Things To Do in Parramatta

Things to do in Parramatta: various engaging pursuits are readily available to amuse families of all ages, encompassing playhouses, open-air escapades, and interactive science centres.

Nestled within Sydney tour, Parramatta is celebrated for its eclectic cultural mix and energetic vibe. It stands as a favoured haunt for residents and tourists alike, presenting an array of pastimes and spectacles, including its storied legacy, scenic riverfront, and dynamic urban environment.

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Parramatta Park

Explore Parramatta Park

Initiate your adventure with a visit to Parramatta Park, renowned for its picturesque appeal.
Esteemed for its extensive array of offerings, Parra Park claims popularity in Parramatta. This sprawling 85-hectare oasis allows nature pursuits, cultural explorations, and family fun activities.
The park invites visitors to partake in various choices, from strolling and picnicking to playground frolicking or simply savouring the verdant ambience.
Be sure to explore Old Government House, noted as the most ancient public edifice still standing in Australia.
Location: Pitt St and Macquarie Street

Pause for a Top Score

The city’s fresh cultural and knowledge epicentre, PHIVE at Parramatta Square, merits a spot on your itinerary.
Inaugurated in 2023, PHIVE beckons numerous visitors, particularly families eager to probe its brand-new library, housing an impressive collection of 65,000 volumes, child-friendly zones, and contemporary adult conveniences.
PHIVE encompasses six tiers of event venues, exhibitions, cultural collectives, and more, promising a calendar packed with family-oriented happenings. Do consider dropping by.

Location: 5 Parramatta Square

Parramatta river cruise

Consider taking a river cruise

To keep the kids both amused and physically engaged, visiting a playground is a good option.

In the vicinity of Parramatta, you’ll find several parks and playgrounds, such as Blaxland Riverside Park, Ollie Webb Reserve, James Ruse Reserve, Domain Creek Playground, and Rivershore Playground.

Tour the Hambledon Cottage

At Hambledon Cottage, guests can delve into Parramatta’s early colonial period. This Georgian residence offers a window into yesteryears with engaging narrative-guided tours.

Location: 63 Hassall Street

Hambledon Cottage
Blaxland Riverside Park

Opt for Playtime

To keep the kids both amused and physically engaged, visiting a playground is a good option.

In the vicinity of Parramatta, you’ll find several parks and playgrounds, such as Blaxland Riverside Park, Ollie Webb Reserve, James Ruse Reserve, Domain Creek Playground, and Rivershore Playground.

Visit the Parramatta Farmers Market for a stroll

On Fridays, the Parramatta Farmers Market emerges as a bustling hub, replete with freshly sourced produce, handcrafted items, and a diverse selection of street cuisine. It’s a must-visit spot for culinary enthusiasts.

Location: 182 Church Street

Parramatta Farmers Market
ParkRoyal parramatta

Take a seat for a fancy teatime

An upscale high tea event in Parramatta beckons guests to sip their tea with a touch of finesse.

The PARKROYAL serves an exquisite tea service, perfect for a mother-and-child rendezvous or a social gathering. The high tea is a culinary delight held every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is a treat for gastronomy lovers.

Location: 30 Phillip Street

Engage with the Paranormal

The historic Gaol in Parramatta is accessible to those daring enough to seek out spirits.

Parramatta Gaol conducts ghostly expeditions every week for those aged 12 and up, delving into the stories of spectral happenings, ethereal visitations, and other mysterious events within its old walls.

Location: O’Connell Street

Gaol in Parramatta
Parramatta escape rooms

Join a code-breaking challenge in an escape room

Prepare for an engaging and stimulating outing at Parramatta’s escape rooms. The locale offers escape rooms that present families with engaging scenarios involving puzzles, riddles, secret codes, and more. Teams are tasked with untangling these enigmas within a specific time frame.

Enjoy Exhilarating Attractions at Raging Waters

Raging Waters becomes a sought-after spot for splashing and excitement during the warmer days.

A mere 10-minute drive away, Raging Waters is a water park that boasts more than 40 attractions suitable for the entire family, operational exclusively in the summertime.

Location: 427 Reservoir Rd, Prospect

Raging Waters parramatta

Visit the Riverside Theatre

The theatre stands out as one of the must-visit venues in Parramatta, with attending a performance highly advised. The Riverside Theatre serves as a dynamic nucleus for the arts, presenting an array of live entertainment spanning theatre, dance, music, and stand-up routines. Location: Corner of Market and Church Street

Consider Stopping by the Experiment Farm Cottage

For those keen on uncovering Parramatta’s colonial roots, a trip to Experiment Farm Cottage is in order. This site marks the nation’s inaugural European farming endeavour.

The cottage is located at 9 Ruse St, Harris Park.

Flip Out

Bounce it Out

Flip Out, the trampoline arena, is a hit among energetic youngsters, delivering an exhilarating way to elevate the pulse. Scattered throughout Western Sydney, Flip Out’s closest facility in Villawood hosts many indoor fun, including springy trampolines, ninja obstacle courses, parkour spaces, and more. The address is 3/824 – 850 Woodville Rd, Villawood.

Cheer at CommBank Stadium

Root for your preferred team or enjoy thrilling sports at CommBank Stadium, Sydney’s premier sports complex, which stages many athletic competitions year-round.

Location: 11-13 O’Connell Street

CommBank Stadium
Parramatta festivities and functions

Join in on the Festivities

Parramatta shines with its array of yearly festivities and functions.

The region brims with events that span cultural fêtes, gastronomic fairs, and musical performances, offering diverse amusement choices.

Relax at Lake Parramatta Reserve

Step away from the urban hustle to rejuvenate at Lake Parramatta Reserve. This revered city sanctuary affords many open-air activities, from nature trails and picnicking to seasonal lake swims. Location: 28 Bourke Street
Lake Parramatta Reserve
Valley Cycleway

Explore the Riverside Cycleway

Traverse the Valley Cycleway, a 20-kilometre route skirting the river, perfect for biking and strolling amidst scenic splendour.

Splash Around at a Free Water Park

In summertime, Parramatta’s free-access water parks are top draws for family fun, especially suited for youngsters.

These aquatic playgrounds are a refreshing way to escape the heat, promising delightful family moments.

Places like James Ruse Reserve, Philip Ruddock Water Playground, Ollie Web Reserve, and Blaxland Riverside Park rank as neighbourhood favourites, with select locations featuring water play areas.

Philip Ruddock Water Playground

FAQ

It blends riverside parks, interactive libraries, playgrounds, and big-ticket fun like water parks and stadium games—all easy to reach in one compact hub.
Stroll or picnic in Parramatta Park, hike around Lake Parramatta Reserve, cycle the Riverside Cycleway, and cool off at free splash parks in summer.
Tour Old Government House, Hambledon Cottage, and Experiment Farm Cottage, then catch a show at Riverside Theatres or explore exhibitions and events at PHIVE.
Yes—take a river cruise, book a ghost tour at Parramatta Gaol, tackle an escape room, or enjoy an elegant high tea at a central hotel.
Head to Raging Waters in summer, bounce at indoor trampoline parks, cheer at CommBank Stadium year-round, or browse the Friday farmers market for treats.

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