Sydney to Parramatta

19 Dec 08
Parramatta was the site of the original Government House in the late 1700s. The settlers (convicts and their guards, led by Governor Phillip) had brought limited food with them and the land at Sydney Cove, the original settlement, wasn't very productive for growing spuds and cabbages. Parramatta had more fertile ground so the focal point of efforts to establish the colony moved up river.
Today, Parramatta is a pretty anonymous commercial centre but the 1 hour boat trip from Sydney is great. Good views of the Harbour Bridge, luxury waterfront residences and other historical buildings.
The Government House building is the main point of interest in Parramatta. It was extended by successive Governors and later became a private school before falling into disrepair. Its now managed by the National Trust which offers guided tours of what's probably the oldest colonial building in Oz..?

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/scuba50/FerryToParramatta?feat=directlink