Getting Here

Meraki Pen - 2024

This year Aurawra is moving to a new location - PARKROYAL Parramatta! Parramatta is the geographic centre and second CBD of Sydney, a busy working city, with many food options, venues and shops.

Whether you’re local to Sydney, coming from interstate or even from overseas, there are many different options to get here! Check out our tips for getting here by Air, Car, Train or Coach.

While you’re here, the best way to get around Parramatta is by walking - with a wide range of food, shops and attractions all within 15 minutes of the hotel! If that isn’t enough, just hop on Sydney’s great public transport to visit the CBD or anywhere else.

 
 


Local Public Transport

Despite how much we complain about it, Sydney has a pretty good public transport system, with the highest ridership of any system in Australia! It is cheap, easy to use and sometimes even faster than driving, with Parramatta being no exception! Parramatta is served by many different transport options, including Sydney and InterCity Trains, Buses, Furries Ferries, and maybe even Light Rail (if it opens in time).

If you plan on using public transport, be sure to check out the Transport NSW Trip Planner to find the fastest way to PARKROYAL!

How to pay
The easiest way to pay for all public transport in Sydney is with your contactless credit/debit card! Simply tap on and off with your phone or physical card every time you use it, and the best value fare will be charged at the end of the day with all the benefits of a normal Opal card. Alternatively, you can purchase a rechargeable Opal card at most newsagents, and temporary tickets at major stations.

From Parramatta Station to PARKROYAL

Parramatta station is the Parramatta area’s main transport hub - so if you’re coming by Bus or Train, this is where you’ll be getting off!

The hotel is only a short 10 min walk away via Parramatta Square and Church Street. Just follow these directions for the best walking route between the two:

  1. Arrive at Parramatta Station and follow the signs to the “West Concourse”, then exit the gates.

  2. Turn Right through the passageway to Parramatta Square.

  3. Once in Parramatta Square, turn Left towards Church Street.

  4. Follow the Church Street tram tracks North two blocks to Phillip Street

  5. Turn Right at Phillip Street, then PARKROYAL will be on your Left!


Fly to Aurawra

If you’re flying to Aurawra, you’ll be flying into Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD). SYD is Australia’s busiest and best served airport - with over 80 direct domestic and international connections, you’ll have no problem finding flights here from almost anywhere in the world! Use Google’s flight search to find the best value flights for you.

Getting to PARKROYAL Parramatta

Taxi/Rideshare - Pros: Good for a big group & faster Cons: Expensive
A taxi or Uber rideshare from Sydney Airport to Parramatta will take around 30-40 minutes, and cost around $90 for a regular car, and $130 for maxi van (from using the estimation tool).

Train - Pros: Cheap & good for individuals or groups Cons: A little bit longer
Kingsford Smith Airport is connected to Sydney Trains at both the International and Domestic terminals, which provides a frequent and easy way to Parramatta via Sydney CBD. This is recommended for any group size, and will cost around $20 (~$5 PT fare + $15 airport station access charge) per person, and take ~45 min. Check the transport planner website for exact fares and the fastest route!

Directions:

  1. Catch the T8 from either of the airport stations to Central station

  2. Transfer to any T1 train passing through Parramatta

  3. Get off at Parramatta, and take the short walk to the hotel via Parramatta Square and Church St

Tip: If you aren’t bringing a fursuit and have some time to spare, you can save on the $15 airport station fee by taking the 420 bus to Mascot Station from the front of Qantas domestic terminal.


Drive to Aurawra

Parking in Parramatta
If you are driving to Aurawra we recommend having a plan to park your car, as Parramatta is a busy central location and parking can be limited. You can opt to include parking with your hotel booking at PARKROYAL for $35 per night, or park at one of the 24-hour parking buildings around Parramatta.

Driving to Sydney
If you’re driving into Sydney, we recommend checking the traffic map before entering Sydney and adjust your route accordingly, especially when arriving on Friday!

Note: Usually the fastest routes into Sydney involve tolls, which will be billed to your license plate. Ensure you’re aware if your route will be using a toll highway, and pay for it at the Linkt site within 10 days!


Train or Coach to Aurawra

Trains and Coaches are a laid back, cheap and environmentally-friendly way to Sydney for Aurawra if you’re coming from anywhere in regional NSW or major cities along the East.

InterCity Trains
Transport NSW provides four frequent InterCity services to the greater Sydney region, from Kiama (via Wollongong), Goulburn, Newcastle and Lithgow.
Your trip will cost up to ~$10, and there is no need to book - simply tap your Opal or credit/debit card when getting on and off. Catch any of these services towards Sydney, then transfer to the T1 towards Parramatta at Redfern or Central if arriving on South Coast and Southern Highlands lines, Strathfield if you’re on the Newcastle line, or just get off at Parramatta if you’re on the Blue Mountains line.
Plan your trip using the Transport NSW trip planner.

Regional Trains and Coaches
TrainLink NSW runs daily trains from Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra, and has an extensive coach and train network that covers most of regional NSW. Prices for these are usually cheaper than flying, and are more enjoyable than driving the whole way! Check out the TrainLink booking website to see your options!

Murrays Coaches also run hourly bus services between Canberra and Sydney, and cost up to $50. Visit their website to book!

 

…Boat to Aurawra?

Parramatta is served by Sydney’s iconic Ferry network - with Parramatta Wharf just down the road from PARKROYAL! If the weather is good, you’re not in a rush, and you feel like a beautiful scenic ride through Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River (and the tide isn’t too high), this is definitely the route for you!

Just catch the F3 ferry from Circular Quay to Parramatta Wharf, with all stops and express routes departing hourly. See our Public Transport information for Opal payment details.