Over the Christmas holidays, we slowed our travel down and spent just over two weeks in Parramatta. We were dog sitting and couldn’t wander too far, but that also meant we got to have a normal existence for a while. Cooking your own meals, sleeping in the same bed (for more than a night or two) and having a regular routine is as much a welcome diversion from travel, as travel is from a regular routine. The key is finding a nice balance. It’s been a while since our daily routine has focused on dog care but who wouldn’t enjoy time with this sweetie?
Parramatta is part of Greater Sydney and lies about 24kms to the west of the city centre.
The traditional owners were the Burramatta clan of the Darug people. ‘Burra’ means eel and ‘matta’ means creek. Evidence of Aboriginal occupation dates back 39,000 years.
In colonial history, it is the second oldest settlement in Australia, after Sydney. Parramatta Park was chosen as the location for this settlement because of its rich soil and fertile land.
Today, this public park encompasses about 200 acres and is a great place to spend a lazy afternoon – or three.
The Dairy Cottage
The cottage was built between 1796 and 1805 and is one of the oldest of its kind still standing in Australia. Originally, it was a residential farm cottage before being converted into a dairy in 1813.
Old Government House
Old Government House is the oldest surviving public building in Australia. It was the ‘country residence’ of the first ten Governors of New South Wales. The location is quite impressive as it overlooks the park and the Parramatta River. It now houses a museum that is open to the public, though we did not go inside.
These stones that once supported the telescope are all that remain of an observatory behind Old Government House. Also nearby is the Boer War memorial.
Rumsey Rose Garden
I can just imagine how this garden must look in full bloom.
Wildlife
Water dragons like to rustle about on the banks of the river. They bob their head when other lizards or even people get too close to their territory.
Noisy miner birds are everywhere around Parramatta. I learned very quickly that they do not appreciate dogs walking on any sidewalk, on any street in their territory and will call in reinforcements to swoop and scream at you until you leave.
This is a beautiful park with so much green space it’s no surprise more than two million people visit each year.
The Philip Ruddock Heritage Centre
Though not in Parramatta Park, the Philip Ruddock Heritage Centre is close by and well worth a visit.
Discovered when excavation started on a new apartment tower, these footings of 200 year old buildings are a significant archeological find. Remnants of a convict hut, the cellar of one of the oldest pubs, a water well, wheelwright’s workshop and baker’s oven are among the things that were unearthed. The history of the site and some smaller artifacts complete the educational display.
Though Parramatta was not on our original list of places to go while in Australia, our time there was memorable. Hanging with a dog friend is never a bad thing, but we were there to travel and, with our time in the country almost up, we had more exploring to do.
Wow, thanks Jen……I have to look up Transit stones to find out what they were/are. Loved the photos and your canine friend is sweet. AT
Considering I originally didn’t know what they were either, I decided it might be wise to change the wording on that. 🙂
Another wonderful journey through your photos – I very much enjoyed the intriguing sights, old and new, wild creatures, traipsing through rose gardens and bat festooned trees – and super portraits of a dog, looking somewhat wary and a lizard looking supremely confident! Thank you – this is my favourite way to see the world…..