Plan your visit

Discover a rich history and vibrant multicultural food and arts scene in Sydney’s second-largest city. The commercial heart of Western Sydney, Parramatta also boasts plenty of natural beauty, thanks to its riverside location; UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict sites; and oodles of restaurants, shops and festivals. Home to a melting pot of cultures, Parramatta enjoys a vibrant arts and culture offering, which includes world-class performances and annual festivals such as the popular Parramasala and Parramatta Lanes. For cultural enthusiasts, the first stop is Riverside Theatre, a performance arts centre that hosts over 1,000 events a year. Next, scope out an exhibition at Pari, an artist-run initiative dedicated to telling hyper-local stories through contemporary art. Walk, cycle or join an Aboriginal cultural tour along the pretty Parramatta River, which winds past Old Government House – the country residence of the first 10 governors of the Sydney colony – in beautiful Parramatta Park. Both spots are World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites.