Parramatta.