A landscape of national heritage significance

The landscape of Parramatta Park is a palimpsest of different cultures occupying the same place: Aboriginal occupation and landuse, the vice-regal domain and an early and major public park. As such it is one of Australia's most signifcant landscapes. It provides a rich resource for recreational, social and cultural programs for the broader community.

Ecological foundation

The Park is situated at the interface of shale and sandstone geological systems, where the Cumberland Plain abuts Sydney's sandstone landscape and where salt and fresh water meet. This has led to a richness in vegetation patterns and a variety of land uses. Action by Trust management is conserving these natural systems to reinforce the original qualities that attracted both Aboriginal and European occupation.

Order of cultural activity

Vice-regal order and the legacy of Governor Phillip's original town plan for Parramatta and Governor and Mrs Macquarie's landscape vision dominate the character of the park's cultural fabric. The Macquarie vision was based on the aesthetics of the 18th century picturesque Engish landscape tradition and was a direct response to the park-like character of the environment, managed for thousands of years by the Aboriginal people. Management by Parramatta Park Trust will conserve and interpret the landscape character.

Rural character of Parramatta Park

The essential character of Parramatta Park is its rural quality. The landscape provided produce for the first settlers and the early government domain. Today, Parramatta Park Trust manages use and maintains this character so that its rural quality prevails in contrast to the urbanity of the City of Parramatta.