Australia Day 2012 Parramatta Park

Planning Tips

They say a picture paints a thousand words, and with the picturesque views from above of Parramatta Park, a balloon ride may leave you surprisingly lacking of words to describe your experience!

Wet Weather

In the event of wet weather, please call Parramatta Information Centre on 02 8839 3311 between 10am and 4pm for updates. Outside of these hours, please call the wet weather information line on 02 9294 8586.
Please note the evening concert will go ahead in the rain.

Spectator Tips

• Being a spectator at the Parramatta City Council Australia Day event is free!
• Ensure you get there early to see all the action.
• Hot air ballooning is completely weather dependent. Events may be delayed or cancelled if the conditions are unsafe for flying or inflation.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture all the stunning balloons.

Safety Tips

• If a balloon is launching or landing near you, stand well clear and not in front of where the balloon is heading.
• Stay well clear of all equipment and walk around, not over ropes.
• Ensure young children are closely supervised at all times.
• Follow instructions issued by pilots and crew.
• Please do not smoke near the balloons. Highly flammable propane gas is used in the inflation process.
• Supervise Children - Please remember that children must be supervised at all times.
• Meeting Points - Arrange a meeting spot when you arrive in case you lose your friends or family.
• Drink responsibility - Ensure you have a safe and memorable Australia Day.
• Allow extra time for travel - Be patient of public transport delays on the night.
• Sunscreen - Use sunscreen and wear a hat throughout the day.
• Drink plenty of water - Make sure you eat and drink plenty of food and water throughout the day.
• Food - Bring a picnic lunch or try one of our many great food stalls, which will be open from 6am-9pm.
• Lost Children - All lost children should be reported immediately to security and can be picked up from the information stall.
• Write your number - It’s a great idea to write your mobile number on your child’s arm or give them a card with your number in case of emergencies.

Travel Tips

Australia Day 2012 will be car free in Parramatta Park, so forget the hassle of trying to beat the traffic and take public transport instead!

There will be some road closures this year so make sure you plan your trip ahead.

See Way Finding Map

Traffic Management

It is proposed that no road closures will be required for this event. Changed traffic conditions will prevail on a number of streets and intersections at various times outlined below.

• Pitt St – Parramatta – between Argyle and Macquarie St’s Removal of on street parking – both sides From 04:00 to 24:00
• Macquarie St – Parramatta – between Pitt and O’Connell St’s Lane Closure (adjacent to Parramatta RSL) From 19:00 to 24:00
• O’Connell St – Parramatta – turning lane into Parramatta Pool Lane closure (turn into Pool car park) From 19:00 to 23:30
• Adjacent to George St Gate - lane closure northbound From 19:00 to 23:30
• Park Ave – Westmead - removal of off street parking First 30 spaces from Queen’s Road Gates From 04:00 to 23:00

To confirm road changes details visit: www.rta.nsw.gov.au or phone RTA’s Transport Management Centre on 132 701 (24hrs).

Public Transport

For further information visit the transport information website for the latest train, bus and ferry timetables at www.131500.com or call 131 500.

Look out for our friendly visitor services staff in i blue shirts on the day who can assist you in getting into and out of the event hassle free.

Bus

The Parramatta Shuttle Bus is a free transport solution provided by the NSW Government that connects tourists, residents and commuters to the commercial, retail and recreational landmarks of the city. Operating from 8am – 4pm, the free Parramatta Shuttle Bus runs every 10 minutes. You don’t need a ticket or a timetable – just look out for the green bus and jump on board.

Parramatta City Council also has a Shuttle Bus Tracking app for Android, Windows Phone and iPhones.

Train

The closest train station to Parramatta Park is Westmead Station, with Parramatta Station also a reasonable distance away.

Ferry

Parramatta is a 50 minute ride by Rivercat Ferry from Circular Quay. The Parramatta ferry terminal is a 10 minute walk to Parramatta Park. Follow the pathway along the river from the terminal.

Car

Parramatta Park is a vehicle free day on Australia Day, so we strongly encourage you park at any of the nearby car parking stations or for peace of mind commute by public transport.

Parking is available at the following car parking stations at $7 per day. Parramatta City Council also has a Smart Car Parking app for Android, Windows Phone and iPhones.

Parramatta Swimming Centre
Enter via: O’Connell Street
Spaces: 206
Hours: 6am to 10pm
Rate: $7 p/day

Parramatta Stadium
Enter via: O’Connell Street
Spaces: 120 (5 disabled)
Hours: 4am to 7pm
Rate: Free of charge

Hunter Street Secure Parking
Enter via: Hunter Street
Spaces: 550
Hours: 6am to 12am
Rate: $7 p/day

Erby Place Secure Parking
Enter via: 30 George Street
Spaces: 559 (4 disabled)
Hours: 24hrs
Rate: $7 p/day

Horwood Place Secure Parking
Enter via: 1 Horwood Place or 71 George Street
Spaces: 780 (4 disabled)
Hours: 6am to 12am
Rate: $7 p/day

Where to Stay

Discover the joy of an Australian summer with a PARKROYAL Parramatta accommodation deal. With deals from AU$144*, book three days in advance and save.

PARKROYAL Parramatta is pleased to offer children under the age of 12 complimentary accommodation and dining when they stay at any of the hotels with their parents.

The 'Kids Stay and Eat for Free' promotion can also be used in conjunction with the hotels' fabulous Summer Getaway.

Our Summer Getaways accommodation deal includes:

• A 20% saving on overnight accommodation
• Special buffet breakfast rate of $25 per person
• Kids under 12 year eat for free

* The promotion is applicable for stays until 31 January 2012.

Book online www.parkroyalhotels.com or call 1800 192 144 and quote 'SUMMER'. PARKROYAL Parramatta is located on the bank of the Parramatta River, in the centre of a premium shopping and entertainment.

Fireworks

Fireworks Pet Safety

As many pet owners know, fireworks can cause a great deal of stress for some animals. Below are a number of safety tips you can follow on the night, including:

• Allow outdoor pets to stay inside with you (laundry or garage is also fine);
• Provide a safe ‘escape’ place, such as a crate;
• Cover your birds’ aviary;
• Don’t leave your animals tied up;
• Remove anything your pet could hurt itself on;
• Provide plenty of fresh water;
• Take your pet on a walk first, so that it will be fatigued and has had time to ‘go to the restroom’ before the fireworks start;
• Distract your pet. Play music to disguise the noise of the fireworks;
• Provide dogs with a big juicy bone;