Australians love their community markets, and Parramattans are no exception. Visiting farmers’ markets and food and craft fairs is one of the fun things to do in Parramatta—it’s also the best way to meet creative, passionate locals and support the work that they do.

Begin with the markets recommended by the Parramatta city council, such as the Parramatta Farmers Market on Friday mornings. Treat yourself to fresh flowers, coconut coffee, sizzling barbecued meats, and foods from different cultures—Turkish, Mediterranean, Indian, and Filipino, to name a few. (Click here to view the list of participating stalls.)

On the first Saturday of each month, you can visit the Ermington Market by the River, a marketplace featuring growers, bakers, food makers, and artists. Take the opportunity to explore the Halvorsen Park area where the event is held, or simply soak in the riverside atmosphere and enjoy the “live” music. Follow their Facebook page for details on participating stalls and activities that you can join, such as free yoga.

If you are travelling with children, search for family-friendly market events on the ParraParents website. This helpful website features smaller and under-the-radar markets in and around Parramatta (such as the Concord Farmers Market) that could unveil a treasure trove of fresh produce, artisan goods, and vintage collectibles. Happen to be in town during the school holidays? You may be able to find suitable activities for your children, such as dinosaur crafts or slime making.

Get directions to Parramatta Farmers Market
Get directions to Ermington Market by the River

With too many attractions to explore and too little time, travellers would certainly not rank malls high on their to-do lists. For some, malls are merely a fallback option for rainy days, or when moving in a group that has different needs.

However, the travel blogger Nomadic Matt has a refreshing perspective: “Two often overlooked places that tell us about the lives of locals are supermarkets and malls. These are where the locals go to shop, spend an afternoon, relax, and do errands. In short, it’s everyday life. And sadly, most travellers rarely go there. Yet I think they are two of the best places to get a real look at the lives of the locals.”

If you’ve run out of tourist things to do in Parramatta, head to Westfield Parramatta, where you can shop for international brands, score bargain buys at a discount store (The Reject Shop), take in a movie, and enjoy some holistic healing (such as massage or acupuncture).

Food and drink options are also aplenty here—satisfy your tastebuds with fast foods, snack foods, cafes, and Asian and Western restaurants. Westfield Parramatta stays open till 9:00pm on Thursdays, so you can shop and dine till late.

Parents travelling with children will be relieved to know that there are more than 20 shopping centres within and around Parramatta. Better yet, many of these malls have free indoor and outdoor play areas that will keep your children entertained for hours. Bookmark this useful list of kid-friendly malls for reference.

Get directions to Westfield Parramatta

If you are a fan of unlikely combinations, Butter will intrigue you. This hipster-friendly destination lets you tuck into fried chicken, sip on champagne, and get togged out in designer sneakers—all in one store.

“We combine hip hop, champagne, and sneaker culture with our food... It’s where street meets luxury, and a conceptual restaurant where all these juxtaposed elements come together,” says co-owner and chef Julian Cincotta of the one-of-a-kind “hybrid fried chicken shop.”

Butter’s Parramatta store is its second outlet—its first is in Sydney’s Surry Hills. The expansion to Parramatta has been a positive move for Butter, with plenty of buzz and support from the community.

To spend time in a quirky bookstore, pop into Aquarius Rising, otherwise known as “Parramatta’s original New Age haven” and one of Sydney’s best bookshops, according to The Urban List. Interested in spirituality and discovering yourself? You will find something to bring home here. Apart from books, Aquarius Rising also stocks new age essentials—incense, candles, crystals and more to help you in your quest for inner peace.

Get directions to Butter Parramatta
Get directions to Aquarius Rising