24 Hour Economy

While Parramatta is at its busiest between the hours of 8am to 6pm, its after-hours economy is quickly catching up. The cultural, entertainment and dining capitol of central Sydney, Parramatta's rich diversity comes to the forefront after the office doors close for the day.

Cafes & restaurants

Boasting some of the finest dining in Sydney, Parramatta offers a wide range of quality European, Asian and Middle Eastean cuisine. With over 120 cafes and restaurants to choose from, you have a wide selection of indoor and outdoor eating.

Download the Parramatta Dining Guide (PDF)

Retail shopping

Parramatta offers a complete range of major department stores, large supermarkets and specialty retail shopping. With the largest Westfield shopping complex in Sydney, the BrandSmart outlets, Mayers, David Jones, Woolworths, Coles, K Mart and Target just to mention a few, Parramatta is also the retail capital of Western Sydney.

Arts & entertainment

From the heritage-listed Roxy Theatre to the contemporary Riverside Theatres on the Parramatta River, the City is the regional centre for theatre, dance and musical productions. The City's calendar of cultural and community festivals, large cinema complex and other entertainment facilities ensure that there is something for everyone all year round.

To find out what on in the City, contact the Heritage and Tourism Information Centre.

Heritage tourism

Parramatta was the first viable European settlement in Australia and has more heritage-listed buildings than anywhere else on the Australian mainland. Heritage trails have been developed to highlight the historical significance of the key buildings and sites.

Heritage and Visitors Information Centre.

Sport and recreation

Parramatta offers a range of recreational facilities within walking distance from its CBD. These include Olympic-grade sport centres and community sports grounds, golf courses, cycleways, Parramatta Park, the river, lake and bush reserves.

Parramatta is home to the Parramatta Eels rugby league team, Two Blues rugby union team. and Rosehill Gardens Racecourse. The 2000 Olympics Sports facilities and Telstra Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park are only ten minutes away by road and for the motor racing enthusiast, there is the Parramatta Speedway and Eastern Creek Raceway is just a short drive away.