We recommend staying close to the the Parramatta City Campus of Western Sydney University, in downtown Parramatta.
Parramatta is a vibrant multicultural city with many restaurants, cafes, historic sites, recreation facilities plus excellent public transport to Sydney Airport (via train) and other parts of Sydney (train, bus, ferry).
Staying near the conference in Parramatta means easy access to a couple of local events and attractions during the conference:
- free event “Sound Meets Text” by austraLYSIS at Riverside Theatres Parramatta, 6pm Tuesday 8 December, sponsored by the Australian Music & Psychology Society
- a special fine arts exhibition “People of Parramatta” by linguist-artist Sadami Konchi in the Foyer of Riverside Theatres Parramatta
- many significant sites plus historic buildings predating some in the Sydney CBD: find out more through the Heritage Centre, Church St (north of Lennox Bridge, next to Novotel). Here is an iPhone app (from Parramatta City Council) that guides you on a 45 minute walking tour of Parramatta in the time of Governor Macquarie.
Here is a Google map of conference venues and accommodation options in Parramatta, the adjacent suburbs, and Sydney CBD.
All delegates need to make their own bookings directly with hotels.
1. Options within walking distance of the Parramatta City Campus of Western Sydney University
The blue stars show our two conference venues: the Parramatta City Campus (100 George St, Parramatta) and the Parramatta South Campus (for Wednesday only) which is a couple of kilometres to the east, north of the river.
Novotel Parramatta, 350 Church St, Parramatta
9 mins walk to the Parramatta City Campus for Monday and Tuesday sessions, and 15 mins walk north of Parramatta Train Station. Many restaurants and cafes right nearby, in a safe and lively area. This is the pickup point for an AMPS conference bus (fare included in your AMPS registration) on Wednesday morning at 8:00am and 8:30am to make transport to the Wednesday venue (Parramatta South Campus) more straightforward. The bus will drop us back here at the end of Wednesday as well. This hotel is also across the road from Riverside Theatre (where there is a free music+text event “Sound Meets Text” from 6pm on Tuesday 8 December by austraLYSIS.)
We have negotiated a Standard Room (Queen or Twin, 1-2 people) at $185 per night including wifi, or $195 including breakfast for one and wifi. Many coffee shops nearby are also open for breakfast. To secure a booking at this rate, quote code “UWS 1215″ and contact the hotel directly by 5 November to book on (02) 9890 0850 or h8787-re@accor.com
Meriton Serviced Apartments, 180 George St, Parramatta
4 mins walk to the the Parramatta City Campus. Expensive for 1-2 people but a good option for groups e.g. 4 people sharing a 2-bedroom apartment ($295/night) which works out at about $73 per person per night, including self-catering kitchen facility, laundry, and 2 bathrooms. Near restaurants, shops, and ferry wharf. Free wifi, plus gym and swimming pool.
UWS Village (Parramatta Campus), cnr Pemberton St & Victoria Rd Parramatta
5 min by bus (M52, 525, 545, 524) then 1 minute walk to Parramatta City Campus (Mon 7 Dec, Tues 8 Dec). Walking distance to Parramatta South Campus (Wed 9 Dec only). This is student accommodation and does not meet typical hotel standards. It is fairly basic and can be noisy at night. Self-catering, 5-, 6-, and 8-bedroom apartments with private lockable bedrooms. From about $60 per person per night. Free street parking or secure onsite parking ($6/day). Cooking facilities, recreation lounge, pool. They can organise breakfast packs for $7.50 per day. There is a Thai restaurant and pizzeria within walking distance, but it’s a longish walk to Parramatta’s other restaurants, bars and nightlife. Call UWS Village Short Stays directly (02) 8760 0012 for availability and pricing.Enquire early and book well in advance; this accommodation tends to sell out.
Parkroyal Parramatta, 30 Phillip St, Parramatta
5 min walk to Parramatta City Campus. Expensive (around $225 per night, room only). This hotel may be undergoing renovations at the time.
Mantra Parramatta, cnr Parkes & Valentine Sts, Parramatta
Just south of Parramatta Train Station, take care after dark. 10 mins walk through train/bus interchange along Smith St to get to Parramatta City Campus. To get to Parramatta South Campus (on the Wednesday only), either walk 15 mins north to the Novotel and join the free conference bus, or catch a prepaid bus (M52, 524 or 525) with your Opal card from the bus stop (Stand A3) outside Parramatta Train Station. Room only from $159 per night (wifi is extra @$20 for 3 days, parking is $15 per night and not guaranteed). Many cheap eateries and coffee shops in the train interchange complex.
Holiday Inn Parramatta, 18-49 Anderson St
This is south of the Parramatta Train Station and at least 13 mins walk to Parramatta City Campus. Approx $207 per night; prices vary and there are specials.
Not recommended due to location:
The following hotels are actually at Rosehill, not Parramatta. They are not walking distance or easily accessible to the Parramatta City Campus:
- Mercure Sydney Parramatta
- Rydges Parramatta
- Parramatta Waldorf Apartment Hotel
2. Suburban Motel Options near Parramatta
These have free parking. You can catch public transport from these hotels to the Parramatta City Campus.
Wesley Lodge, 175 Hawkesbury Rd, Westmead
14 mins via Western Line train from Westmead Station to Parramatta Station, then 10 mins walk to Parramatta City Campus. This hotel offers a range of room types and free parking (1 vehicle per room). Breakfast and wifi available at extra cost. Standard Room ($170 for 1-2 people) can sleep up to 4 people ($27 per additional person). The Deluxe Room ($205 for 1-2 people, +$27 per additional person) has cooking facilities and works out at about $64 per person per night for 4 people sharing.
Metro Inn Ryde, 860 Victoria Rd, Ryde (cnr Bowden St & Victoria Rd)
30 mins to Parramatta City Campus via M52 bus directly outside hotel. Basic suburban motel with free parking, free wifi, and airconditioning. Note Victoria Road is a main road. Standard or twin $135, deluxe (quiet side of building) $145. $10 self-serve breakfast available.
Comfort Inn West Ryde (1188 Victoria Rd)
23 mins to Parramatta City Campus via M52 bus directly outside hotel. Basic suburban hotel with free parking, free wifi, and airconditioning. Standard room $125, twin $145, 4-person room $165. Breakfast available a la carte, hotel restaurant and fast food nearby.
3. More budget options outside Parramatta
All these hostels are located in Sydney near Central Station, i.e. 45+ minutes commute to UWS Parramatta City Campus. The hostels are near many restaurants and nightlife in Chinatown and Surry Hills.
