This summer, you’re invited to explore Sydney’s most vibrant cultural playground—Parramatta. Feast on global flavours, explore historic gems and unwind in dreamy green spaces. There’s something fun on the agenda every single day, so dig out your social cal and start planning an epic day-out in Parramatta.
Devour Top Dining Spots
From long lunches to decadent dinners, Parramatta’s burgeoning foodie scene is one to watch. Thanks to the city’s diverse cultural tapestry, the eats on offer here hail from all corners of the globe.
LILYMU
Nestled in buzzing Parramatta Square, LILYMU’s pan Asian menu will have you coming back for seconds. Under a canopy of neon-pink lights, devour coconut kingfish ceviche, chicken katsu curry sandos and crispy quail with chili. On the weekend, indulge in their 90-minute bottomless lunch that includes a selection of their boozy cocktails.
Willo Restaurant & Bar
For something extra spesh, snag a table at hatted eatery Willo. Boasting a modern Australian menu with a Mediterranean flair, indulge in wagyu skewers with sesame BBQ glaze and squid ink linguine with Blue Swimmer Crab. The achingly cool space, with moody lighting, curves and brushed concrete is perfect for date night.
MISC.
Housed in a light-filled atrium on Parramatta Park, MISC. is the kind of place that long lunches with your whole crew were made for. Serving brekky, lunch and dinner, opt for the Feed Me menu and feast on smoked labneh, and slow-cooked lamb shoulder with pita bread.
Baba Ghanouj
Tuck into small plates of traditional Lebanese cuisine at this much-loved neighbourhood haunt. Opt for a table outside under a blanket of fairy lights and enjoy Baba Ghanouji’s home-style cooking—the shawarma absolutely slaps.
Nick & Nora’s
Perched on the top floor of SKYE Suites Parramatta, Macquarie Street, this sleek bar boasts views from the city to the Blue Mountains and is the ultimate spot for a pre or post dinner aperitif. With oysters, cheese boards and terrine on the menu, slip into a snug booth and sip your way through the extensive cocktail menu.
Kouzina Greco
Family-run and owned for over two decades, this Parramatta institution will take your taste buds to Greece. Order the prawn saganaki, cabbage rolls and kleftiko (three-hour slow roasted lamb with Greek lemon potatoes)—and thank us later.
Epic Festivals And Events
Parramatta’s festival line up is seriously stacked this summer, offering everything from family-friendly events to culture-soaked experiences.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Kicking off from 5pm in Parramatta Park, ring in the new year with a free (not a typo) two-stage concert under the stars. The gig will be headlined by Bag Raiders, Cut Copy and DJ Dorothy the Dinosaur. Plus there’s an unreal fireworks show over the river, rides for the kiddos and food trucks.
Balloon Glow
Your mind will be blown as clusters of hot air balloons illuminate the night sky to the beat of music. Amongst the incredible light show, there’s food trucks, bars and live entertainment. Taking place in Parramatta Park, pencil 25 January 2025 into your diary.
Lunar New Year
Celebrate the year of the snake on 1 February 2025 in Centenary Square. The epic Lunar New Year festivities are perfect for the whole fam with vibrant decorations, live entertainment and of course, delish food.
Sydney Festival
From the 3-26 January Parramatta will play host to a series of incredible events as part of the culture-soaked Sydney Festival line up. Expect high profile concerts including Sydney Symphony Under the Stars hitting Parramatta Park on Saturday 18 January, art installations, premieres and shows at the Riverside Theatres.
Summer Skating At PHIVE
From tiny tots, to teen sessions and even 17+ evenings accompanied with the best in local DJ's, Summer Skating At Phive is a must for all ages this sunny season. Starting from just $10 you can hit the rink for a lesson, have a twirl with friends, or to have a boogie and rock and roll at out to live music sessions.
Explore The Great Outdoors
Despite being a buzzing CBD, Parramatta is also home to sprawling green spaces and a calming river that snakes through the centre. There’s plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and zen out here.
Lake Parramatta
Cool off this summer at Lake Parramatta. Dive into sparkling patrolled waters, kayak or make like The Notebook and hire a rowboat for a cute experience. Get your steps up with four walking tracks, snag a BBQ for a lakeside picnic or grab a coffee from the Lake Parramatta Café.
Parramatta Park
A lush green escape in the city, this sprawling oasis offers a dreamy escape from the hustle and bustle. Stroll through the Rumsey Rose Garden, cycle a 3.2km loop, step back in time at Old Government House and spot grey-headed flying foxes, eastern long-necked turtles and blue-tongue lizards along the way.
URBNSURF
URBNSURF brings the iconic Sydney experience of all things beach and surf to Sydney’s Olympic Park, offering eight kinds of surfing sessions for all skill levels, a surf academy and adjacent attractions like a swimming pool, skate ramp, a health and wellness centre. As well as all the on-water action, URBNSURF also boasts the resturuant known for being a mecca of good vibes, RAFI (a second location for the North Sydney restaurant), and an epic casual all-day eatery, Sandy’s to the site.
Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC)
Nestled within Parramatta Park is this 40,000-square-metre wellness hub. Cut laps in the 50-metre outdoor pool, let the kids burn some energy in the children’s play area and splash zone, and work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art gym. Post workout, grab a fresh smoothie at the onsite cafe.
Getting To And Around
Just a 40-minute jaunt from Sydney’s CBD, pop on your fav tunes and go for a cruise to Parramatta. No wheels? Not a problem, grab a direct train from Central Station to Parramatta in just 25 minutes or take the scenic route and with a ferry ride from Circular Quay.
Once you’ve arrived in Parramatta, the CBD is best explored on two feet or two wheels, with many of the best eating spots and green spaces within a one-kilometre radius.
For more must-do’s to add to your Parramatta itinerary this sunny season, visit here.
Editor's note: This article is sponsored by City Of Parramatta and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Urban List