Parramatta is only 25km from Lane Cove.
I'm with Frank. I drive from Epping to Cabramatta-land and it's no big deal. I drive to Mascot to meet friends and stuff.
If you're willing to drive to Castle Hill, Artarmon, Silverwater, Smithfield for car things, why not drive a reasonable distance for a night out ONCE A MONTH!
T.