Why it's worth knowing about
Parramatta, around 25km west of the CBD, is officially recognised as Sydney's second city centre and has grown a genuine skyline of its own in recent years — but it's also home to some of the oldest colonial-era buildings in the country, predating much of what survives in the city centre itself. It's not a typical visitor base, but it's a genuinely worthwhile half-day or day trip, and an increasingly practical alternative base for longer stays given lower accommodation prices than the inner city.
Getting oriented
The Parramatta River runs through the centre, with the CBD and most colonial sites clustered near the river on the northern side, walkable from the ferry wharf and train station alike.
⛴️ Local tip
The ferry from Circular Quay to Parramatta is one of the longest and most scenic river journeys on the network, taking in a very different, more residential stretch of waterway than the harbour ferries — genuinely worth doing at least one-way even if you take the faster train back.
What to do while you're here
- Visit Old Government House, in Parramatta Park, Australia's oldest surviving public building, and a genuinely significant colonial-era site with guided tours available.
- Walk through Parramatta Park itself, a large, historic green space along the river, popular with locals for picnics and river walks.
- Browse Church Street's dining strip, reflecting Western Sydney's genuinely excellent and diverse food scene, including strong South Asian, Middle Eastern, and East Asian options.
- Check out Riverside Theatres, Parramatta's main performing arts venue, if a show lines up with your visit.
Is it worth the trip?
For a first, short Sydney visit, this is a lower priority than the harbour attractions. For a longer stay, or for genuine interest in colonial history and a look at Sydney beyond the postcard version, Parramatta rewards the trip — and the ferry ride alone is a legitimate reason to go.
Getting here
Ferries run from Circular Quay (around 50–70 minutes, genuinely scenic); trains are faster (around 25–30 minutes from Central) if time matters more than the view.
