Parramatta, one of Australia's oldest continually inhabited places, boasts a rich and complex history stretching back over 30,000 years. Radiocarbon dating indicates that Aboriginal peoples, particularly the Darug-speaking Burramattagal clan, lived in the area long before European settlement. The land, nourished by the Parramatta River and surrounding forests, was abundant in food, especially eels, which is reflected in the area's original name—Burramatta, meaning “eel (burra) place (matta).” This name, rooted in the Darug language, exemplifies a deep connection to the natural environment. Similar linguistic examples in the region include Cabramatta ("grub place") and Wianamatta ("mother place"). The modern-day Parramatta Eels rugby league team pays homage to this heritage, symbolizing the enduring cultural relevance of these waters.

European colonization of Parramatta began in 1788, just ten months after the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney. As the British struggled with poor soil and food shortages around Sydney Cove, Governor Arthur Phillip explored more viable land for agriculture. He identified the head of navigation on the Parramatta River as a promising location due to its fertile soil and access to fresh water. On 2 November 1788, Phillip and his team traveled upriver and established a camp at a site now known as The Crescent, located in present-day Parramatta Park.

Initially named Rose Hill, after British politician George Rose, the area was later renamed Parramatta on 4 June 1791, a term that attempted to reflect the Aboriginal name used by the displaced Burramattagal people. The impact of colonisation was swift and severe—key Aboriginal figures such as Maugoran, Boorong, and Baludarri were displaced as the land was claimed and cultivated by British settlers.

Throughout the 19th century, Parramatta continued to grow from an early farming outpost into a thriving township. Artwork and records from the early 1800s, including those by Joseph Lycett, depict the suburb’s transformation during this period of expansion.

Today, Parramatta stands not only as a vibrant urban center in Western Sydney but as a place layered with ancient Aboriginal roots and pivotal colonial significance—marking it as a vital part of Australia’s shared historical landscape.