Enjoy close encounters with some of Australia’s most recognisable native animals.
Hand-feed kangaroos and other wildlife in a relaxed, walk-through setting.
Meet the world’s happiest animal, the quokka, and capture the ultimate selfie moment.
Discover an extraordinary range of native species all in one easy-to-explore location.
A relaxed and engaging experience suited to visitors of all ages.
Just a short journey from Sydney’s CBD and the Blue Mountains.
CALENDAR WESTERN SYDNEY
» Winter in the West is sure to impress with a huge selection of comedy shows, musicals, theatre productions, sporting events, car shows and the popular Penrith Show.
JUNE 2026
> Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
The hit musical comedy based on the beloved film arrives in Parramatta with a story of rival con artists competing for the ultimate prize on the French Riviera. Sharp humour, memorable songs and plenty of twists make this a crowd-pleasing reason to spend a winter’s day by the Parramatta River. 353 Church St, Parramatta, June 25-28, riversideparramatta.com.au
JULY 2026
> Harlem Globetrotters Basketball’s greatest showmen bring their 100 Year Tour to Sydney, celebrating a century of trick shots, gravity-defying dunks and family-
friendly entertainment. Blending elite athleticism with comedy and crowd interaction, this Harlem Globetrotters production is considered one of sport’s most enduring live spectacles. 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park, July 4, qudosbankarena.com.au
< The Big Bubble Show in Space
Intergalactic adventure meets bubble artistry in this family-friendly spectacle from bubble scientist Dr Bubble. Combining giant bubbles, interactive storytelling and plenty of audience participation, it’s a playful journey through space designed to delight younger audiences and the young at heart. 33 Railway St, Rooty Hill, July 15, coliseumtheatre.com.au
Jim Jefferies
One of Australia’s most successful comedians returns home with a brand-new stand-up show packed with the keen observations and uncompromising humour that have earned him a global following. Expect a fast-paced night from one of comedy’s most recognisable voices. 33 Railway St, Rooty Hill, July 25, coliseumtheatre.com.au
Sydney
Comedy Festival Showcase Tour
A rotating line-up of some of the country’s best comedians brings highlights from the Sydney Comedy Festival to Liverpool. Featuring established favourites alongside emerging talent, it’s the perfect introduction to Australia’s thriving stand-up scene. 1 Powerhouse Rd, Casula, July 6, casulapowerhouse.com
Pinocchio
The much-loved children’s tale receives a vibrant stage adaptation filled with music, adventure and imagination. Following the wooden puppet’s journey from
mischievous troublemaker to real boy, this family production is nicely timed for the school holidays. 353 Church St, Parramatta, July 25, riversideparramatta.com.au
AUGUST 2026
Anh Do: The Happiest Refugee Live! Beloved author, comedian and television personality Anh Do brings his bestselling memoir to the stage in an uplifting evening of storytelling. Funny, heartfelt and deeply personal, it traces his extraordinary journey from refugee to one of Australia’s most popular entertainers. Riverside Theatres, 353 Church St, Parramatta, August 12, riversideparramatta.com.au
Heathers: The Musical
The cult 1980s film becomes a darkly comic musical packed with razorsharp humour, memorable songs and high school drama. Equal parts satire and coming-of-age story, it remains one of contemporary musical theatre’s most entertaining guilty pleasures. 33 Railway St, Rooty Hill, August 26-29, coliseumtheatre.com.au
Penrith Show
A Western Sydney tradition since 1845, the Penrith Show returns for a weekend of carnival rides, animal displays, competitions and live entertainment. Fireworks, showbags, market stalls and family-friendly attractions ensure there’s something for every generation at one of the region’s biggest annual community events. Penrith Showground, August 29-30, visitpenrith.com.au
SEPTEMBER 2026
Father’s Day Car Show
Hundreds of classic, custom and highperformance vehicles roll into Penrith for one of Western Sydney’s biggest automotive gatherings. Alongside the impressive machinery, visitors can enjoy family entertainment, food vendors and a lively community atmosphere. 123 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith, September 6, penrith.panthers.com.au
WHAT TO DO
10 ways to experience Western Sydney
» Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular visitor, these one-of-a-kind experiences in Western Sydney will surprise and delight.
Western Sydney is where adventure meets culture. From surfing perfect waves without the ocean and floating over rolling farmlands in a hot-air balloon, to catching the latest Hollywood blockbuster at a retro drive-in, these are experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the city. You can hike through World Heritagelisted wilderness, hand-feed a quokka, or sample flavours from around the globe on a gourmet food safari. Between treetop ziplines, dazzling theatre nights and sprawling parklands, Western Sydney is bursting with fun things to do. Here are 10 of the very best.
1. WATCH A DRIVE-IN MOVIE
In the 1970s, there were more than 300 drive-in theatres in Australia. Today only a handful remain, including just two in New South Wales. Get a taste of nostalgia at Blacktown’s Skyline Drive-In, where you can watch Hollywood blockbusters under the stars paired with burgers and fries from the retro diner. eventcinemas.com.au
2. CATCH A WAVE AT URBNSURF
Consistent, world-class waves roll in seven days a week at Urbnsurf, a revolutionary inland surf park in Sydney Olympic Park catering for everyone from absolute beginners to experts. You can hire all the gear you’ll need and even take a lesson if you need some tips. urbnsurf.com
3. FLY THROUGH THE CANOPY ON A TREETOPS ADVENTURE
Tackle more than 100 aerial obstacles and Australia’s fastest zipline at Treetops Adventure Western Sydney. Wobbly bridges, tight ropes, balance beams and Tarzan swings hang up to 25 metres off the ground. Finish with the Zipcoaster, swooping through the trees at up to 50 kilometres per hour. treetopsadventure.com.au
4. TAKE A GOURMET TOUR OF GLOBAL CUISINE
Almost half the population of Western Sydney was born overseas, making it the most multicultural region in Australia. You can eat your way around the world on a hands-on food tour with Mia Cucina or Gourmet Safaris. miacucina.com.au; gourmetsafaris.com.au
TREETOPS ADVENTURE
URBNSURF
5. FEATHERDALE
Disccover Australia’s diverse widlife at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park. This special place is home to over 2000 Australian native animals including 60 threatened native species. Buddy up with a keeper to meet a quokka, visit the Koala Kindy Enclosure or even handfeed penguins. featherdale.com.au
6. FLOAT ABOVE CAMDEN IN A HOT-AIR BALLOON
Take in the beauty of Camden’s rural landscapes from above on a hot-air balloon flight with Balloon Aloft. Watch the sun rise over sprawling farms, historic homesteads and the foothills of the mountains from 2000 feet in the air. balloonaloft.com
7. HIKE THROUGH THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
The spectacular World Heritage-listed wilderness of the Blue Mountains is on the edge of Western Sydney. Follow the Glenbrook Gorge walking track,
FEATHERDALE WILDLIFE PARK
a challenging hike along a dry creek bed and past a historic rail tunnel; look for ancient Aboriginal art on the Red Hands Cave track; or have a wild swim at Jellybean Pool. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
8. PADDLE ALONG THE NEPEAN RIVER
Sydney’s longest river, the Nepean, stretches for almost 200 kilometres along the western border of the city. Hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the calm waters on your own, or join a guided tour to discover secret waterholes. horizonline.com.au; nepeanrivertours.com.au
9. WATCH A SHOW AT THE COLISEUM
International superstars, up-and-coming performers, local favourites and everyone in between perform every night at the state-of-theart Coliseum Theatre in Rooty Hill. The 2000-seat theatre is a work of art in itself, with sparkling chandeliers, VIP booths, seven bars and an outdoor cocktail area. coliseumtheatre.com.au
10. EXPLORE THE ENORMOUS WESTERN SYDNEY PARKLANDS
Covering more than 5000 hectares, Western Sydney Parklands is the largest urban park in Australia. Discover bushland walking paths, nature-based kids’ playgrounds, off-leash dog walking areas, lakes and ponds, mountain-bike trails and a farm-gate trail. greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au
+ CABRAVALE CLUB RESORT
The new Cabravale Club Resort, located in the heart of Cabramatta, brings together the Novotel Sydney Cabramatta and dining venues like Magma by Dany Karam, Bistro 1925, District 8, Horizon Asian Dining and Caffè Vicini. There’s also a range of entertainment options for guests. 1 Bartley Street, Canley Vale, (02) 9727 3600, cabravale.com.au
HIKE IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
WHERE TO EAT
Where to eat in Western Sydney
» The West’s dining scene is dynamic, diverse and delicious. This famously multicultural region brings together a wide range of flavours and culinary traditions spanning Asia, the Middle East, Europe and contemporary Australian cuisine. Here’s where to find some of the region’s best restaurants, whether you’re after fine dining or affordable premium eats.
SINCLAIR’S, PENRITH
In a few short years, hatted restaurant Sinclair’s has lifted Penrith’s culinary standards considerably. Sheer creativity and a commitment to hyperlocal produce has made this one of Western Sydney’s most essential stops. 1/20 Memorial Ave, Penrith, (02) 4711 3324, sinclairsrestaurant.com.au
NEW MARKET ROOM, LIVERPOOL
Overlooking Warwick Farm Racecourse from its five-star digs, New Market Room is The William Inglis Hotel’s scene-stealer where you can trot through elegant plates such as spaghettini with roasted prawn bisque. 155 Governor Macquarie Dr, Warwick Farm, (02) 8324 3460, williaminglis.com.au
LILYMU, PARRAMATTA
DARLEY’S RESTAURANT, KATOOMBA
Located in the historic Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, Darley’s Restaurant is one of the standout examples of fine dining out west. Ever so elegant, the homely dining room frames luxurious dishes with a lived-in ambience. 5/19 Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba, (02) 4780 1200, lilianfels.com.au
CHU RESTAURANT BY CHINA DOLL, ROOTY HILL
Sitting adjacent to the impressive Coliseum Theatre, the award-winning Chu Restaurant shares DNA with the legendary China Doll. It’s a destination that translates classic Asian dishes taken from all over the continent, from China and Japan to Southeast Asia. 33 Railway St, Rooty Hill, (02) 9851 5850, churestaurant.com.au
LILYMU, PARRAMATTA
Modern Asian flavours and a constant flow of creativity has made Lilymu one of Western Sydney’s signature experiences. It’s constantly batting above its weight, lifting the local dining scene with dishes like whole snapper goreng with pomelo, green mango and sambal. 152 Macquarie St, Parramatta, (02) 7809 4952, lilymu.com
ARRANA’S, SPRINGWOOD
Arrana’s leads Springwood’s dining scene, and its dedication to Australian flavours is admirable. Think crocodile and prawns with zucchini and pepperberry; goats cheese with wattleseed, apple and prosciutto; or beetroot with mandarin, native basil and popcorn. 9/12 125 Macquarie Rd, Springwood, (02) 4751 5159, aranna.com.au
IFTAR, MERRYLANDS
All those wagyu kofta dumplings and shawarma tacos play into current, fusion-favouring trends, but Iftar’s family-style cooking is impressively authentic – like the essential Middle Eastern breakfast platter with fried eggs, foul, labneh, village cheeses and more. Main Lane, Merrylands, iftar.com.au
CHU RESTAURANT, ROOTY HILL
SINCLAIR’S, PENRITH
DARLEY’S RESTAURANT, KATOOMBA
WHERE TO EAT
EMU HALL, EMU PLAINS
Set in and around a restored Victorian Italianate mansion overlooking the Nepean River, Emu Hall transitions from relaxed daytime dining to lively evenings. Come for a long lunch or stay on for cocktails, dinner and live music in the beer garden. 2–26 Great Western Highway, Emu Plains, (02) 4735 3204, emuhall.com.au
CHATKAZZ, HARRIS PARK
The streets of Mumbai come to life at Chatkazz, an institution for Indian street food and a bastion
2170 RESTAURANT, LIVERPOOL
of unpretentious, casual dining. Everything from chhole buatura to papri chaat is served to a consistent gold standard. 14-20 Station Street, Harris Park, (02) 8677 0033, chatkazz.com.au
WILLO, PARRAMATTA
Classic Mediterranean flair is elevated by Australian produce at Willo. With seasonality the focus, the kitchen knows how to cut through with strong, memorable flavours and generous servings. 32 Smith St, Parramatta, 1300 441 261, willoparramatta.com.au
2170 RESTAURANT, LIVERPOOL
Affordable, family-friendly and greatly varied, 2170 Restaurant is a hidden gem in the sprawling Club Liverpool complex with a menu of diner classics that appeal to many tastes. Comfort foods such as lamb sausages and six different schnitzels are perennial favourites. 185 George St, Liverpool, (02) 9822 4555, clubliverpool.com.au
CJ’S CRAB SHACK & GRILL, PENRITH
No this ain’t New Orleans, but it’s close. CJ’s Crab Shack & Grill is a staple for the massive Penrith Panthers precinct, echoing the suburb’s riverside lifestyle with an extensive menu of cooked seafood. 123 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith, 0439 393 661, cjscrabshack.com.au
CHATKAZZ, HARRIS PARK
PRECINCTS
Get to know Western Sydney
» Discover the unique identity of these 10 suburbs across Western Sydney and beyond.
PARRAMATTA
The second-oldest city in Australia, Parramatta was founded in 1788 as a farming settlement for the new colony. Today, it’s Sydney’s second CBD, with glittering skyscrapers, excellent restaurants, busy shops and a thriving cultural scene. Within the modern cityscape, you’ll find pockets of lush parkland, the winding Parramatta River and
well-preserved historic buildings, including Old Government House, the oldest surviving public building in the country. Whether you’re here for food, shopping, culture or a riverside stroll, Parramatta has something to surprise you.
LIVERPOOL
The hub of southwest Sydney, Liverpool is set along the Georges River and is one of the city’s fastestgrowing suburbs. Colourful murals create an art trail through the busy centre and the Liverpool Powerhouse (formerly Casula Powerhouse) showcases the culture and creativity of the local people. The suburb’s rich multicultural mix means you can eat your way around the world, with
BANKSTOWN ARTS CENTRE
Balkan bakeries, Iraqi grocery stores, Indian street food and much more. Liverpool also has a busy events calendar, with regular festivals, markets and cultural celebrations.
BLACKTOWN
Blacktown is the largest suburb in Sydney, home to more than 400,000 people. Its residents come from at least 180 countries, with the highest numbers from India, the Philippines, China and Fiji. It’s home to some of Western Sydney’s top tourist attractions, from the native and exotic animals of Sydney Zoo and Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park to the thrills and spills of Raging Waters, high-speed racing at Sydney Motorsport Park and the retro charm of the Skyline Drive-In.
BANKSTOWN
This vibrant suburb in the southwest of Sydney is known for its food, community spirit and lovely streets of heritage houses. With large Lebanese
and Vietnamese populations, you can expect family-run restaurants and authentic grocery stores stocking hard-to-find ingredients. The Bankstown Bites festival (held annually in July) celebrates global flavours and the local food scene. Take in an exhibition at the Bankstown Arts Centre or watch a show at the Bryan Brown Theatre, dedicated to the great Australian actor who grew up in the area.
CAMPBELLTOWN
Flanked by the Nepean and Georges waterways, Campbelltown is known as the ‘city between two rivers.’ Residents and visitors alike are drawn to its vibrant arts community, colourful events and abundant green spaces. Catch an exhibition at the Campbelltown Arts Centre, learn about local history along the self-guided Heritage and Culture Walk, or explore Indigenous traditions
LIVERPOOL
BLACKTOWN DRIVE-IN
PARRAMATTA LANES FESTIVAL
in the surrounding national parks. The suburb is also next to the country’s largest botanic garden, the 400-hectare Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, which has about 4000 plant species.
FAIRFIELD
Fairfield sits right in the heart of Western Sydney and is often referred to as ‘Little Iraq’ for its large Assyrian population. The streets are lined with authentic restaurants sharing traditional cuisine and hospitality, as well as bakeries, supermarkets, and craft and clothing stores. Visit on a Saturday for Fairfield Markets, the largest markets in Western Sydney, with more than 600 stalls. Neighbouring Cabramatta is the hub of Sydney’s Vietnamese community, so it’s well worth a visit for the city’s best pho and the annual Moon Festival, the largest of its kind in Australia.
PENRITH
The unofficial adventure capital of Sydney, Penrith is the place to go whitewater rafting, cable skiing, jetpack flying and indoor skydiving. Along the water, try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing. Set on the far western edge of the city, just across the Nepean River from the Blue Mountains, Penrith offers great restaurants, buzzy small bars, luxury hotels and world-class theatres. It’s also one
of the oldest suburbs in Sydney, dating back to 1815, and you can still visit colonial homesteads, pubs and cemeteries.
CAMDEN
Camden acts as the bridge between the suburbs of Western Sydney and the farms of the surrounding Macarthur region. In fact, the suburb began life as
THE PAPER MILL FOOD, LIVERPOOL
FRERES CROSSING RESERVE, CAMPBELLTOWN
PRECINCTS
a farm and was founded by the Macarthur family (of sheep-breeding fame) in the 1830s. The historic main street retains many of its beautiful heritage buildings, and its inviting pubs will give you a taste of days gone by. Camden is the closest place to the city where you can take a hot-air balloon flight, floating gently over the patchwork fields, rivers and national park.
HAWKESBURY
With its rolling farmland and neat orchards, it’s easy to see why the Hawkesbury is known as Sydney’s food bowl. Hugging the northwestern fringe of the city, the area is threaded with tranquil waterways and wild national parks, just made for houseboat holidays, off-grid camping and outdoor adventures. Follow a farm-gate trail to pick up fresh produce and tasty treats, visit a boutique winery or cider cellar door, and sit down to long lunches in sandstone pubs that date back more than 200 years.
BLUE MOUNTAINS
Though Western Sydney technically ends at the foothills of the Blue Mountains, this iconic World Heritage wilderness has long been the city’s playground. Follow hiking trails through spectacular mountain landscapes, discover hidden waterfalls, tackle challenging mountainbike trails and marvel at breathtaking lookouts. Or get a different perspective from the cable car and thrilling incline railway at Scenic World. The mountains are dotted with charming villages, such as Katoomba, Leura and Blackheath, known for their antique stores, tea houses and cosy pubs.
CAMPBELLTOWN ARTS CENTRE
BALLOON ALOFT, CAMDEN
PHOTOS: DESTINATION NSW
Remember Lakemba
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