'''Parramatta''' is a western district of Sydney, a city in its own right within the Sydney Metropolitan Area and the second oldest European settlement on the Australian mainland.
Understand
Rich in colonial history, Parramatta is a district of elegant parks, with a vibrant multicultural community and a centre for sport, shopping, dining and entertainment. It is also a thriving legal, educational and health care centre and home to some of Australia's biggest corporations and government agencies.
Located 24 km from Sydney CBD and just 6 km from Sydney Olympic Park, Parramatta is both the demographic heart of the Harbour City and one of its most historic neighbourhoods.
Parramatta is located on the upper reaches of the Parramatta River, that flows into Sydney Harbour. It was inhabited by aborigines of the Barramatugal tribe, and the Parramatta name is perhaps an anglicised version of Barramatugal.
Parramatta was the first European settlement outside of Sydney. These days it is very much a suburb of Sydney but it still retains parts of its distinctive identity. It may not be the first place you would think to visit in Sydney (with its surfeit of beaches and scenic outlooks) but if you have a spare day it is worth a scenic ferry trip to explore the real Sydney and experience some of its history.
Get in
By car
Parramatt is located next to the M4 motorway (Metroad 4). Parramatta is well signposted from the motorway. Surrounding suburbs also have signposted exits from the city. A toll is payable on the motorway travelling to or from Sydney city, and it can be paid in cash.
If you are in no hurry you can use Victoria Rd or Parramatta Rd and avoid the toll. Traffic between Sydney City and Parramatta during peak hours can be extremely slow. Easily twice as long as the time taken for the trip during off-peak times.
By train
Parramatta is well served by rail connections [http://www.cityrail.info/timetable/index.jsp], and is around 30 minutes on the Western Line from the Sydney CBD, with services running frequently. From the City, fares cost $4.20 one way for an adult; alternatively, a Yellow Travelpass [http://www.cityrail.info/fares/travelpass.jsp] will cover train trips to and from Parramatta.
Penrith, the Blue Mountains, Blacktown, Richmond and Strathfield are also on the Western Line, making connections to these centres quick and simple.
Connections to Campbelltown and Liverpool can be made directly along the Cumberland line (which has only limited peak hour services) or by changing at Granville. Sydney Olympic Park can be reached by changing at Lidcombe for the "Olympic Sprint" train.
By bus
Parramatta is a hub for many buses, which operate from a bus interchange near the station. If you coming from the city, or near a train station, the train will usually be quicker and cheaper than the bus. A weekly Green Travelpass [http://www.cityrail.info/fares/travelpass.jsp] will cover a bus trip to and from Parramatta (although a train trip there requires a Yellow Travelpass).
Routes '''L20''' and '''520''' [http://www.sydneybuses.info] operate frequently every day from '''Circular Quay''' via Victoria Road. The trip takes over an hour.
The '''545''' bus [http://www.sydneybuses.info] offers a frequent service to Chatswood via '''North Ryde''', but again, if you are doing the entire trip from Chatswood, probably quicker and cheaper to get the train.
The '''North-West T-Way''' [http://www.t-way.nsw.gov.au/] links Parramatta to Rouse Hill, and the '''Liverpool-Parramatta T-Way''' links Parramatta with Liverpool via Bonnyrigg.
Veolia [http://www.connexnsw.com.au] offers a service from Hurstville in Southern Sydney, that again takes around an hour.
Hillsbus [http://www.hillsbus.com.au] offer a variety of services to the Hills District.
By ferry
The Rivercat ferry service [http://www.sydneyferries.info/timetables/parramatta-river.htm] runs between Circular Quay to the Charles Street Wharf. Its a very pretty and relaxing way to for a traveller to visit. It takes a fair bit longer and costs twice the price of the train, if you have already "done" the harbour.
At $7.70 for a one way trip, it is an expensive trip or a cheap 30 minute harbour cruise, depending on which way you look at it. If you are going both ways, consider a daytripper for $16, for an extra 60c gives you unlimited travel on trains, buses and all ferries for the day. A Green Weekly Travelpass will also cover ferry travel to and from Parramatta (note this ticket will not cover a return train trip from Parramatta).
By bicycle
The Parramatta Valley cycleway offers off-road and quiet road cycling to Parramatta from Sydney Olympic Park and Putney. It is quite well signposted, and should be possible to cycle without a map. It has pretty sections following the Parramatta river. It would be quite possible to hire bicycles from Sydney Olympic Park and cycle to Parramatta if you would like a bit of a ride. The bicycle will come in handy to see the sights of Parramatta as well.
Although not as scenic, the Parramatta to Liverpool Railtrail links Parramatta with Liverpool on largely off-road paths.
Get around
By bus
'''The Loop''' [http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/traffic_and_transport/transport/the_loop] is the City Council's free bus (this and the route 555 City Loop in the Sydney CBD are the only free transport in Sydney). The bus runs every ten minutes around a loop that covers most areas of the city, indicator boards on the bus make it easy to find your stop. ''Operates 7am till 6:30pm Mon-Fri, 8am till 4pm Sat.'', and stops at:
# Parramatta Station (Darcy Street, other side of the station from Westfield).
# Westfield (Argyle Street) Westfield shopping Centre, Church Street Mall/
# Law Courts (Marsden Street - south) Parramatta Park
# Cathedral (Marsden Street - north) St Patricks Cathedral, Prince Alfred Park, Riverside Theatres
# Leagues Club (OConnell Street) Parramatta Swimming Centre, Parramatta Stadium and Leagues Club, Parramatta Park
# Church Street North (Church Street - north)
# Prince Alfred Park (Church Street - mid) Prince Alfred Park, Riverside Theatres, Parramatta Heritage and Visitors Centre
# Lennox Bridge (Church Street - south) Eat Street, Riverside Theatres, Parramatta Heritage and Visitors Centre, River Walk
# Phillip Street (Phillip Street - west) Retail, Eat Street and Dining
# The Wharf (Phillip Street - east) Parramatta Wharf -Rivercat Terminal, River Walk, Harris Park Heritage Walk
# Charles Street, Commercial Offices
# Macquarie Street, Post Office, Commercial Services and Retail, Lancer Barracks and Military Museum
By foot
The CBD area of Parramatta is quite small and can be easily walked.
By train
Parramatta has one main railway station. Its suburbs of Harris Park, Granville, Rosehill and Westmead also have railway stations.
Westmead station is on the '''Western Line''' and can be accessed by taking a train west from Parramatta. Harris Park and Granville are also on the Western Line and can be accessed by taking a train east from Parramatta (towards the city). Rosehill is on the '''Carlingford Line''' and requires taking a train east from Parramatta to Clyde station and then changing trains one stop to Rosehill. Note that although Rosehill is closer to some attractions like the Rosehill Racecourse, the Carlingford Line is only served hourly by trains outside of peak times.
By car
There is a general shortage on on-street and free parking in Parramatta. Expect to have difficulty parking in the CBD on weekdays, and near the shops on weekends. Paid parking is usually available and is considerably cheaper than in the Sydney CBD.
See
The Parramatta '''Tourist information and Heritage Centre''', is where Church St crosses the river at Lennox Bridge. It has a free exhibition showing the history of Parramatta from colonial to modern times.
Historical Landmarks
As Parramatta was the first site of European settlement outside Sydney it contains many historical landmarks. How interesting this is to you, will depend on your historical perspectives. The oldest buildings here date to the colonial settlement in the early to mid 1800's. '''Old Government House''', and '''Elizabeth Farm''' are the two primary historical sites.
Open to Visit
Old Government House. 02) 9635 8149. ttp://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/properties/ogh/. 0am-4pm. dult $8. The site of the residence of early colonial governors. It was especially important during the term of office of Governor Lachlan Macquarie.
Elizabeth Farm. 0 Alice Street, Rosehill. 2 9635 9488. ttp://www.hht.net.au/museums/elizabeth_farm. riday, Saturday and Sunday 9.30 ? 4pm. dult $8. Commenced in 1793, Elizabeth Farm contains part of the oldest surviving European building in Australia, built as the home of John and Elizabeth Macarthur. As such, it was the birthplace of the Australian wool industry and was an important social, political and cultural centre of the early colony. Elizabeth Farm's deep shady verandahs (inspired by colonial homes in India) became the prototype for the Australian homestead. The interiors contain reproductions of furniture, portraits and objects belonging to the Macarthurs, allowing a 'hands-on' experience of early 19th century life. Elizabeth Farm is situated in a recreated 1830s garden and contains early plants from the Macarthurs' time.
Experiment Farm. Ruse Street Harris Park. 2 9635 9488. ttp://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/properties/efc/default.asp. 1am-3.30pm, closed Mondays.. dult $6. First private farm in Australia, set up as an experiment to see if the colony could become self sufficient.
Hambledon Cottage. 3 Hassall Street. 2 9635 9488. ttp://www.hotkey.net.au/~parramattahistry/hambledon.html. ed-Sun 10am until 4pm.. dult $4. Hambledon Cottage was built by John Macarthur in 1824 and formed part of the Elizabeth Farm estate.
Brislington House. eorge Street on the corner of Marsden Street. 2 9635 9488. pen 2nd & last Thursday of every month. Closed during December & January. formerly a residence built in 1821. It is now a museum of the medical and nursing history of Parramatta, with photographs and memorabilia. Opposite stands the Court House Tower all that remains of Parramatta's first court house, built in 1890.
The Lancer Barracks. Smith Street Parramatta. ttp://www.lancers.org.au/. n the north side of Parramatta station. Historic army barracks, home of the Royal NSW Lancers and contains '''The Linden House Museum'''
'''Parramatta Town Hall''', 182 Church Street Mall, [http://camwest.pps.com.au/heritage/route_sites/site_37.html]. Built in 1883. The town hall is still used by council and includes the Charles Byrnes Room [http://legacy.parracity.nsw.gov.au/discover/byrnes.html]
There are also historical sites at Queens Wharf, and Parramatta Park. See the Parks listings below.
Properties now used for commercial purposes
'''Perth House''', 85 George Street, Parramatta [http://www.aussieheritage.com.au/listings/nsw/Parramatta/PerthHouse/6470]. Built in 1831, and now a cafe. Have a coffee, and a slice of history.
'''Harrisford''', George Street. Original site of the Kings School
'''Murphy House''', located at Marist Place, Parramatta [http://www.parra.catholic.org.au/Outlook/07dec/1.htm]
'''Oatlands House''', located at Dundas [http://www.oatlands-house.com.au/]
'''Kia Ora House''', located at 64 Macquarie Street. This house was built by James Houison in the 1840s
'''Former Cumberland Building, Land and Investment Company''' (now a restaurant). Built in the year 1889 to resemble the famous_c _g Santa Maria Del Fiore_h (The Florence Cathedral ? Our lady of the Flower) in Florence Italy. It is now Liana's Restaurant ( see EAT below)
'''Deskford''', located on Hawkesbury Rd, Westmead [http://deskford.com.au/history.html], now a retirement village.
'''Woolpack Hotel''', located at the corner of George & Marsdens Streets, Parramatta [http://http://www.woolpackhotel.com.au/parramattahistory.htm]The hotel was licensed and founded in 1796 and is the oldest hotel in Australia still functioning
Parks
'''Parramatta Park''', Cnr Macquarie & Pitt Streets, (02) 8833-5000, [http://www.ppt.nsw.gov.au/] including the Tudor Gatehouses on Macquarie St and George St, Governor's Bath House, Old Dairy and Boer War Memorial. There is also a substantial cycling track, and walks. The park has two restaurants, the upmarket Lachlans [http://www.lachlans.com.au/], located within Old Government House and the less Expensive Parramatta Park cafe, located right on the river [http://www.ppeventcentre.com.au/]. As well as a number of historical buildings the park includes the '''Rumsey Rose Garden''', which has a significant heritage rose display, '''Wisteria Gardens''', which are part of Cumberland Hospital (and are only open to the public for the last 2 weeks in September and may be entered either through the park or the hospital), and '''Murray Gardens''', a small garden next to O'Connell Street and the Tudor Gate House.
Queens Wharf Reserve. ttp://www.visitsydney.org/parramatta/queenswharf.htm. This is the first place that Governor Phillip landed in Parramatta and is included on the Harris Farm Heritage walk. It also incorporates the memorials to all the ships from the Royal Austrlian Navy that have borne the name HMAS Parramatta [http://www.warmemorialsnsw.asn.au/Details.cfm?MemNo=636] and has the stern of the first HMAS Parramatta. The bow is at Garden Island, around 30km towards the heads. Catch the ferry to see both ends in one day.
Prince Alfred Park. ocated opposite St Patrick's Cathedral and bounded by Church Street, Market Street, Victoria Rd and Marist Place. ttp://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/culture__and__leisure/recreation/parks_and_reserves2/prince_alfred_park. It was named after Prince Alfred who visited the colony in 1867. It was the site of the colony's first gaol. Today it is an shaded, open space taking up one city block close to the centre of Parramatta. Community events are held here
Lake Parramatta. lightly further afield, accessible via Church Street, Barney St, Iron St, Bourke St, Lackey St & Illawong Drive - A car is best to visit the park, as the entrance is about 2km north of Parramatta CBD. A 549 bus will take you to the corner of Church St and Barney St, which is about 1km from the dam.. ttp://www.uprct.nsw.gov.au/index.htm. dam and popular recreation spot formed by damming one of the creeks which flows into the Parramatta River. Recently opened for swimming on certain Council-sponsored event days. A few bushwalks to choose from around the lake.
Cemeteries
'''St John_fs Cemetery''' in O_fConnell St,between Argyle and Campbell Sts, is Australia_fs oldest Christian cemetery. The oldest surviving grave is Henry Dodd (1791). The Reverend Samuel Marsden is also interred here. OPEN: Daily in daylight hours.
'''St Patrick_fs Catholic Cemetery''', corner of Church St & Pennant Hills Rd, dates from Governor Macquarie_fs time.
'''All Saints Cemetery''' (Fennell Street) contains the grave of noted explorer Gregory Blaxland, who led the first expedition across the Blue Mountains.
'''Mays Hill Cemetery'''[http://www.mayshillcemetery.org/] Land grants were made in 1839 and 1849 to establish Presbyterian and Baptist cemeteries which soon expanded to include burials for other denominations. Regular tours are held by the Friends Of Mays Hill Cemetery.
Churches
'''St Patricks Catholic Cathedral''', Marist Place [http://www.parra.catholic.org.au/Cathedral.htm]. This is the cathedral church for the catholic diocese of Parramatta, which stretches from Granville in the east to Mount Victoria in the west. Although the cathedral was only built in the 1930s it is interesting because it was burnt down in 1995 and rebulit in 2003. The new cathedral incorporates the old church with a new wing designed by Romaldo Giurgola who designed Australia's Parliament House in Canberra. Closet Hotel would be The Sebel.
'''St Johns Anglican Cathedral''', Hunter Street, [http://english.stjohnscathedral.org.au/]. The cathedral was built over many years but work commenced at the time of Governor Macquarie. It is Australia's oldest continually functioning church. There is a tour of the chapel available on Thursdays and Fridays
'''All Saints Church''', Corner of Victoria Road and Elizabeth Street, [http://www.parramattanorth.anglican.asn.au/]. It was completed in 1847 and is of a "Victorian Academic Gothic" style of architecture
'''Leigh Memorial Church''', 119 Macquarie Street. It was originally a Methodist church. It was completed in 1885 it was dedicated to Samuel Leigh, the first Methodist Minister in Parramatta
'''Our Lady Of Lebanon''', 40 Alice Street, Harris Park [http://www.olol.org.au/history.php]. The church was built in 1970. It is home of Sydney's Maronite catholic community. The church is adorned with a 5 metre high statue of the virgin Mary. The statue has caused much controversy and was replaced by the current smaller statue in 1980.
Bridges
Parramatta River runs through the Parramatta CBD. There is a weir at Charles Street which is the limit of navigation from Sydney. Between the Charles Street Weir and the O'Connell Street Weir the river is really only a wide canal, though there are a number of pleasant riverside walks including walks by the northern bank by the Riverside Theatres and on the south bank through the new Justice Precinct. The river widens upstream of the O'Connell Street Weir. There is another weir damming the river further upstream in Parramatta Park. There are a large number of bridges spanning the river, in the city centre. In order they are -
'''Gasworks Bridge''', Macarthur Street near its junction with George Street [http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/index.cgi?action=heritage.show&id=4301684]. The bridge was built in 1885. It is supported by large sandstone piers and was a significant bridge construction when built.
'''Charles Street Weir''', marks the upper reaches of the present day tidal influence on the river, you can walk along the river from here until the Marsden St Bridge.
'''Elizabeth Street Footbridge''', Elizabeth Street [http://www.buildingdiagnosis.com.au/works/awards/index.php]
'''Barry Wilde Bridge''', crosses the Parramatta River at Smith Street. Prior to the construction of the Charles Street Weir this was the uppermost reaches of the tidal influence of the Parramatta River.
'''Lennox Bridge''', Church Street [http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/index.cgi?action=heritage.show&id=4300301]. This bridge is the most famous, and is one of the oldest in Australia. It was built by the colony's first superintendent of bridges (David Lennox) in the 1830s. It is on the site of the first recorded crossing point on the Parramatta River. The bridge has been classified by the National Trust.
'''Marsden Street Bridge'''.
'''Marsden Street Weir''', this weir holds back the Parramatta River and was the source of Parramatta's first water supply built under instruction from Governor Macquarie. The current weir is not the original weir. Prior to the Marsden Street bridge being constructed the weir was the Marsen Street crossing but frequently flooded.
'''Bernie Banton Bridge''', O'Connell Street, named after a famous Australian asbestos victims rights campaigner.
Do
Events
'''''Foundation Day''''' [http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/culture__and__leisure/whats_on/events/culture__and__heritage/foundation_day] in early November celebrates (appropriately enough) the foundation of Parramatta.
Walks
'''Riverside Walk''' - a walk along the Parramatta River from the Ferry Wharf to the Lennox Bridge. It shows the history of the area from an indigineous perspective. The path features indiginous interpretive art. [http://legacy.parracity.nsw.gov.au/publications/teachers-guide/riverside.shtml]
'''Harris Park Heritage Walk'''[http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/10278/ParraH_and_HFlyerMar06_14.3.06.pdf] - a walk through Harris Park passing many of the historical sights of the area such as Experiment Farm, Elizabeth Farm and Hambledon Cottage. Best to start the walk at the Parramatta ferry wharf, and follow the signs, or print out the map before you start, or continue on from the Riverside Walk above.
Cinemas
'''Cinema - Greater Union Multiplex''' - cinema mulitiplex including gold class cinemas, located at Westfied Parramatta
Culture
'''Riverside Theatres''' [http://www.riversideparramatta.com.au/]. A popular Sydney theatre, showing a mix of amateur productions and professional shows. Ticket prices usually compare favourable with the downtown theatres.
'''Parramatta Artists Studio'''[http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/culture__and__leisure/arts]. An artists studio with an Art Gallery, open weekdays from 12 noon until 4pm. Located at 45 Hunter Street Parramatta
'''Heritage Centre''' [http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/culture__and__leisure/heritage_centre]. Has a permanent exhibition on the Burramatta Aboriginal people as well as temporary exhibitions on the settlement of the Area
Sports
To Watch
'''Parramatta Stadium''' [http://www.parramattastadium.com.au/]. Home to the local Parramatta Eels football (Rugby League) team. Games on every second weekend during the winter.
'''Rosehill Gardens Racecourse''' [http://www.stc.com.au/about_stc/venues/rosehill_gardens.html] Home of the Golden Slipper, the world's richest race for two year olds ($3.5m) held in April. Also regular race meetings throughout the year.
'''Parramatta Raceway''' [http://www.parramattacityraceway.com.au/]. Home of monster trucks and demolition derbys. Be there!
To Play
'''Golf''', at '''Parramatta Golf Course''', '''Ryde Parramatta Golf Course''' [http://www.rydeparramatta.com.au/] or *'''Fox Hills Golf Course''' [http://www.foxhillsgolfclub.com.au/foxhills/index.htm]
'''Swimming''' at Parramatta & Granville Swimming Pools are outdoor swimming pools, in a more old fashioned Australian style.[http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/culture__and__leisure/sporting_facilities/swimming_pools]. Parramatta pool is located adjacent to Parramatta Park. There are two water slides for kids, at $2.50 for six slides. There is a diving pool, and a shaded and heated wading pool for toddlers.
Buy
Shopping Malls
'''Parramatta Westfield''' [http://westfield.com/parramatta//index.html] is the largest shopping mall in New South Wales. Its easily accessible to the train, and like Chatswood offers an easily accessible alternative to city shopping. It has two department stores, Target, K-Mart, Supermarkets, and loads of specialty and fashion stores, as well as food court, restaurants and cinemas.
'''Church St''', is the main street shopping strip in Parramatta CBD. This area struggled for many years to compete with the large enclosed shopping malls, and can be a little dingy, but makes a change from the environmentally controlled alternatives.
'''Queensland Arcade''', The '''Connection Arcade''' and '''Brandsmart''' [http://www.brandsmart.com.au/cpa/htm/htm_form.asp?form_id=1&page_id=13&location=sydney].
'''Merrylands Mall'''[http://www.stockland.com.au/Retail/NSW/Metro/StocklandMerrylands/Information/]is located adjacent to Merrylands station. Its feature tenant is a large Kmart. Similar to many shopping malls found around the Sydney suburbs.
'''Westfield North Rocks'''[http://www.westfield.com/northrocks/ourstores/]
Markets
'''North Rocks Bring & Buy Markets''' - market for second hand goods such as tools, clothing, plants, bric-a-brac and books etc. Average 110 stalls. Markets are held every Sunday from 7am to 1pm. Entry by donation to Rotary charities. Royal Institute for Deaf & Blind Children (carpark), North Rocks Road, North Rocks (opposite Westfield Shopping Centre)
'''Parramatta Farmers Market''' - The markets are located in Church Street Mall, near the Town Hall, the site of the first markets in Parramatta. There are about 20 stalls
selling organic primary produce, during the hours of 8am and 2pm each Saturday, weather permitting.
Eat
Parramatta has many restaurants, from the budget to upmarket. $50 mains are certainly not uncommon in the nicer establishments, so if you are on a budget, check the menu carefully.
Restaurants are located in three broad precincts:
Eat Street
Eat Street is at the northern end of Church Street. The largest number of restaurants are between Phillip Street and Market Street.
City Extra. hurch Street. 4 hours. Cafe style. Still busy after midnight. A bit of a institution for a late night burger when McDonalds just won't do. Expensive for what it is though - so save it up for the late night option.
'''The Bite''',[http://www.thebiteparramatta.com.au/] Church Street - modern Italian and Pizzas
'''The Meat & Wine Company''', Cnr Church Street & Market Street[http://www.themeatandwineco.com/sydney/parramatta/]
'''Positanos''', Cnr Church & Phillip Street
'''El Phoenician''',[http://www.el-phoenicianrestaurant.com.au/] on Church Street, modern Lebanese
Phillip Street
Phillip Street is east from Marsden Street down to the ferry wharf.
'''Barnabys''', Phillip Street, [http://www.barnabysrestaurant.com.au/].
'''Figos''', Phillip Street.
'''Sabatinis''', Phillip Street, [http://www.sabatinis.com.au/].
'''Sahra''', Phillip Street [http://www.sahrabytheriver.com.au/]
'''Inside Out''', Phillip Street, [http://www.insideoutrestaurant.com.au/]. Upmarket restaurant, catering to the business crowd.
'''Port Bar''', Ferry Wharf.
'''La Bella Vista''', 40 Phillip Street, [http://www.labellavista.com.au/]
South Church Street
South Church Street is south of the railway line and north of the Great Western Highway, this is a small Chinatown.
'''Toscanis''', Church Street [http://www.webmenu.com.au/menus/NSW/Toscanis_Parramatta/]
Drink
Pubs
There are Pubs galore in Parramatta
'''Albion Hotel''' George Street.
'''PJ Gallaghers''', Church Street.
'''Collector Hotel''', George Street.
'''Rose & Crown''', Victoria Rd.
'''Commercial Hotel''', Station Street.
Night Clubs
'''Roxy Nightclub''' [http://www.theroxy.com.au/]
'''One World Sport Nightclub''' [http://www.oneworldsport.com.au/]
Clubs
'''Parramatta Leagues Club''' [http://www.parraleagues.com.au/]- this is the home of the Eeels Rugby League Football club. Includes the Tingha Palace Chinese Restaurant and a number of cafes (Cafe 88 and Cafe Tahoe)
'''Two Blues Club''', home of the Parramatta Two Blues Rugby Union Team in Amos Street Westmead. It includes the Peak View Chinese Restaurant
'''Parramatta Club''' [http://www.wentyleagues.com.au/Pages/TPC.asp]
'''Tingha Club''' [http://www.wentyleagues.com.au/Pages/TTC.asp]
'''Workers Club''' [http://parramatta.workersclub.com.au/]
'''Parramatta RSL Club''' [http://www.parramattarsl.com.au/]
'''Wentworthville Leagues Club''' [http://www.wentyleagues.com.au/main.asp]
''Sleep''
'''''City Centre'''''
HOTELS & MOTELS
''Budget''
''Parramatta Central Motel'', 32 Station Street Harris Park
''Mid-Range''
''Parramatta City Motel'', [http://www.citymotel.com.au/1.html], The hotel is located on the corner of Great Western Highway & Marsden Street. It is very close to Westfield Parramatta and Auto Alley
''Courtyard by Marriott'', [http://www.marriott.com.au/hotels/travel/sydcy-courtyard-parramatta/], 18 Anderson Street. Close to harris Park and Auto Alley
''Splurge''
''Crowne Plaza Parramatta''[http://www.crowneplazaparramatta.com.au], 30 Phillip Street ph 61 2 9689 3333 - Situated in the heart of Parramatta's commercial area. Just 5 minutes walk from Westfield Shopping Centre and Parramatta Train Station. Even closer is Parramatta's main restaurant and entertainment strip on Church St.
''Sebel'',[http://www.mirvachotels.com/hotel_detail.asp?hotel=40]. Upmarket accommodation, very centrally located, near Church St and the river.
APARTMENTS
''Mantra''[http://cityhotels.mantraresorts.com.au/default.asp?action=article&ID=28951]located on the corner of Parkes Street & Valentine Street Parramatta
''Meriton''[http://www.meritonapartments.com.au/default.asp?action=article&ID=21541]
''Skyton'', located at 31 Hassall Street Parramatta,[http://www.skyton.com.au/projects_serviced.htm] about halfway between Rosehill and the city centre, close to Our Lady Of Lebanon Church
----
'''''Near Rosehill'''''
The following hotels are all located along James Ruse Drive or just off it, close to both Rosehill Racecourse and about 5 minutes drive from the City centre
HOTELS
''Rydges Parramatta Sydney'' [http://rydges.com/hotel/0/RNPARR/Rydges-Parramatta-Sydney.htm], 116 James Ruse Drive ph 1300 857 922 - Rydges Parramatta is located in Parramatta.
'''Mercure''' [http://http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-2123-mercure-sydney-parramatta/index.shtml]
APARTMENTS
''Quest'', Apartment style accommodation, a little out of town.[http://http://www.questrosehill.com.au/]
''Waldorf'', [http://www.parramatta-waldorf-apartments.com.au/].
----
'''''Near Westmead Hospital'''''
''Best Western Westmead'', [http://www.wesleylodge.com.au/]
''Hotel Formule 1'', [http://www.formule1.com.au/2703/detail/default.aspx]337 Great Western Highway Wentworthville
Contact
Parramatta has well developed contact facilities. Internet cafes, public phones, all 3G mobile networks, post offices, are all readily available. Parramatta library offers Internet facilities.
Get out
If you are staying in Parramatta you have a thirty minute headstart to the Blue Mountains over those staying in the city.