Things to Do in Parramatta
If you are looking for things to do in Parramatta, check out the ideas below. From parks and playgrounds to theatre and historical interest we have you covered!
Ollie Webb Reserve
Ollie Webb Reserve is located at 37a Glebe St. It has two sporting fields, a new playground (Livvi’s Place), outdoor gym, bbq area, basketball area, drinking fountains, toilets and picnic tables.
Image credit: https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/our-parks/ollie-webb-reserve
Livvi’s Place and Water Playground
This is a new all-access playground with sandpit and water park play area which is fenced and has partial shade.
According to Parramatta council “the playspace employs universal play principles and includes a diverse range of equipment to maximise creative, physical, social and cognitive play.”
Image credit: https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/our-parks/ollie-webb-reserve
Ollie Webb All-Abilities Playground Video
For a video tour and background on the concept of the park, take a look at the video from City of Parramatta Council below.
Parramatta Park
Parramatta Park is located in the suburb of Parramatta bordering Westmead. It’s just a ten-minute walk from Parramatta train station (Pitt street side of the park).
Image credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
There are numerous activities to enjoy at Parramatta park from picnics and walks to playgrounds and cycling there is something for everyone.
Visit the Gatehouse tea rooms, corner of Pitt & Macquarie Street, for a traditional high tea with scones and cream or Lachlan’s Old Government House, for brunch, fine dining or to book your next event.
If you’re interested in the history of Parramatta then why not take a guided or self-guided tour of the park. Tours of the Dairy and Rangers Cottages take place on the second Saturday of each month.
Tours of the Old Government House, the oldest public building in Australia, run between 10:00 am-4:00 pm Tuesday-Sunday and are run by the National Trust.
Alternatively, try one of these self-guided tours:
- The Burramatta Aboriginal Landscape Trail
- Colonial Rose Hill, the second settlement site in Australia, or
- The Parramatta Park Monuments and Sites tour
Parramatta Park Gardens
Rumsey Rose Garden can be found near the Gatehouse tea rooms and homes a beautiful collection of heritage roses. The best time to visit is October- November and May.
Murray Gardens is located near O’Connell street next to the Paperbark playground. It is a lovely spot to wander around the ponds and admire the landscaped gardens.
For more information on Parramatta Park, take a look at https://www.parrapark.com.au/
Parramatta River Cycleway
Take a leisurely cycle along the river at Parramatta Park and enjoy the scenery. However, if you are looking for a longer cycle you can go all the way to Sydney Olympic Park via the Subiaco Creek link.
Take a look at the track here:
James Ruse Reserve
James Ruse Reserve is located on the corner of Parkes and Harris Street.
Source: https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/recreation-environment/our-parks/water-play
This is a great place to go for families: there is a park, a splash park a skate park and a picnic area.
Prince Alfred Square
If you’re looking for somewhere to sit down and relax or for a short walk, then take a look at Alfred Square.
It’s is located north of the Parramatta River, close to the Riverside Theatre at 353D Church street.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Alfred_Square
According to the City of Parramatta, it is ‘listed on the LEP as an item of state significance’. This is because it was the site of Parramatta’s first and second gaol and Australia’s first female factory.
These days, it’s often home to outdoor events and small gatherings. If you visit, look out for the historic War Memorial, the Gollan Clock Tower, Bills Horse Trough or The Anderson Fountain.
Brislington Medical & Nursing Museum
Brislington museum is located on the corner of George and Marsden Street.
The house is the oldest building in the inner city of Parramatta and is home to a collection of items from the former Parramatta hospital.
The museum is open on Tuesday and Thursday 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. For more information check their website.
Riverside Live Theatre and Cinema
The Riverside live theatre and cinema is a great place to go and see a range of performances from stand up comedy to dance, family performances and music gigs.
The theatre was opened in 1988 and has 3 separate venues within, catering for a variety of performing arts events.
As the name suggests, its located next to the Parramatta River on the corner of Church and Market Streets.
Do you have any other recommendations for things to do in Parramatta? Feel free to message us on instagram or via our contact form.
