Built in classic Georgian style in the early 1800s, the Old Government House Parramatta is Australia’s oldest surviving public building. Built entirely by convicts, the Old Government House is set within the lush parklands of the former Governor's Domain, now Parramatta Park. 

The Old Government House was the country residence for the first 10 governors of New South Wales. They include Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his wife Elizabeth Macquarie, who was said to have an “impeccable taste in gardens” and preferred the clean air and space of rural Parramatta to downtown Sydney. 

Considered both an European and Aboriginal archaeological resource of national significance, the property offers incredible insights to the evolution of New South Wales and Australian society since 1788. One of 11 Australian Convict Sites accorded the UNESCO World Heritage site status, this historic monument also houses an important collection of original colonial furniture in Australia.

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When the days are hot (especially during the summer), Parramatta’s families flock to James Ruse Reserve Water Playground – the largest water playground in the city.

This water park is almost entirely shaded and has a non-slip surface that is safe for little tots. Play features like tipping buckets, mini fountains, and larger cascading water features provide endless thrills for older children.

Don’t wish to get your kids wet? Set them free at the great dry playground and skatepark here. Equipped with a BBQ pit area, you can whip up an Aussie-styled “barbie” while your children play.

Do note that the restroom facilities are a fair walk from the playground, which might make it a tad inconvenient for younger ones. Swim diapers may thus be the order of the day.

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A trip down Parramatta river by ferry is one of the best ways to experience Sydney’s most iconic places. You can begin your trip at Parramatta wharf, which is located next to the Queens' Wharf Reserve and the historic Gasworks Bridge. The wharf lies close to the site of Governor Phillip’s first official landing place in 1788, back when Parramatta was established as the second settlement in Australia. 

Built by convicts out of gum tree logs, Parramatta wharf is served by ferry services operating to and from Circular Quay. En route to Circular Quay, you can drop off at several noteworthy spots such as Sydney Olympic Park and Cockatoo Island—the largest island in the Sydney region.

Travellers love exploring Sydney by ferry as it allows them to see a lot more than just downtown Sydney. It also offers great vantage points to capture photographs of Sydney’s harbour attractions.

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Located at the restored gatehouse entrance to a tranquil inner suburban park, the Grounds Keeper Café is hailed as one of the most child-friendly cafés in Sydney.

With a small playground close by, kid-friendly facilities like high chairs and baby change tables, and most of all, abundant green spaces all around, it is not difficult to see why Grounds Keeper is a keeper for families travelling in Parramatta. Plus, it serves up excellent coffee and brunches, perfect for tired out parents who need a zing.

Another good family dining option is Lil Miss Collins, a quirky little café that is located behind Parramatta Station. Animal and child-friendly with a toy corner and little animal residents, the café touts organic, vegan, and vegetarian meal options as one of their allures.

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Lake Parramatta Reserve is a 73-hectare bushland and parkland reserve located just two kilometres away from Parramatta’s central business district. Created from the damming of Hunts Creek in 1856, it is the largest surviving bushland in the Parramatta district, and also one of the most scenic bushland remnants in Western Sydney.

Lake Parramatta reserve is popular for swimming, picnicking and bushwalking, with a visitor’s kiosk open on weekends. It features three marked bushwalking trails. The longest is the 4.2km Lake Circuit that goes around the entire lake. Families with younger children unused to long walks may opt for the shorter She-Oak Track (1.5km) or Banksia Trail (2.4km).

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Australia Day Parramatta is one of the biggest celebrated events in Parramatta every year. On 26 January each year, Parramatta Park, visitors can enjoy a spectacular aerial hot air balloon display, fun kids' activities, a massive BBQ cookout, a talent competition featuring Parramatta’s local talents, and a grand fireworks finale.

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