Explore Riverside Theatres Parramatta

Western Sydney has had a world-class theatre at its heart since 1988. Riverside Theatres sits on the banks of the Parramatta River, nestled in the heart of the Church Street dining precinct, with three performance spaces under one roof running everything from big-name musicals and ballet to comedy, contemporary dance, children’s shows and world premieres. If you’ve never been to a show here, you’re overdue.

Theatre Features

Riverside offers three venues under one roof including the intimate Rafferty’s Theatre seating around 100 people, the flexible Lennox Theatre seating approximately 220, and the main Riverside Theatre which can house up to 761 patrons with comfortable seating, a proscenium arch stage, orchestra pit and fly tower. Depending on what’s showing, the experience shifts completely from one space to the next. The intimate 100-seat comedy in the Rafferty’s feels nothing like a full-scale musical in the main theatre, and that range is exactly what makes this venue worth coming back to.

Riverside Theatres stands as Western Sydney’s leading venue for live performances and a hub for major community events. It is a cherished cultural asset of the City of Parramatta Council, highly regarded by both the local community and the national arts scene.

The program across the year covers just about everything. Drama, musicals, cabaret, ballet, contemporary dance, comedy, live music, cinema, festivals and a genuinely strong children’s and family program. Around 35,000 students from across the Sydney region attend events at Riverside each year, and the family program runs year-round with school holiday shows that sell out fast. Coming up in the second half of 2026: Pinocchio with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Menopause the Musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Anh Do’s The Happiest Refugee, ABBA tribute show and more. Truly something for every age and taste.

Riverside is also home to the National Theatre of Parramatta, the venue’s own production company. Consistently delivering a premieres bold new Australian work often stories that reflect the multicultural communities of Western Sydney in a way you won’t find on most other stages in the country.

BIG Tip (save your money!)

Church Street is one of Parramatta’s best dining strips. Make a proper night of it and book dinner before or after the show. ALEX&CO offers 10% off your bill when you show your Riverside ticket on the same day, and 350 Restaurant at the Novotel offers a pre-theatre menu with free parking when you spend $50 on food and drinks.

Getting There

By train: Parramatta Station is approximately a 12-minute walk, exit via Darcy Street, turn right onto Church Street and follow it to the theatre, just across the Lennox Bridge.
By ferry: Parramatta Wharf is an 8-minute walk along the river.
By car: The Novotel Sydney Parramatta at 350 Church Street offers free parking when you dine at their restaurant, a 2-minute walk to the theatre. Accessible parking is available on Market Street behind the theatre. Multiple paid car parks are available within a 15-minute walk.

More Information: Here