Parramatta Park really has it all! Historical sites, abundant space for sports and recreation, and beautiful flora for all to enjoy. I visited this park as a way to fill in time between activities while I was in the area, but I actually learned a lot about Australia’s European history as one of our oldest settlements. Plus, who doesn’t love looking at historic buildings?
Parramatta can be traced back 39,000 years to the Burramatta people. But in 1788, around 100 British soldiers and convicts arrived in Parramatta to create a new farm settlement after the one in Sydney Cove had failed. The location was appealing to the British because of the land management of the Aboriginal people. The Burramatta people complained about the plans for a new colony to be built on their land, but the British farm and settlement spread despite complaints. In 1798, construction began on the Governor and Mrs Macquarie’s house, becoming a grand European-style domain fully furnished, landscaped and fenced off from the rest of the town. This is now what is known as Old Government House, and still remains as a museum at Parramatta Park.
The first thing we did when we hopped out of the car was look at some of the oldest buildings in Australia. It felt unbelievable to be standing next to something that was built over 200 years ago! The remaining blocks of the observatory brought me back to the time they were in service, as if I were visiting another life. Although it seemed like not everyone respects history. While we were leaving the park, I saw an older lady sitting on those same blocks to feed the dog she was walking. There were plenty of benches to sit on; there’s no excuse to plop your buttocks on a 200-year-old monument.
Although not as old, there were more monuments to see around the park. Like the bath house, originally built in 1822 and then rebuilt as a pavilion in 1886. There’s also the Boer War Memorial, which was dedicated in 1904 as a commemoration of the Parramatta Lancers’ contribution to the 1899-1902 Boer War. This monument is actually made from recycled columns and stone from Parramatta Courthouse, which was demolished in 1903. Seems like some people had the right idea about “reduce, reuse, recycle” even back then!
Well, what’s better to do than enjoy the nature side of the park at Parramatta? So, we went for a walk! Parramatta Park is an enormous 85 hectares of historical monuments, fields, and paths for everyone to enjoy, and everyone was! While we were walking to some other historical sites at the park, we saw around 4 different sports groups playing games of cricket, as well as countless families playing their chosen games or just relaxing in the welcomed sunshine. But humans weren’t the only ones enjoying the park’s luscious green space. There were so many birds! I guess this just shows how important public parks are to the community as well as the environment.
After our short walk amongst the greenery and sun, we finally came across the Old Dairy and Rangers Cottages. These buildings, along with the trees and greenery around them, actually reminded me of an old children’s history show I used to watch as a kid and brought me back through the whole history of European Australia. As the longest-standing cottages of Australia, there’s no question why this is the case. You couldn’t go into these buildings for obvious reasons; being as old as they were, they were just as fragile. But just seeing the buildings was enough to spark that historical wonder for me. And for an added bonus, old farm stuff! Yes, that’s the technical term for it. I believe these ruins were the site of the old farm, previously occupying 10 acres of wheat, 20 acres of maize, as well as room for a pig and a horse.
When we were finished exploring, we walked back to the car, once more acknowledging the history of Australia. It’s really odd to see such an open green and historical place with the city skyline behind the trees, like an oxymoron between past and modern Australia. It makes for some great photos though, and a lovely day to just relax, learn or play!
All photos in this post were taken by me.
For more information about Parramatta Park, visit https://www.greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au/visit/parramatta-park
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