About Parramatta

About Parramatta

Parramatta

Parramatta is now commonly known as Australia’s Next Great City with an abundance of events and festivals, outdoor markets, street entertainment and temporary art displays. Parramatta is rich in diversity, multiculturalism, history and thriving in residential, employment and educational districts all submerged in a contemporary culture.

History

The city of Parramatta was a home to many generations of the Aboriginal people. The influence of migration and historical movements have helped shape Parramatta’s compelling history. Parramatta is known for Australia’s first inland European settlement. Due to this, the preservation of artefacts, structures and practices of historical significance creates value for future generations. The Research Library contains elements such as journals, photographs and books all related to the history of Parramatta.

Events and Festivals

The city of Parramatta thrives off an abundance of multiculturalism through community-based and/or commercially-focused activities. These events include concerts, festivals, fairs and sporting events. With an activated street culture, the vibrancy of community awareness allows for individuals to become one with each other’s cultures in the taste of food. The street performers provide entertainment that enriches the culture of diversity within the city of Parramatta. These entertainers showcase their skills to provide traditional experiences to the members of the public.

Some events include:

  • Winterlight
  • Parramatta Lanes
  • Carols in the Crescent
  • New Year’s Eve
  • Australia Day
  • Luna New Year
  • Arab Film Festival
  • Parramatta Artists’
  • Studios
  • The Golden Slipper
  • Carnival
  • Local Farmers Markets
  • Chess Festivals

Parramatta Library

Located 1 minute away from the BLI campus. It is a lovely place to enjoy reading books and borrowing CDs and DVDs amongst other services such as workshops, ESL classes as well as discussions by recognised authors.

Bankwest Stadium

Bankwest Stadium is known to be a world leading sustainable venue. It Holds up to 30,000 people made specifically fans

Westfield Parramatta- 3 minute walk to BLI

This is your one-stop-shop where you can shop, eat, drink and play and sort out your beauty and wellness needs.

Travel to Parramatta

Parramatta Train Station- 3 minute walk to BLI

Bus Station- 3 minute walk to BLI

Ferry (Parramatta Wharf) – 13 minute walk to BLI

Parks and Rivers

Many larger parks include picnic facilities, playgrounds, water-play, walking and running tracks. Nearby the BLI campus we have two nearby parks with walking distance- Parramatta Park and Jubilee Park. In addition to this, the famous Parramatta River is a 14 minute walk through the thriving hub of Parramatta City. The lake Parramatta Reserve is a 73 Hectare habitat and is well known for its picnic, bushwalking and aquatic activities. There are trails to which individuals can walk through our nourishing environmental habitat or swim within the river.

Restaurants

Parramatta is well-known for its food events and busy Church Street. Church Street is ultimately the heart of food in Parramatta. There is a wide selection of food options that creates richness in our multicultural community with dishes from many cultures along this street; there is an appetite for almost everyone! This street is enriched with cuisines from Lebanon, India, Italy, Vietnam, China, Korea, Thailand, Mexico and a lot more.

Walking and cycling

The city of Parramatta are focused on creating a sustainable transport infrastructure to reduce congestion and introduce low cost travel options. This ultimately assists in the community getting around at a much cheaper cost with the benefit of creating a healthier lifestyle. Bike and walking trails are open to the public. Cyclists and pedestrians can travel on high quality, river front path from Parramatta Park to Sydney Olympic Park through the Subiaco Creek track, or travel the Parramatta’s Heritage ride, or through local cycling routes.

Education

Parramatta is now becoming the thriving education hub. Major universities are now building campuses within Parramatta City such as:

  • Western Sydney University
  • University of New England
  • Swinburne University
  • Charles Sturt University
  • The University of Sydney
  • Parramatta/Westmead campus
  • The Australasian College of
  • Cosmetic Surgery

Accommodation

The affordable accommodation of living in Parramatta is cost effective. There are many spacious accommodating apartments, houses and duplexes within Parramatta and nearby suburbs.

Future Developments

Parramatta Square

Often described to be a world-class landmark and destination. Parramatta Square will cover more than three hectares of Parramatta’s CBD. This includes a refurbished Town Hall and more than 6,000m2 of public space for individuals to connect shop and dine.

The Lennox

Positioned next to Parramatta River, the luxury riverfront view is one of many residential development projects in Parramatta. This project will allow additional dining options.

Riverbank

This project will be the City’s cultural heart. The $1.2b Riverbank renewal project will include the location of the new Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences also known as the Powerhouse Museum. This will essentially showcase to over a million visitors a year to Parramatta.

Employment

Due to the major development projects evolving; more employment opportunities will be available.

Nearby features

  • Parramatta Train Station – 3 minute walk to BLI
  • Bus Station – 3 minute walk to BLI
  • Ferry (Parramatta Wharf) – 13 minute walk to BLI
  • Westfield Parramatta – 3 minute walk to BLI
  • Cafes – 1 minute walk from BLI
  • Parramatta River – 13 Minute walk from BLI
  • Parramatta Park – 13 Minute walk from BLI
  • Elizabeth Farm – 18 Minute walk from BLI
  • Police Station – 12 Minute walk from BLI
  • My Health Medical Centre – 4 Minute walk from BLI
  • Westmead Hospital – 9 minute drive from BLI