Frequently Asked Q?s
These are the most common questions received at the Parramatta Visitor Information Centre.
If you have a question to add to this page, or a specific question for our Visitor Centre staff, please contact us here.
You can also call the centre on 1300 889 714.
How do I add an event to this site?
Easy, just go to the events section and look for the link in the right hand column saying 'Add Your Event'. Register, login and fill in the form. We will check it and make sure it fits our criteria (also available in the right hand column) and then post it up!
Who do I speak to about adding my business or changing my business details?
Contact Parramatta Council on 9806 5050 or email here.
Is there a caravan park in Parramatta?
Parramatta does not currently have a camping ground or caravan park. The nearest caravan parks to Parramatta are at Lane Cove & Parklea: Lane Cove River Tourist Caravan Park 9888 9133, www.lcrtp.com.au or Sydney Gateway Holiday Park, Parklea, 8814 4299 www.sydneygateway.com.au. For more information, please contact the Visitor Centre on 1300 889 714.
What is inside the Parramatta Heritage & Visitor Information Centre?
The Centre consists of a co-located Visitor Information Centre, and Heritage Centre. The Heritage Centre contains 2 exhibitions spaces and a local historical library as well as some conferencing rooms which can be hired. A regular program of educational programs, exhibitions, events and talks take place inside the Heritage Centre. The Visitor Information Centre is staffed by tourist professionals who can help you with maps, guidebooks, instructions and advice on how to spend your time in the city and in the surrounding areas. The centre also stocks a range of books, gifts and other merchandise.
Do we need to pay to look around the Parramatta Heritage & Visitor Centre?
No, you are very welcome and entry is free. For group visits, bookings are required and guided tours of the Centre can be arranged during working hours for a small fee. Contact the Visitor Information Centre for details 1300 889 714.
Do I need to be a member to access the Local Historical Library?
The library is a reference only library so membership is not required. Everyone is welcome. If you want to use some of the research tools and equipment, you will need to book, call 1300 889 714.
Is the Visitor Centre open 24 hours? I saw a 24 hour sign on the window.
The Visitor Information Centre opens from 9am to 5pm Monday to Sunday and 10am to 4pm on public holidays. The Centre is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day. The 24 hours sign signposts a touch screen that can be accessed by visitors to the city after hours using the pad provided on the window.
Does the Centre provide booking services for accommodation and tours?
The centre does not provide booking services. We suggest you check out the Accommodation and Tours pages on this site, and call the operators direct. If you want some advice on where to stay, we can help over the phone or in person.
Is there a guide that can take me around in Parramatta?
There are local guides that offer services either on foot or by bus. You will need to book in prior to your arrival in Parramatta. Contact the Visitor Information Centre for details on 1300 889 714 or visit the Tours page for some of the touring options.
Is there a bus tour in Parramatta?
Specific bus tours can be arranged prior to visiting. Check out the Tours page to see some of the services available. There is also a free bus service that shuttles around Parramatta called The Loop and it comes every ten minutes! This bus services tourists and residents of Parramatta and helps them navigate the city of Parramatta quickly and easily. To view the bus route please go to the Loop page in the Travel and Maps section of this site.
Is there a direct bus that can take me to & from Sydney Airport to Parramatta?
There are private shuttle services available that can be booked to take you and your travelling companions straight to the airport. Bookings for these services is essential. The list of operators is available here.
Is there free parking in Parramatta?
Metered parking applies across the Parramatta CBD. There are some 15 minute free parking zones, some reduced parking rates in the outer sections of the city (i.e. north of Victoria Road) and some areas where it is possible to park for 10 hours (i.e. at the eastern end of George Street). The Travel and Maps section has some good information on car parking options in the city, available here.
What does 2P and 4P mean
2P means 2 hour parking, 4P means 4 hour parking. Where the word ‘Ticket’ appears on a sign, it means you are required to purchase a ticket at the nearest parking meter and display it on your dashboard.
Is there a parking area at Parramatta train station?
There is no designated parking area for train commuters wanting to leave their car at Parramatta Station. Parking stations are available around Parramatta. See the Parking page for information and maps. The closest parking stations to the station: Westfield (first 3 hours free), Wentworth St, Valentine St, Erby Place, Horwood Place, Hunter Street.
Where is Eat Street or the main dining precinct?
The block running between the Church/Phillip Street intersection, and Lennox Bridge, is home to dozens of restaurants and is known locally as 'Eat Street'. Other well known dining areas include Phillip Street, George Street, Westfield/Bus Interchange and Church Street South (also known as the Asian Precinct). Visit the Eating Out section of this site and familiarise yourself 180 Parramatta-based restaurants and cafes!
Is Parramatta a safe place to walk around in on my own?
Parramatta is like any other medium-sized modern western city. It is generally a safe place to visit and walk around although petty thefts occur from time to time and common sense needs apply when walking alone at night.
Where is Auto Alley?
Auto Alley is on Church Street between Parramatta Road & the Great Western Highway.
Can you walk from Parramatta Station to Parramatta Stadium?
Yes, it takes roughly 20-25 minutes walk from the Station to the Stadium depending on how fast you walk. (alternatively you could take the free Loop shuttle along with hundreds of other Eels supporters!).
How do I get to the river side walk from Church Street with a wheel chair?
At Parramatta Wharf there’s a ramp that will take you from the street level to the river's edge. Otherwise you can take the laneway next to the Crowne Plaza hotel leading to the Brand Smart car park. There’s a gradual slope between the Brand Smart building and the car park that leads you down to the river level. The Visitor Centre for details or see the city map to locate the area.
Where are the public toilets in Parramatta?
At the Wharf – Next to Port Bar and Restaurant. Ask the café staff for directions.
At the Parramatta Heritage & Visitor Centre
For all other questions, please feel free to contact us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
