5 things to do in Parramatta – capture the very essence of Sydney’s West

In terms of the local performing arts scene, none quite captures the attention in a way the Riverside Theatre does. This is largely attributed to the fact that the Theatre is known for putting on the grandest of shows consistently with over 700 performances taking the centre stage every year. Located on the beautiful banks of the Parramatta River, this splendid attraction opens its doors to those visitors who share a common passion for theatre, dance and music. With both local and international artists featured prominently here, fans of the performing arts can look forward to pleasing and awe-inspiring acts that will at times be too good to be true.

An air of vibrancy and charm will descend over you as you enter the section known as Church Street which is by far, one of the main draws of being in Parramatta. Fondly called 'Eat Street' for its growing reputation as a culinary hub in the City, Church Street pulls out all the stops in presenting foodies with an incredible experience that will surely linger long in one's memory. Nestled within a 5-minute walk from PARKROYAL Parramatta which is one of the best hotels in Parramatta to stay at, this sought-after attraction ought to be penned down in your itinerary and reached no sooner you have settled down to your stay. Take your pick from relaxed and laidback eateries to more lavish and upmarket restaurants that would thrill you to bits with their menus that serve you the world on a platter. Move through the flavours of the Mediterranean, China, Italy as well as Thailand with relative ease.

Functioning as the home ground for both the Parramatta Eels in Australia's National Rugby League and the Western Sydney Wanderers who compete in the A-League, CommBank Stadium is a symbol of engineering acumen. Opened in 2019, CommBank Stadium boasts 30,000 seats and provides plenty of opportunity for die-hard sports fans to spot their heroes passing, catching and scoring 'Big' when it matters the most. Showcasing the steepest stands of any stadium in the country, CommBank Stadium doubles up as an entertainment venue and in turn, guarantees a top-notch experience regardless of where you find yourself seated.

Come the seasons of autumn and spring, the anticipation and action reach dizzying heights within the cauldron which is Rosehill Gardens Racecourse. Home to one of Australia's most popular days of racing which is Golden Slipper Day, the Racecourse is where pure thoroughbreds and skilled jockeys come into their own en route to delight onlookers and racing fans alike. With a slew of entertainment facilities readily provided, you can expect to spend time on the edge of your seat as your horse and rider approach the finish line.

Initially constructed on the occasion when Sydney hosted the Summer Olympics in 2000, the Sydney Olympic Park is a first-rate sporting venue that plays host to the city's most glamorous and talked about sporting events. Aside from athletes and other entertainers who have graced the Olympic Park with their presence on more than one occasion, a long list of popular festivals and conferences are held here including the annual Sydney Royal Easter Show which witnesses over 828,000 attendees. Seen as an agricultural show that first saw the light of day in 1823, the Sydney Royal Easter Show brings together age-old traditions and modern thinking with respect to farming.