Car Rental Parramatta Downtown

Welcome to vibrant downtown Parramatta, a vital commercial and lifestyle hub in the west, an hour from Sydney’s CBD. Parramatta is a diverse and evolving feast – the fusion of a long and distinctive heritage, a contemporary global vibe, and its outstanding precincts and green spaces. 

An appreciation of its history – from Indigenous to Colonial to more recent migrations – makes Parramatta a rich and colourful mosaic that celebrates its whole identity. As Australia’s second oldest city, the pioneering spirit is preserved in its buildings and in the people themselves. 

The celebration of culture and community are an important part of Parramatta’s fabric, as seen in the wealth of events, festivals, sports and experiences on offer. Riverside Theatres, alone, holds around a thousand events a year – from Shakespeare to Mamma Mia – and is the acclaimed premier performing arts space in Western Sydney. Major sport and entertainment events are held regularly at Sydney Olympic Park, CommBank Stadium, Stadium Australia, the Sydney Showgrounds and the Rosehill Gardens Racecourse. Or for something more low-key, head to the Farmers’ Market for tasty foods and fresh produce.

Annual cultural highlights include Parramatta Lanes – an exciting festival that lights up the city’s laneways with eats, beats and art; Western Sydney Forage – a flavourful showcase of the best food and drink; and Everest Carnival, Australia’s richest race and trackside extravaganza held at Rosehill and Royal Randwick.

Parramatta is full of fascinating opportunities for work and play – with great dining and entertainment, retail and recreation, shops and businesses – making this mini dynamo of a city a great place to spend your time and use as your Sydney headquarters. Discover the best of this lively community as you get around Parramatta in your hire car.

Explore the environment around Parramatta in your hire car

The Parramatta River flows through the heart of this urban hive, earning it the name of ‘River City’. The outdoors has certainly shaped the way of life here, and it’s easy to stay in touch with nature and get away from the bustle. Appreciate the picturesque river and its banks through the river walk or the River Valley Cycleway. And check out the Life of the River Exhibition at the Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre.

Parramatta offers a healthy lifestyle and great ways to unwind; plus playgrounds for families are plentiful. With more than 350 parks and reserves in the area, bushwalking is an ideal way to experience Parramatta’s natural beauty. Lake Parramatta Reserve is a popular spot for boating, barbecues, picnics, bushwalking, swimming and cycling. 

If you like sports, Parramatta’s your place. The city is brimming with arenas, stadiums, gyms, Pilates and barre classes, aquatic and leisure centres. When it’s time to get really active, we recommend Sydney Olympic Park. There’s something for everyone here: from bird watching on the mangrove boardwalks at Bicentennial Park, to a kids aquatic playground, picnic facilities, 35km of bike paths, archery, tennis, mini golf, volleyball, hockey, and the Monster Skate Park. The former Olympic venue also hosts big name events, like the State of Origin and the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

From ancient to recent, explore Parramatta’s history and culture in your rental car 

History is steeped in the soil and bones of this city. Visit one of its many museums, take the Heritage Trail or Harris Park Heritage Walk, and get close to Parramatta’s many sites of significance.

One of the most renowned is Old Government House (1799) near the Dairy Cottage precinct, where food, wine and history lovers can enjoy a special experience at Lachlan’s. This delightful restaurant among the vines, which recently received a World Heritage listing, is recommended for wine tastings and high tea. You can also take afternoon refreshments at Elizabeth Farm, witness to the Rum Rebellion of 1808. Built for wealthy landowners John and Elizabeth MacArthur in 1793, and now extensively conserved, this oldest-surviving building in Australia is a living museum: visitors can lie on the replica chaise-longue and imagine a charmed existence in that era. 

Reflect upon and learn about Parramatta’s extensive Aboriginal history at numerous sites around the city. Listen to the Reconciliation Soundscape at Lennox Bridge and acknowledge the traditional landowners of the Darug language group; explore the local culture with a walk through the Baludarri Wetlands, once a place for meeting and food gathering; visit the Arrunga Bardo Aboriginal Bush Food Garden at Lake Parramatta; take an Aboriginal Culture Walk or Bush Tucker Tour; and see the middens of freshwater shells at Parramatta Park. 

Parramatta offers a world of difference with the local residents drawn from every corner of the globe. Experience the varied cuisine available in its restaurants, from Indian sweets to Taiwanese tea shops and Persian eats. And look out for the new multi-billion-dollar revamp of Parramatta Square which promises all-day dining, retail inspiration, and award-winning architecture. 

Downtown Parramatta is a place where worlds of past and future collide in the most wonderful and surprising manner. Explore it all in your rental car.