8 fun things to do in Parramatta this weekend – Nature walks, flavourful fare and plenty of sightseeing

Develop an understanding of Parramatta’s first people and traditional custodians of these lands – the Dharug people. Through the mentioned tour, patrons such as yourselves can look forward to an insightful and joyous outing that will have you strolling by the Parramatta River and within Parramatta Park respectively. Be inspired by the ways of the local Aborigines while being fed information on their hunting tools, specific plant uses and connection to the land.

An ideal stopover for families on holiday in Parramatta, the well-placed Blaxland Riverside Park brings with it countless opportunities to relax and work up a sweat. Found along Parramatta River, this leisure attraction showcases shared cycle paths, walking & running tracks together with ample space for enjoying a picnic or getting to work on that all-important weekend barbecue date. Further, the kids are sure to have an absolute ball given that Blaxland Riverside Park plays host to a water play area, multi-level treehouse, mega swing, tunnel slides and a double flying fox.

Aside from the sporting side of things, do devote time for Sydney Olympic Park’s magnificent collection of public art, which numbers in excess of 50 installations. Dubbed Discobolus by Robert Own, feast your eyes on a giant compact disc, wedged into the ground between 5 column drums and eucalyptus trees in Stockroute Park. Thereafter, make your way to the northern portion of the Olympic Boulevard where you will stumble upon Osmosis by Ari Purhonen; a stunning light sculpture that interacts with water, which results in a constantly changing mix of colours.

Wondering what governance looked like back in the day? Well then, beeline for the pleasing setting of the Old Government House that will take you through the ‘ins and outs’ of how the locals once governed themselves. Encircled by leafy grounds, the Old Government House is in fact a proud, Georgian mansion where colonial governors often met to discuss and debate pressing matters. Interestingly, this cultural marvel has left an indelible mark as Australia’s oldest surviving public building.

The keen foodie in you will find more than one reason to linger and meander along Eat Street on the back of there being a lengthy list of eateries to check out. Brimming with fine dining restaurants and comfy cafes to walk into, Eat Street, which is also referred to as Church Street is located a short distance from PARKROYAL Parramatta where guests can avail the services of a decent Parramatta City hotel. Take your pick from household names in Australian, Italian and Lebanese cuisine and so much more that will easy have you returning for seconds.

Whether you head out during the day or night, Parramatta River will afford you a fantastic chance to come into contact with its animal life. From the Red-crowned Toadlet, Powerful Owl, which is credited with being the country’s largest species of owl (wingspan of up to 140 cm) to the Grey-headed Flying Fox that comes out at night; exploring every nook and cranny of Parramatta River is an absolute must.

As an off the beaten path gem, the intertidal wetlands of the Batu Mangroves ought not to be forgotten when mulling your next move. Found within the boundaries of Bicentennial Park, visitors can move over its boardwalk that snakes its way through thick mangroves en route to witnessing a wide spectrum of floral and faunal species for one truly relaxing time. 

Attending Sunday service at the twin-steepled St. John’s Cathedral will be one way of embracing the history and culture of this iconic place of worship. Covered in Gothic architecture from top to bottom, St. John’s Cathedral is believed to be one of Australia’s oldest churches.