I have been going to Arthur Murray Parramatta for around 12 months and I really feel this is a home…read moreaway from home. I was very nervous the first time I walked up the stairs the first time, but the instructors put me at ease straight away and I have never looked back. I love the great social environment too. The owners are amazing and they provide a caring and safe atmosphere. I would recommend this dance studio to anyone.

Parramatta Lanes was a great experience with plenty of food options to satisfy anyone. We did get…read morelost a couple of times, but I do think they did the best that could be done with the streets and locations. Different themes in different locations, but also a mix of cuisines all around the place. Some popular names were there such as Butter, KOI and also a few food trucks like Happy as Larry and Eat Art Truck. Plenty to see and listen to as well, with a magical hanging garden and jazz depending on where you go. Definitely worth checking out when they're back on again.

On a historical wander around Parramatta, I thought I'd better do the dutiful thing, and check this…read moreout. Was surprised to find one of the best local history exhibitions I'd ever trod my weary way in to. In through the glass doors and I was met by a cheery smile from the gentleman staffing the Visitor Info counter and by a welcome blast of arctic-level aircon. Twas rather warm. Past the old (mail?) cart and a giant photo of Lennox Bridge (just outside) in times previous, down a somewhat underlit corridor and I found myself in the 'Parramatta People and Place' exhibition. With an emphasis on migrant contribution and a larger than usual recognition of Indigenous history (although it never really feels enough), the exhibit presents a wonderful collation of poignant objects and info spanning the history of the city. There's a lace christening gown made by convict women at Darlinghurst jail, who were later housed in the infamous Parramatta Female Factory. Leather shoes found in an archaeological dig. An artwork reconising the work of the nine Swann sisters - you don't see CV's like 'wife, mother, dentist, activist for international peace' often enough. There's a haunting poem by Oodgeroo Noonuccal honouring the Darug people, and the photo of Samuel Marsden, the notorious 'flogging preacher' which shows he had a drunkard's nose. The exhibition's free, there's a lovely spot to sit overlooking the river while the kids play on a big pirate ship, and a moving exhibition upstairs about the Chinese community's part in local history next to the Local Studies and Family History Library. A real treasure.

I had to write a piece on an historical site and decided to write about the Female Factory at…read moreParramatta - an unused site (except for parts that are now Cumberland Hospital) that used to be a gaol in colonial times. A friend and I went to the actual site to see what it was like for ourselves, took a few photos etc, but because it was unused there was no information we could have gotten other than from our own observations. Luckily, Parramatta Heritage Centre is like a miniature museum cum historical library with all the information I could possibly need for this paper. They also have exhibitions on site, and a permanent one called Parramatta: People and Place which is all about the Burramatta Aboriginal people and European settlement of the area. The information centre upstairs is volunteer run, and I have to say they are amazing people - I don't think people realise how much of a good job they do here. The man I spoke to was a great storyteller, providing me with a verbal account of what he knew of the Female Factory and pointing me towards some great sources. It's a great opportunity to find out more about the area, meet tons of interesting people, or like me, research and write up a decent essay.

Amazing and Highly recommend…read more I signed my 2 left feet up for Salsa lessons via a GroupOn voucher, and have since enrolled in further class. The booking process is simple and the team have always been helpful. As an instructor Raymund is fantastic - Interactive, humorous and always fun. He goes above and beyond - learning is easy (be it a large or small group) and he ensures you progress through the lessons gathering the skills you need. His focus is the social aspects of salsa, and you end up with the ability to jump on any dance floor with any partner. I would recommend Urban Salsa to all levels.

These guys are great. Lots of gear at better than great prices. I have gear sent by post and it's…read morebundled up and forwarded to me with no issues from the Drum Factory. The only down side is Australia Post, I should say Australia Pony Post. It takes many days and nights to get here, but the orders finally arrive. Remember, breath deep and slowly, control breath and love life. Dave Bennett Kingscliff

From the owner: Drums, keyboards, computer assisted music, PA, amplifiers, multi track recording, repairs, FX, huge…read morerange of accessories.