British settlement at Rose Hill began in 1788, not long after the arrival of The First Fleet. Between 1789 and 1791 an overland track was made to provide an official land route between the two settlements. On 4 June 1791 Governor Phillip changed the name of Rose Hill to Parramatta (based on the Aboriginal name of Burramatta).
Parramatta Road dates to the 1792 formation of a route linking Sydney to the settlement of Parramatta. This route was formalised under the direction of Surveyor–General Augustus Alt in 1797. Parramatta Road became one of the colony’s most important early roads, and for many years remained one of Sydney’s principal thoroughfares.
The early road was a poorly built and maintained track through bush. In 1794, the governor of the colony reported that he had caused a very good road to be made, but there is no evidence that any bridges were built over the streams. The road subsequently deteriorated and on 9 June 1805 the Sydney Gazette reported that the road was impassable as the result of heavy rain. Attempts to improve the road continued over the years.
By 1811, Parramatta Road had officially opened to traffic and was financed by a toll.
Stamps & Postal Products
1988 The Early Years – 37c Paramatta Road, Sydney 1796
References
- Dayes, Edward & Watling, Thomas. 1797, [Brickfield Hill and village on the High Road to Parramatta]
- Wikipedia: Parramatta Road