CELEBRATING SUMMER IN OUR CITY

Take in Yandhai Bridge on your summer evening stroll. Photo credit: Mark Powell

As we look to put the long months of lockdown behind us, summer beckons and asks us all to take a breath, to get outside, to explore, to start having adventures again and to reconnect with the people and places we have missed. Living in Penrith means you have access to a wealth of world-class attractions, unforgettable experiences, and hidden gems all waiting to play a part in your perfect summer.

SOAK UP THE SERENITY OF NATURE

Our local area serves up some beautiful scenery and best of all, there’s no cost to enjoy it! Grab a friend, take the whole family or just go solo to enjoy a moment of peace. The comprehensive Hike, Bike and Fitness Trails Map outlines 26 amazing locations to visit. Find it at penrithcity/ fitness-trails.

The Rock Lookout at Mulgoa is a short walk delivering breathtaking views of the Nepean Gorge in the Blue Mountains National Park. Once you reach the lookout you can pose for photos on the iconic rock which visitors have done for more than 200 years.

Amateur photographer Edward Tombs visited The Rock in the 1930s with his family

Photo Credit: Penrith City Library

The rock has seen picnics, proposals, yoga poses and more! To maximise your Rock experience be sure to exercise caution while at the lookout, stay clear of the edge and keep a close eye on children and vulnerable family members. See visitpenrith.com.au for more details.

While in the area satisfy your cravings with a visit to the award-winning Settlers Café, the Oasis Terrace (the cannoli are next level delicious!) or the family-friendly Wallacia Hotel, complete with kids play area.

Sunset at The Rock Lookout

Photo Credit: Leah-Anne

Penrith is open for business this summer with exciting outdoor adventures, fascinating historical treasures, diverse arts and culture scenes, an array of thriving dining and bar options and fun family activities.

The Great River Walk offers stunning scenery along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River. Visitors can stop along the way at one of the lookouts or sculptural seating areas to watch the boats, birds, and other wildlife. There’s a handy map available for the walk on Council’s website at penrith.city/greatriverwalk.

IF YOU HAVEN’T CHECKED IT OUT ALREADY, GET ONLINE AND EXPLORE THE NEPEAN RIVER INTERACTIVE MAP AT PENRITH.CITY/NEPEANRIVER

Recently launched, the map allows you to find out about the projects being planned and delivered to improve the riverside, all part of the Our Nepean River Masterplan (2013). Developed by Council and the community, the plan outlines the revitalisation of our greatest natural asset. This plan is coming to life due to extensive investment from Council and other levels of government. The map also allows you to see facilities available and search for things to see and do on the Nepean River such as the best places to go fishing or kayaking.

Adventure awaits on the Nepean River

Photo Credit: Destination NSW

If you want to upgrade your outing and treat yourself after a big walk or ride, there’s a range of cafes and restaurants nearby where you can pick up a bite to eat or enjoy a drink. Head to the Nepean Rowing Club, Cafe at Lewers, Emu Hall or to the East Bank - Nepean River Restaurant Precinct at Tench Reserve. Many of our local eateries are relying on your support to recover from the impact of the pandemic, so there has never been a more important time to spend locally.

Mountain View Reserve, Cranebrook is one of the lesser known walks in the area, only a 7-minute drive from the Penrith CBD. The accessible, family-friendly 1.8km easy grade track can be walked or cycled. When walking along one of the reserve’s pathways you’ll likely see a range of birds, reptiles and frogs - and if you’re lucky you may even see a sugar glider! The loop takes approximately 30-40 minutes. To download a child-friendly map and activity sheet for the walk, visit bushtrackers.com.au.

We all know fresh air and exercise makes you hungry, so be sure to add a visit to Avli Restaurant to the itinerary. Avli is located 100 metres from the start of the walk and offers a little bit of Greece right here in Penrith. For more check their website avlirestaurant.com.au.

The iconic Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler also has a new $25 cruise – perfect for your NSW Dine and Discover Voucher. Experience the Nepean River like never before on the Belle! “Cuppa on the River” includes a 1-hour cruise with tea, coffee and bikkies. See nepeanbelle.com.au for full details and to book.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN OUR RICH HERITAGE AND CULTURE

Connect with Indigenous culture and history with the help of a Dalmarri (dalmarri. com.au) immersive art experience, based in Cranebrook and visit Penrith’s unique Black Door Gallery, comprising both traditional and contemporary Indigenous art styles and Aboriginal products including boomerangs and timber carvings. In the words of the Dalmarri founders, ‘life is short, but art lives forever’.

Continue your journey through Penrith’s fascinating past with the free smartphone app “Colonial Heritage of Western Sydney.” The app details many of the historical buildings, farmhouses, churches, cemeteries, roads and bridges in the region. You can create your own journey through history with the guided and themed driving and walking tours offered in the app. Download it on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

We know summer isn’t all sunshine, so on those wet weather days, try out the Penrith Heritage Drive. Approximately 50kms long the drive takes in some of the oldest buildings, structures and locations in St Marys, Penrith, Castlereagh, Emu Plains and Mulgoa. The drive’s 27 historical sites across the City will captivate and fascinate visitors and Penrith locals alike. Some, like the Victoria Bridge are well-known, but others including the Arms of Australia Inn Museum, one of the oldest buildings in Penrith, are hidden historical gems.

Discover local history with artefacts and exhibitions at the Arms of Australia Inn Museum

Download the brochure with maps at visitpenrith.com. au/things-to-do/ arts-culture-heritage/ penrith-heritage- drive.

Those with a creative interest will find Penrith has much to offer, starting with the Penrith Regional Gallery. Situated on the banks of the beautiful Nepean River, visitors get the opportunity to experience an everchanging program of exhibitions while enjoying the spectacular views of the river, native wildlife, plants, and flowers along the riverbank. Best of all, the exhibitions are free! To find out more go to penrithregionalgallery.com.au.

Penrith Regional Gallery, Home of The Lewers Bequest

Photo Credit: Adam Hollingworth

If street art is more your style, take a walk down Queen Street and discover the St Marys street art trail visitpenrith.com.au/stmarysmap. Don’t forget to tag us in your Instagram pictures using #visitpenrith.

Artistic delights await on the St Marys Street Art Trail

Whether you’re new to the area or you’ve lived here for years, our amazing City still has surprises in store for you. This summer take the time to get out and discover (or rediscover!) what makes Penrith Western Sydney’s most liveable city.