A little piece of paradise in Parramatta ... and it's not so little. Parramatta Park is 85 hectares of rolling fields, waterways, gardens and bushland, right next to the city's CBD.

Like other open areas around Sydney, early mornings attract a battalion of personal trainers and their less enthusiastic charges not to mention all the other joggers, cyclists and walkers.

Lunchtime sees office workers picnicking under the trees or getting a quick bit of exercise, while school sports teams practise on the various ovals and fields.

People can also be seen enjoying the heritage rose gardens, dining at the up-market Lachlan's restaurant in Old Government House or the less expensive Parramatta Park Cafe next to the river.

As well as all the natural areas, the park has more than 70 man-made heritage features, including some of Sydney's oldest buildings and structures.

Much of the park is largely unchanged from when it was the Governor's estate between 1788-1857 with many of the pathways, roads, gardens, landscape features and even old agricultural furrows much the same as they were in those days.

The park provides a habitat for native wildlife and birdlife, with more than 120 bird species recorded.

The Parramatta River runs through the park, as do the Domain and Murray Gardens creeks.

Interpretative signage throughout the park identifies key historical and natural features, while there are exhibitions at the visitor centre and the Dairy Precinct presents the Aboriginal history, natural history, agricultural origins, archaeology and social history of the area.

The park has many different areas, a golf course, swimming pool, barbeque facilities, shelters, childrens playgrounds, cycleways, toilets and parking.

It also holds many free events, including public band performances on the first Sunday of the month.

This month it also has Australia's leading defence forces bands playing every Sunday with Australian Army Band Sydney this Sunday, May 25.

On June 1 the NSW Accordion Society puts on a show and on June 21 the park hosts Musicfest when all-comers are welcome on stage to perform.

Park entrances in Macquarie and O'Connell streets are just a short walk from Parramatta Station while on the other side of the park entrances are even closer to Westmead Station.

Open during daylight hours, Parramatta Park is a wonderful place to escape the rush and concrete of modern city life.

For more information telephone 8833 5000 or visit the Parramatta Park Trust website at www.ppt.nsw.gov.au.