Parramatta stands as one of the principal centers in the Greater Sydney metropolitan region, sharing prominence with Sydney CBD, Penrith, Campbelltown, and Liverpool. As the municipal seat of the City of Parramatta, it plays a crucial role in local governance and regional development. Commonly referred to as “Parra,” this bustling suburb has long served as a secondary administrative center for Sydney, hosting numerous state and federal government departments and judicial institutions.

Founded in 1788, the same year as Sydney, Parramatta holds the distinction of being the oldest inland European settlement in Australia. Over centuries, it has transformed into the economic heart of Western Sydney, a dynamic area that continues to attract investment, infrastructure, and population growth.

Since the early 2000s, the suburb has seen a significant shift in its institutional landscape, with major government bodies such as the New South Wales Police Force and Sydney Water relocating their headquarters from central Sydney to Parramatta. This strategic decentralization underscores the suburb’s growing importance as a governmental and administrative nucleus.

Geographically, Parramatta is notable for being bisected by the 151st meridian east, a detail that emphasizes its central placement within New South Wales. Its historic roots, combined with modern commercial vitality and governmental relevance, position Parramatta as a cornerstone of Greater Sydney’s evolving urban framework.