Elizabeth Farm

Have you been to a “living museum,” where there are no barriers, locked doors, or “don’t touch” signs? A trip to Elizabeth Farm is a chance to explore—hands- on if you’d like—one of the oldest homes in Australia. 

Built in 1793 by British army officer John Macarthur for his wife and their growing family, Elizabeth Farm bore witness to the dramatic events of Macarthur’s life. Known for pioneering the birth of Australia’s wool industry, Macarthur was also an instigator to Australia’s only successful political coup

At Elizabeth Farm, you can walk freely through the Macarthurs’ cottage and its gardens, while imagining what life might have been like for the family. It’s also a great location for capturing interesting Parramatta photos—there are many details worth highlighting, such as the texture of the cottage walls (built from sandstock brick), or the trees in the garden, many of which are nearly 200 years old.

Get directions to Elizabeth Farm (6-minute drive from PARKROYAL Parramatta)

Lake Parramatta Reserve

Love the outdoors? Head to Lake Parramatta Reserve, a recreational park that is popular with visitors who love picnicking, water activities, and bush walking. 

It’s safe to take a dip—lifeguards are typically on duty at Lake Parramatta from late October to late March or early April, from 9:00am to 6:00pm—and the water’s been officially deemed clean enough for water sports since 2015. Depending on your energy levels, you can also hire a rowboat, paddle boat, canoe, or kayak for a fun experience along the waterway. 

Prefer to stay dry? Go on a hike using one of the three walking tracks in the reserve, from the shorter She-oak (1,550m return) and Banksia (2,450m return) tracks to the longer Lake Circuit route (4,200m), which takes you around the periphery of Lake Parramatta. (Download the City of Parramatta’s brochure for details.) If you’re lucky, you may get a chance to spot Australian wildlife, including the reticent—and odd-looking—echidna.

Get directions to Lake Parramatta Reserve (10-minute drive from PARKROYAL Parramatta)

Riverside Theatres

Can’t get enough of drama, dance, comedy, or classical theatre? Check the Riverside Theatres website to see if there’s a performance that you can catch. Riverside is Parramatta’s premier performing arts centre, and it has played host to international stars as well as esteemed Australian thespians.

You can also discover local talent here, as Riverside has a resident theatre company, the National Theatre of Parramatta. Check out their current productions, and lend your support to a fledgling creative community that works hard to engage the imagination of its audiences by taking them on inspirational journeys.

Get directions to Riverside Theatres (5-minute walk from PARKROYAL Parramatta)

Uncle Kurt’s

Nick and Nora’s

Letting your Parramatta day trip stretch into the night? Head to Parramatta’s favourite small bar,  Uncle Kurt’s, for a nightcap. Regulars fancy the bar’s 1980s New York vibe, as well as its NY deli-style bites—think hot dogs, sandwiches, and bagels. (Owner George Makram spent time in the Big Apple, carrying out research in his quest to create a bar that “takes absolute pride in what it does.”) Another highlight: cocktail options are refreshed regularly, with each concoction creatively and lovingly handcrafted.  

Alternatively, dress up and head out to Parramatta’s favourite rooftop bar, Nick and Nora’s. (The name is taken from the 1930s American novel The Thin Man. It features a fictional murder-solving duo named Nick and Nora, who happen to be partial to dinner parties and competitive drinking.) If you’re feeling sociable, sipping on a cocktail or champagne in a glamorous rooftop bar is the perfect way to end the day at Parramatta.

Guests at PARKROYAL Parramatta: getting out and back will be a cinch, as both bars are a short walk from the hotel.

Get directions to Uncle Kurt’s (5-minute walk from PARKROYAL Parramatta)

Get directions to Nick and Nora’s (7-minute walk from PARKROYAL Parramatta)

Welcome to Parramatta! Need help to plan your trip? View more itinerary ideas below, and check out the room offers at PARKROYAL Parramatta. For assistance, contact our friendly associates today.