This heritage city is 23km to the west of the Sydney CBD and a self-contained, sophisticated town with major shopping, dining and commercial precincts and a thriving cultural centre. Parramatta boasts many historic buildings, worthy of a visit, including Elizabeth Bay House, Parramatta Town Hall, Mcarthur House and Australia’s oldest prison, as well as a truly modern Mecca, the third largest retail centre in Australia, Westfield Parramatta. There are plenty of parks and green spaces for smelling the roses, as well as Riverside Theatre, which attracts local and international performers.