Bankwest Stadium, ParramattaCredit: Destination NSW
The river city of Parramatta in Western Sydney.
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Dive into a vibrant multicultural food scene, wander through UNESCO World Heritage-listed colonial sites and take in the natural beauty of the river in Parramatta, Sydney’s second major city centre and the historic heart of Western Sydney.
Eat your way through history
Step back into Sydney’s rich colonial past in riverside Parramatta Park, right in the city centre, starting with a fascinating tour of Old Government House. Let your imagination roam as you explore the oldest surviving public building in Australia – both this handsome Georgian building and the park are World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites.
Slow down and stroll along the tree-lined banks along Parramatta River, and end your walk by feasting on Middle Eastern- and Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Misc, housed in a striking pavilion inside Parramatta Park.
Enjoy a side of sightseeing with a vegan salad or a steak sandwich at Havenstone, a café and event space housed in the heritage-listed Parramatta Female Factory, a former convict facility for women across the river from Parramatta Park.
Take a tour or catch a show
Gain insights into the lives of the first European settlers in the area on a tour through the historic house and gardens of Elizabeth Farm in Rosehill, a five-minute drive from central Parramatta. It was built in 1793 for a young John and Elizabeth Macarthur, best known as pioneers of the Australian wool industry. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of one of the oldest surviving European buildings in the country, explore the glorious gardens and marvel at the elegant interiors.
Then connect with Western Sydney’s multicultural melting pot on a Taste of Afghanistan and Syria tour through the neighbouring suburb of Merrylands, a 10-minute drive from central Parramatta, with Taste Cultural Food Tours. The 3.5-hour tour will fly by as you’ll explore this fascinating area, which is home to a number of refugee communities, indulge in delicious dishes and meet talented refugee guides, chefs and business owners who share their stories from home and their journeys to Australia.
Be inspired by the energy of western Sydney’s arts scene as you settle in for an evening of theatre, dance or comedy at the Riverside Theatre, to the north of the city centre, or check out the latest exhibition of local art at the artist-run space Pari, on the western fringe of central Parramatta.
Elizabeth Farm, Rosehill Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to the historic Elizabeth Farm estate, Rosehill in Sydney's west.
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Elizabeth Farm, Rosehill Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to the historic Elizabeth Farm estate, Rosehill in Sydney's west.
Avasana Afghan Street Food, Merrylands Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying food and drink at Avasana Afghan Street Food, Merrylands. Avasana Afghan Street Food is an included location for visitors booked on a Taste of Afghanistan and Syria tour with Taste Cultural Food Tours. For more details, visit: https://www.tastetours.com.au/
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Avasana Afghan Street Food, Merrylands Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying food and drink at Avasana Afghan Street Food, Merrylands. Avasana Afghan Street Food is an included location for visitors booked on a Taste of Afghanistan and Syria tour with Taste Cultural Food Tours. For more details, visit: https://www.tastetours.com.au/
Savour the many flavours of Parramatta
Start the day by getting your buzz on at local favourite Circa Espresso, which roasts its coffee in-house, or grab some smashed avocado at the vegan-friendly Lil Miss Collins, a cute café fashioned from shipping containers and recycled timber. Choose your own adventure with unique, colour-packed brunch dishes such as taro hotcakes or a Japanese omelette at Social Hideout.
Feast on authentic, mouth-watering vegetarian Indian dishes inspired by the traditional street food of Mumbai at Chatkazz Harris Park, a five-minute drive from central Parramatta – some of the recipes featured on the extensive menu can’t easily be found outside Mumbai.
Ease into the evening with a natural, unfiltered craft ale at Riverside Brewing Company’s cellar door in North Parramatta, or dress up and enjoy a killer cocktail at the Alex & Co. mega bar on Church Street, the city’s buzzing eat street.
Feel like part of an extended Greek family at Kouzina Greco, on Phillip Street, which has been putting a modern twist on traditional Greek dishes made with locally sourced and sustainable produce for more than two decades.
Bond with your travelling companion over a series of small share plates at Lilymu, where executive chef Brendan Fong gives the flavours of China and southeast Asia a delectable twist. Or devour one of the best steaks in the west at Hunter and Barrel, on the eastern fringe of the city.
Elevate your after-dinner drinks at Nick & Nora’s Parramatta, a rooftop bar styled like a New York City penthouse on the 26th floor of the luxury V by Crown residential tower.
Rest and recharge
Retreat for the night to the five-star SKYE Suites Parramatta, which combines architectural muscle with spacious boutique accommodation in the heart of the city centre. Stretch out in a luxurious suite and enjoy the resort-style outdoor infinity pool, spa, gym and sauna – and 24-hour guest services.
Or relax at the end of a busy day exploring the city at the centrally located Mantra Parramatta, which offers a range hotel suites and self-contained apartments, Parkroyal Parramatta, near the restaurants of Church Street, or Rydges Parramatta, opposite the Rosehill Gardens racecourse less than 10 minutes from central Parramatta.
Nick and Nora's, Parramatta Credit: Destination NSW
Young people having a drink at Nick and Nora's rooftop bar
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Nick and Nora's, Parramatta Credit: Destination NSW
Young people having a drink at Nick and Nora's rooftop bar
Skye Suites, Parramatta Credit: Destination NSW
The 25-metre outdoor pool at Skye Suites, Parramatta.
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Skye Suites, Parramatta Credit: Destination NSW
The 25-metre outdoor pool at Skye Suites, Parramatta.
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Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, CorowaCredit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa.
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Feast on the riches of one of Australia’s most important food bowls on a road trip through the Murray, named after the mighty river that flows through this southwest area of New South Wales. Float down the river on a historic paddlesteamer wine cruise, stop by farm gates to sample incredible fresh produce, and dine at chic restaurants and bars in this unique culinary playground.
Take the back roads for gourmet treats
Head off the beaten path along The Backroads Trail, a 250km driving route that passes through the small pastoral towns of Barham, Moama, Mathoura and Deniliquin on the upper reaches of the Murray River. Sink your teeth into fresh olives, avocados, free-range pork, honey and citrus fruit from farm gates along its loops and trails, and taste the region’s wines at vineyards such as Restdown Wines. While you’re at this winery, venture out along the Restdown Wetland Walk to encounter Aboriginal cooking hearths and an old sheep camp.
Cruise along to The Old School Winery & Meadery in Womboota to pick up wine, pottery and honey mead. Or seek out Ivy Joyce in Barham to indulge in a warm space, offering local produce from farms for a truly paddock to plate experience in the heart of Murray River country. For more snacks and meaty fare such as British-style pork pies and sausages, head to Pacdon Park’s factory shop in Moama.
You can work up an appetite as you build your own itinerary on the theme of food, paddocks and produce, and find suggested routes and maps to Murray River farm gates, at the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre.
Wine and dine along the river
Embark on a wine tour by water in Moama, where the first steamboats made their way up the Murray in 1853. Take a Murray River Paddlesteamers Wharf to Winery Cruise from the town to Morrisons Riverview Winery for a leisurely lunch. Or drive along the river, stopping in at Three Black Sheep for risotto and woodfired pizzas, and tasting crisp dry whites and full-flavoured reds at St Anne’s Vineyards, where you can nibble on a cheese platter overlooking a scenic lake.
Head east along the riverside roads to rest and recharge in the town of Tocumwal, known for its riverside beaches, golf courses, glider flying and iconic Big Murray Cod statue. Start the following day with a solid foundation of breakfast pizza (topped with bacon, eggs and a hash brown) at The Old Bank and indulge in a scoop of ice-cream or sorbet from Tocumwal Ice Creamery – flavours include rocky road, green apple or macadamia. If you’re in town on a Saturday, pick up honey, fruit, vegetables, olive oil, dressings and other condiments made by local producers at the Tocumwal Foreshore Markets.
Continue your odyssey along the river to Corowa, the birthplace of Australian Federation. Immerse in the town’s rich turn-of-the-20th-century colonial heritage as you make your way to the former 1920s flour mill housing Corowa Distilling Co. Here you can book a whisky tasting and behind-the-scenes tour and buy locally made chocolates and sweets from sister shop Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. Work off an indulgent afternoon with a walk along the river before settling into the stylish Circa 1936 hotel, which is housed in an Art Deco former bank on the main street of Corowa.
Celebrate regional ingredients in Albury
From Corowa, follow the Riverina Highway eastward to the city of Albury, a food, wine and culture hub. Taste how seasonality and locality are expressed at The Proprietor, a former butcher shop turned cafe offering brunch treats such as fruit toast with Beechworth honey and whipped ricotta, and banana waffles with Gundowring vanilla ice-cream. Or try the all-day breakfast offering at Mr Benedict, from cheesy bacon waffle with popcorn chicken to one of its signature eggs benedicts, including one with cider-braised ham hock.
At The River Deck restaurant, local ingredients are celebrated alongside stunning river views, and dishes may include chicken Caesar salad with Milawa eggs or beef brisket braised in coffee by Albury roaster The Brothers Cup. At tiny and elegant Bistro Selle, complement warm Gooramadda olives with a buttery Australian chardonnay and fresh market fish. Yardbird offers a bold-flavoured menu featuring dishes like scorched Albacore tuna, along with meats grilled in a Spanish woodfired oven.
In between meals, stroll along the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk and take in the contemporary artworks by Aboriginal artists that line the Wagirra Trail. Meander through the Murray Art Museum Albury’s contemporary photographic collection, Aboriginal art and works by renowned Australian artist Sir Russell Drysdale. Afterwards, order lunch or dinner at the museum’s excellent Canvas Eatery – try the saltbush lamb rump or one of their Neapolitan-style pizzas.
The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota Credit: Destination NSW
Couple taste tasting mead at The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota
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The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota Credit: Destination NSW
Couple taste tasting mead at The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota
Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available from Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama.
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Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available from Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama.
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa Credit: Destination NSW
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in a 1920âs old flour mill in Corowa.
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Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa Credit: Destination NSW
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in a 1920âs old flour mill in Corowa.
Canvas Eatery, Albury Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available at Canvas Eatery in Albury.
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Canvas Eatery, Albury Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available at Canvas Eatery in Albury.