Parramatta, Homebush, Bankstown, Liverpool, Camden, Campbelltown
Parramatta is located 24 KM west of Sydney, coming from the city you can get here by train from Sydney Central Station, by bus or even by boat from Circular Quay - taking you up Parramatta river. Parramatta was the second European settlement founded in Australia in November 1788 and it still contains a number of historic buildings. Parramatta city contains a number of different areas ranging from the cafes outside St John's Cathedral to the Asian supermarkets along side Westfield - these shops sell an excellent range of Asian foods and delicacies.
To the west of the city, Parramatta park is a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of city life, the park contains some beautiful gardens and the elegant old parliament house overlooking Parramatta River which is open to the public. Parramatta Regional Park is also home to Aboriginal markings on trees which bear witness to the strong past Indigenous presence in the region.
On the east side of the city Elizabeth Farm is one of the oldest home in Australia dated from 1793, the botanical gardens surrounding it were added at a later date. Parramatta also has an excellent Riverside Theatre that features plays, live shows, concerts and workshops throughout the year.
A regional highlight is Riverside Walk, the Aboriginal art path running beside the scenic Parramatta River from Charles Street ferry wharf to the historic Lennox Bridge. The rich and evocative designs tell the history of the region and its people from an Aboriginal perspective. Close to Parramatta's City Centre is a unique Indigenous sculpture garden over a median strip in Camellia a unique 'drive-by art gallery' to brighten up the industrial streetscape.
Further south Liverpool and Bankstown are vast urban expanses home to a rich multicultural community with the occasional shopping centre.
Camden, located 50 minutes south west of Sydney blossomed after the freeway was removed. Founded in 1830 it is the birth place of Australian wool, wheat and wine industries, it has some 33 buildings listed on the heritage register and its historic treasures range from farm buildings, homesteads and churches to magnificent 19th Century stately homes. Also you will find some great pubs, restaurants, shopping , craft markets and a huge range of golf courses. Camden's long history is associated with the wine making industry and 34,000 vines were sent to the Barossa to start South Australia's wine industry.
