Q: Anyone live in Parra??? Tell me a little about the area if you would... i have to stay there for a few nights and am wondering what kind of attractions i might find and what kinds of people i may encounter.....?
A: As for the types of people, Parramatta is a very multicultural community with all types of races and cultures there. I go to Parramatta sometimes and I am Australian and never feel out of place there or anything. There are lots of great restaurants in Parramatta, as-well as lots of really nice al fresco dinning particularly in Church Street. You can catch the rivercat from Parramatta river all the way into Sydney Harbour which is a beautiful trip, especially at night. Their are some popular night clubs there also, such as The Roxy. The Westfield Shopping centre there is fantastic, it has five levels as well as a brand new Greater Union complex. Things to Do (http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/culture__and__leisure/visitors_centre/attractions) - Go shopping at Westfield Shoppingtown. - Shop for bargains at the Brand Smart outlet centre on Church Street. - Take a ride on the Rivercat to Sydney Harbour. - Go for a swim at Parramatta Swimming Centre - Play Putt Putt Mini Golf. - Visit the Parramatta speedway - Go Cloud 9 Ballooning at Parramatta Park. - Watch horse racing at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse Park. - Take a helicopter scenic ride. - Go to the footy at Parramatta Stadium. - See a film at the Riverside Theatre. - Go see a movie at Greater Union in Westfield. Sorry, I am not sure how old you are so I'm not sure how many of these things will interest you. I'm 20 and not too many of them sound that interesting to me! lol Many of them sound like things for Tourists who don't live in Sydney and are coming a long way to stay at Parra... but take a look at that website and you could also do a few google searches! Visit this website for more info http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/culture__and__leisure/visitors_centre/attractions If you don't have allot of money to spend, which you might not if you are only going to be there for a few nights then you can just do things which wont be expensive like see a movie at Greater Union or take a walk through Parramatta Park, have lunch with your boyfriend at Westfield or catch the rivercat into Darling Harbour. As for the crime, I don't think the crime or crime rate is any different from that of Sydney City or other areas like that. If you go out at night, just don't go alone as you wouldn't with any other area that you are not familiar with. Their could be some drunks hanging around the night clubs or etc, just like any other area... but the restaurants aren't too close to the clubs so you should be fine going to dinner at night or etc. I have been to the restaurants many, many times and never had any troubles. In my experience it isn't too dangerous but bad people do travel and any area does have some crime. No girl should go out at night alone, in any area... just don't let the other people on here scare you! Good luck & have fun!