Traditional Owners

The original inhabitants of the Parramatta area were the Dharug Aboriginal people.

Settlement history

European settlement of the area dates from 1788, with land used mainly for farming. The township of Parramatta was established in 1790, with development starting south of the Parramatta River, then progressing to the north. Population was minimal until the 1850s, aided by the construction of the railway line. Expansion continued during the late 1800s, with Parramatta becoming a commercial centre for the western Sydney area. Growth resumed in the 1920s. The most significant development occurred from the post-war years, with the population booming during the 1950s and 1960s, aided by industrial growth, immigration and the establishment of several public housing estates. Growth continued from the 1970s, although at a slower rate. The population continued to increase steadily from the early 1990s, rising from about 152,000 in 1991 to about 195,000 in 2011. Recent growth was due mainly to urban consolidation (medium and high density housing) in existing residential areas, and the redevelopment of former industrial areas in the south-eastern suburbs. The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games were the impetus for significant growth in the areas closest to Sydney, with redevelopment into sporting, recreation and entertainment venues, and the construction of medium and high density housing. Growth is expected to continue in these southern areas, aided by rezoning and the continued development of former industrial and government land.

Land use

The City of Parramatta is predominantly residential, but also has significant industrial, institutional, commercial, recreational and parkland areas. The City encompasses a total land area of over 80 square kilometres.

Transport

The City of Parramatta is served by the Western (M4) Motorway, the Hills (M2) Motorway, the Great Western Highway, various railway lines (Carlingford, Cumberland, Emu Plains, Northern, North Shore, Olympic Park and Western), and several ferries.

Major features

• Major features of the City include the Parramatta CBD,
• Westfield Parramatta Shopping Centre,
• The Epping Town Centre,
• North Rocks Shopping Centre,
• Westmead Hospital,
• The Children's Hospital at Westmead,
• Cumberland Hospital,
• Parramatta Community Health Services,
• University of Western Sydney (Parramatta Campus and Westmead Precinct),
• Old Government House,
• Elizabeth Farm,
• Parramatta Heritage Centre,
• Parramatta Riverside Theatres,
• Rosehill Gardens Racecourse,
• Parramatta City Raceway,
• Pirtek Stadium (Parramatta Stadium),
• Sydney Olympic Park (including ANZ Stadium,
• Aquatic Centre,
• Archery Park,
• Athletic Centre,
• Golf Driving Range,
• Hockey Centre,
• Netball Central,
• Qudos Bank Arena,
• Sports Centre,
• Sydney Showground and Tennis Centre),
• Newington Armory,
• Lancer Barracks (Linden Military Museum),
• Silverwater Correctional Complex,
• Lake Parramatta,
• Bicentennial Park,
• Bidjigal Reserve,
• Lake Parramatta Reserve,
• Parramatta Park,
• Wentworth Common,
• Muirfield Golf Club,
• Oatlands Golf Club and the Parramatta River.

Included areas