Widely known as the city's 'second CBD', the western suburb of Parramatta is set to play a big role in Sydney's future growth.

Located on the banks of the Parramatta River, it is the heart of Western Sydney in more ways than one, being an economic, cultural and transport centre for one of the fastest growing parts of Australia.

Parramatta derived its name from the Burramatta Clan, who traditionally lived at the head of the Parramatta River, on which banks Parramatta now lies.

The suburb was founded in 1788, the same year as Sydney, and a year later was the location of the first successful grain crop to be grown in Australia.

It has since evolved to become a major business and commercial centre, as well as an extensive transport hub for Western Sydney.

It is just 23km from Sydney's CBD and is well-served by rail, bus and ferry services, as well as Parramatta Road, M4, M2 & M7, all major thoroughfares.

Parramatta railway station sits on the Cumberland and Western lines, as well as the Blue Mountain line. Making it easy to travel anywhere from this great city.

The suburb is also on the Sydney Ferries River Cat route which runs up the Parramatta River from Circular Quay to the Parramatta ferry wharf, via several stops in between.

Parramatta offers a great shopping and social experience with Australia's fifth-biggest shopping centre, Westfield Shoppingtown Parramatta, as well as Riverside Theatres and a wide variety of shops and restaurants along Church St and other entertainment hubs.

Parramatta has many great primary and high schools, and is home to the University of Western Sydney's Parramatta campus, Alphacrucis College, the King's School, TARA, Marist Brothers and Macarthur Girls High School.

For recreation there is the popular Parramatta Park, frequented daily by strollers, runners, bikers and dog-walkers, as well as the recently-redeveloped Parramatta Swimming Centre.

Sports venues include the Rosehill Gardens Racecourse and Parramatta Stadium - home of the Parramatta Eels and Western Sydney Wanderers FC.

Parramatta's origin as a small agricultural settlement mirror Ray White's own humble beginnings operating out of a disused shed in Crow's Nest, Queensland since 1902.

Over the years, the suburb has become an integral part of Sydney's growing west, and Ray White has in turn grown into a household name.

Get in touch with Principal Steven Fan and the enthusiastic team at Ray White Parramatta for more information about buying, selling and renting real estate in this exciting suburb.

Alyssia Mokdassi

Receptionist