Parramatta, New South Wales

Parramatta is a suburb in the City of Parramatta in western Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It is located 25 kilometres west of the Sydney central business district. Parramatta is approximately at the geographical centre of the Sydney urban area. Situated on the banks of Parramatta River, it is a major government and commercial centre, sometimes called Sydney's "second central business district". It is home to Westfield Parramatta, the largest shopping centre in Australia.

History

European settlement at Parramatta was begun by Governor Arthur Phillip in November 1788, just nine months after the First Fleet arrived in Sydney Cove. For a time in the early 1800s it was the seat of government of the colony of New South Wales (which at that time encompassed the eastern two-thirds of the Australian mainland). Much of the early colony was relocated to Parramatta because of the greater supply of fertile soil and fresh water. Afterwards the seat of government was moved back to Sydney, but the Governor's former residence, Old Government House, remains as an historic site and museum and is Australia's oldest surviving public building.

Parramatta is the site of Australia's oldest farm, Experiment Farm, which was owned by James Ruse, a First Fleet convict who became the first successful European-style farmer in Australia, and which was the first land grant in Australia. Nearby is Elizabeth Farm, the home of controversial wool pioneer John Macarthur.

The name Parramatta is derived from a local Aboriginal expression meaning "place of many eels". The area was at first named Rose Hill, later changing to the native name for the area. It is located at a portion of the Parramatta River which is indeed a gathering place for native species of eel, as it is the point where saltwater meets freshwater which creates a profusion of nutrients. The eel has been adopted as the symbol of the Parramatta Eels Rugby League club who compete in the NRL.

Current developments
At the start of the new millennium, Parramatta saw the consolidation of its role as a government centre, with the relocation of facilities, such as the NSW Police Headquarters, from Sydney's CBD. At the same time major construction work occurred around the railway station with the expansion of Westfield Shoppingtown, the creation of a new "Transport Interchange", and the development of the Civic Place local government precinct.

Landmarks

Lake Parramatta
Lake Parramatta is a 10 hectare reserve, based around a former reservoir. The catchment area for the Lake is bounded by North Rocks Rd, Pennant Hills Rd and Hunts Creek. Enter from Lackey Street, North Parramatta. Drive carefully to avoid the ducks.

Parramatta Park
Parramatta Park is a large park adjacent to Parramatta Stadium. It was formerly the Governor's Domain and contains Old Government House mentioned above. Another feature is the natural amphitheatre located on one of the bends of the river, named by Governor Philip as "the Crescent", which is currently used to stage concerts.

Ferry Wharf
The ferry wharf is located at the Charles Street Weir which divides the tidal saltwater from the freshwater of the upper river, on the eastern boundary of the Central Business District. The wharf is the westernmost destination of the River Cat ferry service.

Church Street
Church Street is the home to many restaurants with a diverse range of cuisines. It takes its name from the St Johns Anglican Cathedral located opposite the Town Hall. Nearby is the historic St Johns Cemetery.