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Discover the best bites, sights, and hidden gems just steps from PHIVE in Parramatta Square. Everything you need, right nearby.
Whether you’re on your lunch break, heading home from the library, or just passing through Parramatta, there’s plenty to see, taste and explore just outside the doors of PHIVE.
Here’s a quick guide to five easy things you can do, all just a short walk away.
1. Grab A Bite
It doesn’t take long to find something good to eat in Parramatta Square. Start with Publique Eatery, our ground floor café serving seriously good coffee by Dukes Roasters in Melbourne, pastries and fresh salads from Monday to Friday. But the options don’t stop there. In Parramatta Square, you’ll find everything from gourmet sandwiches at Harvey’s, to ramen at IPPUDO, and even a cheeky scoop from Rivareno Gelato.
Hidden gem: Take a quick detour around the corner from PHIVE to Temasek, a long-standing local favourite famous for its rich, spicy laksa. A cult classic for good reason.
2. Browse the Parramatta Farmers' Market
Every Wednesday from 7.30am to 2.30pm, Centenary Square at the western end of Parramatta Square transforms into a hub of fresh, local flavour. The Parramatta Farmers’ Market is your spot for just-baked bread, handmade pastries, artisan cheese, seasonal produce and lunch-ready plates. Chat with growers, discover niche makers, or stock up on ingredients for the week ahead.
3. Spot the Eels
Parramatta’s rich heritage comes to life in two striking public artworks, both just minutes from PHIVE.
Start at Place of the Eels by Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro, a mirrored aluminium sculpture in the heart of Parramatta Square. This monumental piece, shaped like a 1960s Leyland Worldmaster bus, celebrates the spirit of connection, migration and resilience. It’s inspired by the story of the Parramatta Eels rugby league team, who famously met on a bus after their stadium burnt down.
A short stroll away in Centenary Square, you’ll find Where the Eels Lie Down by Reko Rennie. This bold pink and grey sculpture, made from aluminium, granite and LED lighting, is a contemporary homage to the Burramattagal people, the cultural stories embedded in this place, and the eels that have long travelled these waterways.
4. Check Out Parramatta Town Hall
Tucked right next to PHIVE, the newly restored Parramatta Town Hall is full of quiet surprises. Its light-filled glass atrium, lovingly preserved interiors (many elements original to its 1883 construction) and mix of heritage and contemporary design make it a space worth stopping to admire, even if you’re just passing by.
From special and private events to performances, there’s often something happening inside. Take a peek through the windows to admire the details, or run by the team at PHIVE to join a tour to discover the stories etched into the walls.
5. Linger In The Sun (yes, even in the CBD)
Need a pause button? Grab a bench near St John’s Cathedral, take your lunch outside on the steps, wander just a few minutes up Macquarie Street to find a quiet patch of green, or take in the sound of live music drifting from Parramatta and Centenary Square on your midday wander.
Whether you're new to Parramatta or know the streets by heart, PHIVE makes it easy to explore what’s around you. We’re proud to be part of a neighbourhood that offers so much in such a short stroll, and even prouder to share it with you.
So next time you're at PHIVE, take five and take a look around. There’s always something to discover, and someone nearby who knows just where to go.