HOT SPOTS in Parramatta, Sydney (west)

Roxy – 69 George St – for its courtyard bar. A nightclub popular with young people. Ph: 9687 4221 www.theroxy.com.au

Temasek – 71 George St – Nonya/Malaysian, genuine hawker style food to make you come back again and again and again. Ph: 9633 9926

Costa Esmeralda Seafood – 333 Church St - voted top family venue. Ph: 9689 2989

Sicilian – 292 Church St – for its woodfired pizza and all round good Italian food. Friendly service. Ph: 9633 2299 www.sicilianparramatta.com.au

Ray and Lou's Steak and Seafood Restaurant - 293 Church St - Ph: 9687 9422

El Phoenician – 316 Church St – for its Middle Eastern cuisine. Ph: 9633 1611

Criniti’s Woodfire Pizza Restaurant – 291 Church St – good Italian. Ph: 9635 0311

Kouzina Greco – 16 Phillip St – Greek food. Ph: 9687 3669

Sahra – 2/76 Phillip St – good Lebanese food. Ph: 9635 6615

Courtney’s Brasserie – 36/70 Phillip St – good for important dates or business lunches. Ph: 9635 3288

City Extra - 301 Church St - Open 24/7. Ph: 9633 1188

Parramatta Regional Park - with Old Government House

Riverside Walk - a wide Aboriginal art path alongside the Parramatta River. It starts at Charles St ferry wharft and ends at Lennox Bridge.

Parramatta Pool - O'Connell Street - Ph: (02) 9630 3669

Westfield Shopping Centre is popular with kids and teens