Parramatta Park and Old Government House

Parramatta Park and Old Government House are both a major World Heritage Site with a beautiful place to spend a day

Idylic beauty of Parramatta Park along the Parramatta River
Idylic beauty of Parramatta Park along the Parramatta River cc licensed photo by dicktay2000

Parramatta Park and Old Government House are a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site. As significant as that is, it is also an ideal place to just relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings on a sunny day.

This beautiful 260 acre domain was established as a park all the way back in 1858. It has a rich history with evidence of Aboriginals living in the area as far back as 20,000 years ago. In 1799 the first portion of Old Government House was built for Governor John Hunter. It served as the country residence for 10 Governors over a period of 70 years. In 1821 the house was expanded into a large Palladian style home by then Governor Macquarie and his wife. Old Government House in Parramatta Park is the oldest public building still standing in all of Australia. Guided tours of the inside are available Tuesday through Sunday.

Many other historical sites and monuments adorn this beautiful park; each with an interesting story to tell. They include the 1870 Park Gatehouses, the Bath House that was finished in 1823 as a place for the Governor to soothe his war wounds in a warm bath, the Boer War Memorial and cannon (1904), the Lady FitzRoy Memorial, Memorial to William (Billy) E. Hart, The Observatory Transit Stones, and The Dairy Cottage and sunken milk room (c1805). You can view and download a printable guide to Parramatta Park Monuments and Sites which tells you lots more about them and includes a map for a self-guided walking tour.

The park is a popular venue for community events and music festivals. Some notable events include Australia Day celebrations and Sydney Symphony in Parramatta Park.

Other amenities in the park include BBQ and picnic facilities, playgrounds, sports fields and a cafe. There is also a gift shop and a restaurant located in Old Government House. This is a great place for a day trip when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

You can view the inside of Old Government House Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm or enjoy a relaxing lunch in Lachlan's Restaurant located inside.

Nearby attractions include: Auburn Botanic Gardens and Olympic Park



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: No, except for entry into Old Government House

Parramatta Park Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours

Address: Pitt St &, Macquarie St, Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia

Phone: (02) 9895 7599

Official Website: Parramatta Park

Parramatta Park Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating ✨ My Review of Parramatta Park ✨ Visited Parramatta Park last Sunday and absolutely loved the experience! 🌿 It’s such a huge and vibrant park with a bit of everything—historic landmarks, wide open green spaces, peaceful river views, and even a massive bat colony (which was an unexpected surprise 🦇). Walking around felt refreshing and relaxing, and it’s the kind of place where you can easily spend hours without realizing it. I really liked how well the park is designed—separate tracks for walkers, cyclists, and cars, plenty of shaded areas, and loads of space so it never feels too crowded. Perfect spot for a picnic, casual stroll, photography, or just to clear your mind. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Parramatta Park is definitely worth checking out. I’ll be going back again soon, this time with more snacks and maybe a longer walk along the river. Highly recommended! 🌳✨
Satyarth Rao - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Parramatta Parramatta Park is truly a local gem — giving off historical Central Park vibes right here in Western Sydney. 🌿 The scenery is breathtaking, surrounded by lush trees, vibrant flowers, and the calming sounds of Australian wildlife. There’s something for everyone — from open fields perfect for picnics to awesome playgrounds that keep the kids entertained for hours. And if you’re feeling peckish, the on-site MISC restaurant is an absolute must-try! With delicious selection of drinks, food and desserts all in a beautiful setting. Whether you are walking, cycling, relaxing, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Parramatta Park is a reminder of how special Sydney’s green spaces truly are. Ps. I volunteered over 20 years ago and helped plant 100 trees to implement Parramatta Councils plan rebuild and preserve the Park decades ago has definitely paid off!!
Missy Kay - in the last week

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5 Star Rating Parramatta Park’s a top spot for everyone—perfect for a chilled day out with family and friends. Plenty of space for the kids to run around and play, and loads of comfy places to sit and soak up the sunshine. There’s a toilet right near the café inside the park which is super handy. You’ll spot ducks by the water and colourful birds flitting about—adds a lovely touch to the whole vibe.
haya tarazi - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Parramatta Park is such a great spot for a family outing. We had a BBQ, played games, and enjoyed the beautiful weather – it was such a fun day for everyone. The park is spacious, clean, and has plenty of areas to relax or be active. We loved it so much that we’ve decided to make this a monthly tradition. Perfect place for gatherings and outdoor fun!
Dalia Beaini - a month ago

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4 Star Rating Was an enjoyable walk around the historic buildings and along the river with HK guests. Never done it before. There was a Bat Colony. Did get time to try the cafe and go into the historic house. Parking was an issue. Only Two hr limited Mon/Friday
Nevill - 3 months ago

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Directions

Train Line Nearest Station Walking Time
T2 or Intercity Blue Mountains LineParramatta Station15 minutes

How to get to Parramatta Park by Train

By Train: Take the T2 or the Intercity Blue Mountains Line train from Central Station to Parramatta Station. From the Station exit onto Argyle Street and walk right (west) then go right on Pitt Street to the park entrance.

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