Title

Parramatta, New South Wales.

Author

Author not identified

Source

[Not applicable]

Publication date

1825

Type

About the work

Language

English

Country of context

Australia

Full text

Parramatta, New South Wales.

THE Town of PARAMATTA ranks next to SYDNEY TOWN, in size and importance, among the settlements of New South Wales. It is situated about sixteen miles west of SYDNEY, and is nearly a mile in length, measuring from the King's Wharf to the Government Domain. The principal street, which is of the same length, is called George-street, and runs in a direct line through the town. There is a Market held regularly once a-week at Paramatta; but it is not very well attended, as most of the Settlers carry their commodities to Sydney, where they meet with better prices. The situation of the town is remarkably pleasant: it is well supplied with excellent water from a small stream, which extends its course along the whole western side; and there are several line springs, particularly at the bottom of the town, near the water-side.

At the south end of PARAMATTA, is a delightful spot of rising ground, called Rose Hill, which was the original name of the Settlement. On this eminence is situated the GOVERNOR's RESIDENCE, a charming retreat, deservedly a favourite resort of all the successive Governors of New South Wales; as it combines all the requisites of a rural residence, with the convenience of being at only a short distance from SYDNEY, the head-quarters of the Government.

The genius and activity of General MACQUARIE are strikingly visible in the various improvements effected, and public Edifices built, at PARAMATTA, during his Governorship. Among these latter are to be numbered the King's Store, the Military Barracks, the General Hospital, the Prisoners' Barracks, Lumber Yard and Work-shops, and a very large building, called the Factory, for the reception of disorderly Females. He also improved and enlarged the Government House and the Church, and erected an excellent House for the principal Chaplain, the Rev. Mr. MARSDEN.

At the distance of a mile from PARAMATTA, upon a pleasant elevation near the water-side, there is a large and commodious Establishment for the Female Orphans of Settlers or Convicts, where upwards of eighty of these children are fed, clothed, and educated.

A Court of Justice is held daily at PARAMATTA, consisting of the chief and two other Magistrates, attended by the chief and other Constables.

The high Road to WINDSOR from SYDNEY runs through this Town, from which it is distant about twenty-two miles, and is a most excellent road all the way.

The Land immediately adjoining PARAMATTA is rather barren, but that at the distance of two or three miles (particularly at Prospect Hill and its vicinity,) produces as fine crops of Wheat, Maize, Barley, and Oats, as any in the whole Colony. Immense quantities of Pigeons, Parrots, Paroquets, and a great variety of beautiful smaller Birds, are found in the Bush; and the Insects, which are very numerous, are remarkable for their peculiar beauty.

Accompanying text, 1825.

Last Updated

23 May 2020