Parramatta history

Parramatta’s name is Aboriginal and commonly translated as ‘the place where the eels lie down’ or ‘head of waters’. It comes from the Aboriginal word Baramada or Burramatta. The Burramatta people (Burra meaning place, matta meaning eels) belonged to the Dharug people.

Before the invasion the Darug people lived in this area which was rich in food from the river and forests. There is still a plentitude of eels and other sea creatures attracted to the nutritious saltwater and freshwater mix of the Parramatta River meeting the saltwater of the harbour. The eel has been adopted as the symbol of the Parramatta Eels Rugby League club.

Parramatta is the second oldest settlement in Australia and early settlers were attracted by the fertile soil of this area.

Parramatta Park

Parramatta Park is a short stroll from the railway station at the corner of Pitt and Macquarie Streets. There are level walking tracks and a children’s playground. Close to the playground you can find some of the last remaining Aboriginal scarred trees. They need to be treated with respect as they are very fragile and an open-air part of Aboriginal history of the Parramatta region.

Aboriginal scarred trees in Parramatta Park. Aboriginal scarred trees in Parramatta Park. These trees have been used by Aboriginal people who cut big chunks of the tree’s bark. Few such scarred trees remain today.

Riverside Walk

If you’ve taken the ferry from Sydney to Parramatta you have the opportunity to continue walk along the river. The northern walkway shows artworks and has interpretive signs that document Aboriginal history of the Parramatta area.

The ferry station greets you with “Gi walawa and nalawala at Baramada” which means ‘please stop here and rest at Parramatta’.

Riverside walk along Parramatta River. Riverside Walk along Parramatta River. It depicts artwork which tells Aboriginal history from the early beginnings to the invasion. Each colour represents a chapter and interpretive signs explain history.

Arrunga Bardo Aboriginal Bush Food Garden

The name of the garden means ‘calm water’. It is located in Lake Parramatta Reserve, about 6 kilometres north of Parramatta’s railway station, at the beginning of the walking track overlooking Lake Parramatta.

The garden has three sections and contains locally occurring native plants that were used by the Burramatta people for hunting and weaving, bush food or medicine.

Three walking tracks within the reserve allow you to find plants which were significant to Aboriginal people.

Cite this article

An appropriate citation for this document is:, Parramatta, retrieved 31 May 2020