For too long, a generational stigma has tainted the perception of Western Sydney.
WEST wants to celebrate the cultural diversity, food and individuality found within Western Sydney and Regional NSW.
We travel to all areas out of Metropolitan Sydney including the local government areas that make up Greater Western Sydney and areas within Regional NSW.
We travel near and far exploring all that the WEST has to offer, bringing you the best of TRAVEL, FOOD and CULTURE.
Customisable Curated content to advertise and promote within WEST
Geolocated Geolocated data for targeted marketing by businesses & localised user data access for the public
Businesses Listings provide a space to connect, advertise, be discovered & promote, enabling users up to date info on events, and places to visit
Advertorial Communicates information to the public gaining your business a new audience
Targeted The plan function collects user data internally for targeted marketing and advertising our user interface fosters a social platform where users can invite friends and colleagues to explore and discover together
WEST APP WILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU CONNECT, DISCOVER AND EXPLORE
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL FEEL LIKE YOU BELONG
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General Enquiries enquiries @thewestjournal.com.au 02 4655 1881
Founder. Editor. Director.
Dean Boone dean@thewestjournal.com.au
Branding. Communications. Social Media. Content content @the westjournal.com.au
Branding. Graphics. Marketing. marketing @the westjournal.com.au
Branding. Ambassador. ambassador@thewestjournal.com.au
Graphic Design. Saffron & Co. Creative saffron@saffronandco.com.au
Publisher THE WEST GROUP PTY LTD
Cover Art by Le Grizz WEST Happy Little Flower
The WEST HAPPY LITTLE FLOWER bloomed from the idea that WEST is about positivity, being playful and sharing the beauty found throughout the West. Growing up in Western Sydney, Le Grizz was inspired by the graffiti art found on walls, trains, and unexpected places throughout Western Sydney. His street art style reflects his love of colour, creativity, energy, and diversity. Exactly what WEST and Western Sydney is built on. The idea of the cover art was that The WEST Journal is a WEST HAPPY LITTLE FLOWER, that even through the concrete pavements and asphalts of Western Sydney, a flower will still find a way to grow and bloom.
The WEST Journal has taken the utmost care to ensure the content is accurate on the date of publication. WEST does not assume or accept any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, reliability, accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information, error, omission, product or service represented within this journal. Any views expressed in the journal are not necessarily the view of the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced in part or whole without the permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.
Finally, that question can be answered, the WEST APP is ready.
For years, The West Journal has been about noticing the places worth knowing, the events that bring communities together, the small details that make us all feel like home.
Over time, our followers and our readers began telling us the same thing.
“I save your articles.”
“I send them to friends.”
“I build my weekends around them.”
So, we asked ourselves a simple question: What if all of this lived in one place — designed for how we already use it?
Not louder. Not bigger. Just easier.
Over the past year, we’ve been quietly building a new way to explore— one that brings together content creators, our stories, local events, and favourite places in a format that’s meant to be used, not just read. Living like a local, belonging, connecting to your community and sharing with family and friends.
It’s where we save the cafés, restaurants, galleries and small businesses we love. It’s where we check what’s happening nearby, so we don’t miss out. It’s where weekend plans start to take shape, that you can share with others.
And if you’re curious, it’s ready.
The WEST APP is here – hey, what are you doing this weekend?
Be the first to know,
Dean Boone - Founder
All over the country, every morning, Australians are united in the one ritual they can’t live without – their daily cup of coffee. So engrained in our way of being and our lifestyle, it has become a rhythm of life, part of who we are. Dotted around the Australian landscape you will find coffee served in every type of establishment, and those that gather around it. Gathering to share and unite has always been in our culture, from our Indigenous First Nations clans to the pockets of villages and neighbourhoods found throughout our country sharing nuances, customs, culture and community.
With three out of every four Australians drinking coffee each day, it’s part of the Australian identity. But what is it about coffee that we so love? For most, coffee is not just about indulging, it’s about the experience that surrounds it. For centuries coffee has been a way to welcome others, a deeply meaningful act, a powerful symbol of hospitality, respect and social connection.
That same sentiment carries forward to Australian culture today and WEST sees that coffee brings people together in many diverse and beautiful ways.
Coffee gives people a shared purpose to meet - connecting family, friends, loved ones, new acquaintances over a cup of coffee. Sharing stories, exchanging ideas and news with
one another. Your revered local cafe is an integral part of this connection, acting as a conduit, the meeting space creating a sense of belonging, heart and community. A friendly chat with your local barista, who knows your coffee order inside out. The meaningful conversation with other locals who visit the cafe on a daily basis, forming bonds and a sense of familiarity we have all come to know and love. Intertwined with your daily ritual, this cup of coffee, your barista and your local cafe become part of your daily life, your local, personal, individual culture. In this sense, Coffee is Life.
Coffee is also community behind the scenes, with the network of brands and businesses that choose to make it their world. From the grower to the roaster, to the cafe owner and the network of industry that supports it. One thing unites, the desire to cultivate passion, pride, shared purpose and quality.
Ask any business owner why they do what they do, and somewhere in their response will be the community it creates. The simple, eternal act of breaking bread. Spro Bros is one such community. A network of cafes, baristas, alternative milk partners, roasters, coffee-centric business partners and die-hard coffee lovers. All brought together by the humble coffee bean.
When asked of their sentiments of coffee, their ethos and what coffee means to them, this what the Spro Bros community had to share: ........................................
Coffee culture is more than a caffeine fix. It's a ritual, a pause and a shared language. It's where ideas brew, community forms, and time slows down just enough to be present. A symbol of warmth, creativity and the simple beauty of everyday life. Coffee is like a camera lens. It captures the intention, the fine details. It also captures wide angles like a community or macro lens for the intimate details. It just frames everything.
For Spro Bros, coffee isn’t just about brewing great shots, it’s about celebrating the culture that comes with it. They believe that every cup carries a story, and every ritual connects us not only to our own day, but to the people around us.
That’s why they see coffee as more than just a drink, it’s a movement of people, places, and moments. Each cup represents someone’s start to the day, a pause between meetings, or a catch-up with a mate. Behind every sip there’s a story: the farmer who cultivated the beans,
the roaster who crafted the profile, the barista who pours it with care, and the community who gathers around it.
When we lean into this culture, coffee becomes a connector. It’s the common ground where strangers become friends, where conversations spark, and where local culture is both preserved and reimagined. At Spro Bros, they are about building those connections because when you celebrate coffee, you’re really celebrating people.
For Headlands Coffee, coffee has always been about connection, between people, between places, and between the stories behind every cup. Headlands Coffee founder Takumi Sakamoto has been in the coffee industry for a long time, and what’s always made him happiest isn’t just the delicious coffee, but sharing it with customers and the people he cares about. He believes passion is contagious.
A big part of why Headlands Coffee was started was to explore whether they could turn their passion for specialty coffee and service into a sustainable, values-driven business.
At Headlands, they start with the customer experience, what kind of flat white, single origin espresso, or filter coffee will their customers truly love and value? From there, they work backwards to decide on brewing style, roast profile, and green bean sourcing. It’s a different approach to the typical “bean to cup” model, but they believe in it. In a market full of cafes, customers still recognise quality, and people who channel their passion into their business will naturally stand out. That’s what Headlands Coffee is here to keep doing: supporting like-minded people to build sustainable businesses, serve exceptional coffee, and stay in love with what they do.
At Huskee, they believe coffee is more than just a drink. It’s a ritual that brings people together, sparks ideas, and creates moments of connection. Their ethos is rooted in designing with purpose: to elevate the coffee experience while reducing waste and reimagining how we consume. For Huskee, coffee culture is about community, creativity, and sustainability, values that shape everything they do.
At MILKLAB, part of the journey developing their range, came from collaborating extensively with some of the world’s most experienced and influential baristas, coffee roasters, food scientists, café owners and other industry professionals. Engaging them throughout the entire product development process, presenting their ideas and sampling trial blends directly with them in their workplaces across Australia and other parts of the world. MILKLAB took on board feedback to ensure they developed products that met the needs of coffee loving consumers to improve the workflow, efficiency and product offering for the industry. To this day, collaboration remains at the heart of everything they do as they continue to work with the industry to evaluate and evolve their range to ensure they deliver the best tasting, highest quality range of barista milks.
At Sonoma, they believe the simple things - bread, pastry, coffee & hospitality - are what bring meaning to everyday life. Their customers seek more than a flat white or a warm loaf of sourdough; they go to Sonoma
for connection, for pause, and for the craft that goes into every loaf they bake and espresso they pour. Sonoma honours their heritage as bakers and their relationships with local growers and producers, going to great lengths to deliver phenomenal products with generosity and care. To Sonoma, the true value of bread and coffee lies not only in flavour, but in how they nurture community. Sonoma Simple things, done well
At 15cenchi, their focus has always been on creating desserts that feel special yet comforting, and coffee naturally became part of that story. A slice of cake feels complete when paired with something good to drink, and 15cenchi loves the way coffee elevates those moments of pause, whether shared or savoured alone. That’s why they love working closely with Headlands Coffee, whose carefully roasted beans reflect the passion and dedication of people who truly live and breathe coffee. Dessert and coffee, side by side, is 15cenchi’s idea of simple perfection.
Allie’s believes coffee is such an integral part of the community, it brings friends and families together, it sparks new relationships and opens the doors to new experiences. It's the start of most Australians’ days.
There is so much knowledge and love that is shared in a cafe, it's where strangers become friends and colleagues become best friends. It's where people of all different ages, race and culture share their similarities and celebrate their differences. Cafes are such an important factor in communities and that's why at Allie’s their main focus is to be served in the community, where they originated and where they want to stay.
Bombora Supplies believes Australian coffee culture is worldclass, accessible, and woven into daily life. At Bombora Supplies, they work exclusively as a wholesale partner to the coffee industry - supplying roasters, cafés, and resellers with the tools, equipment and filtration that keep it thriving. They see themselves as part of the
background rhythm of coffee culture. While roasters set the stage, cafés craft the narrative, and baristas perform, their role is to quietly support the ritual at every level.
In their line of work, Bombora Supplies gets to know and support the heroes behind each cup. Part sommelier, scientist, chef, and storyteller, the Coffee Roaster transforms fruit seeds into the drink that fuels and connects us all. Their craft sustains small farmers worldwide, supports baristas and cafés, and strengthens the communities where coffee culture lives. So next time you grab a coffee, tip your barista and spare a thought for the unseen roaster behind it - and behind the scenes, Bombora is proud to help keep the ritual alive.
WEST has seen firsthand that it’s not just about what’s in the cup, it’s equally about the culture in and around the daily dose of coffee. The relationships, the rituals and the shared moments that come with it. Coffee in its true essence is a community. Creating space, time, and intention for daily connection. Creating human touch in the coffee process, cultivating heart connection in the making and connecting community one cup at a time. Coffee is Life.
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Australian composer Bailey Pickles is an impressive young man. At the age of 22, he has the maturity and drive of someone well beyond his years, already achieving a remarkable list of accomplishments. A talented composer, singer, producer and songwriter, WEST sat down with this Camden local legend to talk music, family, success and what’s next on his life vision board.
Bailey Pickles is a name taking on the world stage. With an extraordinary ability to play songs by ear, compose on the spot and create stirring, emotive pieces, his music has connected with audiences worldwide. At just 10 years old, Bailey successfully auditioned for the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with a piece of his own composition. His leap into the limelight was unexpected, Bailey crediting his
mum for helping to launch his social media profile. Currently at an impressive 1.7 million followers, he is offered projects for composition and songwriting that keep steadily flowing in.
“I've always known I wanted to do music, and I've never had a plan B in my mind. I was so set on it. I didn't see any risk in it. Whether that was just naivety or whether I was just that confident in myself, I just knew that this is what it had to be”.
Bailey is a proud Camden local. Growing up and both living and working from here, he finds it’s the perfect backdrop for creativity.
“It’s such a beautiful community out here. It’s just beautiful and quiet out here as well. I do everything except for if I'm going in to do a session with an artist, then I'll generally go into the city. I did a session a couple days ago from here. It just means that the artist has to come a bit further to get here, but they love it when they get here because it's so quiet and calm and peaceful. Other than that, I do everything from home. I'm pretty fortunate.”
Bailey credits his family with encouraging his aspirations “I wouldn't be anywhere near where I was today without my parents. I was lucky that I was really invested in music, and then mum and dad backed that”. His mum is a maths teacher and pianist, he has a younger brother that he’s close to, and dad is a Campbelltown local legend, owning the wellloved Tim’s Garden Centre.
Bailey’s focused mindset has already delivered major milestones. One of his most defining achievements was composing for VIVID Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest festival of light. In 2024, Bailey created a 10-minute
soundtrack synced to the lights across Sydney Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay.
“VIVID was and it still is one of the craziest things that's ever happened. It still might be. I grew up going to VIVID every year with family, it's like a yearly tradition. And then I got an email saying, hey Bailey, do you want to write the music for VIVID? And then to have the lights of the Harbour Bridge sync to my music, it's the most crazy experience.”
Bailey is also known for sharing collaborations through social media, impressing artists with his sensei-style ability to play songs by ear. His video with Australian band The Rubens was the starting catalyst, leading to collaborations with international artists including Dermot Kennedy, Matteo Bocelli, Becky Hill and James Bay. The Kid Laroi and Jacob Collier are next on his wish list.
One of Bailey’s most memorable international experiences was travelling to Paris to join a Masterclass run by American scoring mixing engineer Alan Meyerson, known for his work with film composer Hans Zimmer on films such as Avatar, Dune and Gladiator.
Another huge achievement he’s proud of, is his collaboration
with MrBeast for Beast Games Season 2, one of the biggest prime time shows in the world. A DM on Instagram from co-creator Sean Klitzner, led to Bailey writing music for the new series. It’s an incredible testament to the talent of this South West Sydney artist to work with one of the most well-known creators on the planet.
So what’s next for this talented Camden local?
“What I love doing and what I want to keep doing is the cinematic writing. So, writing cinematic music and doing it for the biggest shows in the world. I want to do the Olympics, I want to write the music for the Harry Potter series as well.”
Bailey Pickles is an artist to follow, support and celebrate, and an inspiration to all of us with a dream and the drive to pursue it. WEST has no doubt this young Australian is on a trajectory bound for worldwide success. A true local legend, Bailey Pickles is living proof that grounded roots and relentless belief can turn big dreams into global success.
Stretching all the way from Parramatta in the east to Katoomba, Blue Mountains in the west, is the Great West Walk. An epic 140km recreational trail catered for every kind of walker. Starting and ending at multiple points throughout and with so much to see and do, you can choose your day and how you spend it, making it one of the greatest walks found in Western Sydney. Traversing Dharug, Gundungurra, Darkinjung, Dharawal, Wonnarua, and Wiradjuri land, this is a trail that will delight every kind of walker, no matter your fitness level.
Encompassing some of the most scenic sights of Western Sydney, the Great West Walk can easily be broken into many fun day trips, all tailored to your level of curiosity. Choose to explore the culture of Parramatta with its history, architecture, art and food scene, another day in Blacktown
discovering diverse culture, vibrancy and the beautiful Western Sydney Parklands, Penrith with its lovely riverside eateries and outdoor living, and the Blue Mountains region with some of the most spectacular National Park in Australia.
The Great West Walk takes you through varying landscapes, with surprises at every turn. Blending urban settings with natural environments, you’ll encounter some of Australia’s oldest colonial buildings, protected woodland, World War II historical sites and more. The Blacktown area is a great place to start, made easy thanks to public transport points throughout. Using the online Great West Walk map and track notes created by members of The Walking Volunteers, you can track your progress, following the main walking route in red, and additional sightseeing trips in green.
Within Blacktown, you can easily begin at Seven Hills, Blacktown, Doonside, Rooty Hill or Mount Druitt stations, depending what you’d like to see. Starting at Doonside, it’s a wonderful multicultural hub with delicious food to match. Exiting Doonside station is Sunny Corner Café, and sunny it is. Owner Justine is a ray of welcoming sunshine, and with a large Filipino community living locally, the cafe serves up great coffee and Filipino meals. For a local treat, pop into Starlight Bakery and Mix N Match Bakery for their popular Filipino breads, the ube cheese
pandesal with its unique mix of sweet, earthy ube and salty, creamy cheese is iconic.
From Doonside, head to the beautiful Nurragingy Reserve within the Western Sydney Parklands. The gardens here are stunning and out of a storybook scene, in particular the Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens, and there’s even a miniature railway you can ride once a month, how very fun.
From here, follow the Great West Walk to the Blacktown Exercise and Sports Technology Hub to admire its impressive building design (there’s also a great playground and Parklands Cafe inside), then continue to the Rooty Hill Historic Site for expansive views, including Blacktown’s cityscape in the distance. Rooty Hill station is close by, but if you’re enjoying the walk, continue towards Mount Druitt station and visit the poignant Remembrance Garden.
If ending your day in Rooty Hill, it’s a suburb with a beautiful range of cuisines on offer morning, noon and night. Mama Lor is a community staple, specialising in Filipino specialities which you are sure to love,
at Qabuli House you can enjoy Afghan dishes and bread cooked in toasty ovens, and Pho Ha Noi is a must for authentic Vietnamese, serving some of the most heavenly beef broth you might ever taste.
The Great West Walk truly is a spectacular trail, inviting you to uncover some of Western Sydney’s most scenic, historic, and culturally rich experiences. Whether shared with family, friends or enjoyed on a solo adventure at your own pace, WEST has only just scratched the surface of what can be experienced, leaving you plenty of inspiration to start planning your own adventurous and memorable days ahead. culture . travel .
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We acknowledge the Dharug People as the traditional custodians of the land past, present and emerging.
For a suburb considered mid-size, there is a surprising amount of fun packed in to experience in Glenwood.
From bargain shopping to historical sightseeing, outdoor exploration and food, glorious food. Residing on Dharug land, a day out in Glenwood makes for a feel-good outing for your next local adventure.
Begin your day at Parklea Markets, an iconic Western Sydney institution. This is a place to shop like a local, grab yourself a bargain, and enjoy a rich mix of culture and cuisine, all under one roof. Aisles are lined with fashionwear, kitchenware, carpets, plants, bags, shoes and some items you certainly won’t expect - that’s half the fun.
Once inside, you’ll find The Idli Project. Their Chennai filter coffee is frothy and flavourful, a great start to your day. They also serve wholesome vegetarian Indian cuisine, the Tiffin Combo is a WEST favourite, including a dosa, idli and a yummy dessert known as rava kesari. The Idli Project is a favourite of The Modern Desi Co’s Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar, and as someone who knows excellent Indian coffee and cuisine, it comes highly recommended. Karizma Cafe also offers delish 88 Degrees Coffee and Turkish street food as another quality option.
Food lovers get ready to rejoice, as Parklea Markets is lined with stalls offering international cuisine, including Idli Dosa Kitchen, Flavours of Fiji, Parklea Cafe, Mama Sela’s Polynesian Treats, Dutch Poffertjes House,
Pinoy Street AU and more. The marinade on Pinoy’s grilled pork skewers is so good it will have you back for seconds.
Have fun exploring and discovering some unusual and wonderful things to buy. Each shop is a small business with stories to tell, this is a place where you can enjoy a great conversation with shop owners along with scoring a great deal. Look out as everything is on sale.
After filling your bags, it’s time to explore more locally. The Gurdwara Sahib Glenwood Sikh temple is a short drive away, just off Sunnyholt Road, and is a warm, welcoming place to visit. Its design is lovely to admire up close and from afar, offering you a different perspective of the large golden structures. Nearby is Glenwood Lake Park with a
striking bronze soldier statue at the Sikh Anzac War Memorial. You can also admire the iron lacework of the 19th century Glenwood Park House, as well as visit Exeter Farm Reserve to see two 19th century State Heritage listed timber slab cottages.
If feeling sporty, you could play a round of volleyball, tennis, basketball, netball or soccer at Glenwood Reserve, and at Valentine Sports Park, there is a quality football ground ideal for vibrant local game day matches. As you may have now discovered, a day out in Glenwood is one of the very best kinds. If you love a combination of retail therapy, tantalising your tastebuds, exploration, history and sports, then Glenwood is the destination for you - and bring your shopping bags!
blue mountains city council
We acknowledge the Dharug and Gundungurra People as the traditional custodians of the land past, present and emerging.
Mount Victoria is one of those magic places you stumble upon, full of quaint historic buildings and loaded with quintessential charm. Associated with heavyweight names such as John F.Kennedy and John Fairfax, Mount Victoria, resting on the traditional lands of the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples, is a gem ready to be discovered.
Arriving at the main street of Mount Victoria, you may be forgiven for thinking it may be a quick trip. But once you start exploring, it’s a wonderland of discovery. The large, sprawling verandah of the historic Victoria & Albert Guesthouse will likely catch your eye, and this is where our day begins.
Order your Fish River Roasters coffee and take a seat outside with the birds and the trees. What a treat! Considered the highest village in the Blue Mountains, the verandah
offers views of the peaks in the distance and garden views all around. Afterwards a tour of the guesthouse is essential. Part hotel, part museum, the Victoria & Albert Guesthouse is a fascinating showpiece, with curated treasures and wallpaper designs by Academy Award winner Catherine Martin.
Opened in 1868 as the Royal Hotel, then rebuilt and renamed in 1914 to the Hotel Mount Victoria, the guesthouse was for a time a convalescent home for WWII veterans. In
1943 it welcomed United States President JFK as a house guest, if you visit the fireplace downstairs you might just see his initials carved into the wood.
Originally known as One Tree Hill, Mount Victoria began as a convict stockade in the 1830s, with settlement growing later thanks to the development of roadworks and the railway. For a thorough history lesson, visit the Mount Victoria Museum at the train station, full of historical facts and artefacts (open Saturdays).
A visit to Mount Victoria wouldn’t be complete without a peruse of the excellent antique shops and gift stores. Diaz-Stein The Gallery, Mountain Style, Cobweb Collectables and Mount Vic and Me are places packed with nostalgic throwbacks and fun rummaging to be had, and at Mount Vic Flicks on Harley Street, you can catch an arthouse movie at a cinema that’s been showing films since 1934.
For an unexpected, surprise, head to Memorial Park on Station
Street and learn about the small zoo that once stood here, it’s a lovely green space perfect for strolling. Afterwards, stop in at Hotel Etico on Montgomery Street, the former manor home of the Fairfax family. The bar inside is a great spot to socialise, and looking around, you could just imagine what stories the walls could tell.
When it comes to lunch, Mt Vic Beans & Bites is the perfect relaxed option, or for a hearty meal, why not head back to the Victoria & Albert. The homemade pie with mash, green beans and gravy is heavenly, as is the creamy, lemon curd sponge cake for dessert.
To finish your day, Mount Victoria has some stunning lookouts, and a WEST must visit is Mount York Lookout. This is the spot where in 1813 explorers Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth first crossed the Blue Mountains. You can walk along convictbuilt tracks, read signage full of fascinating local history and
be rewarded with sweeping views over Hartley Valley. This is a stop not to be missed and very easily accessed off Mount York Road.
Mount Victoria is a place that feels like a step back in time, a small village with a big sense of character. With the tagline of ‘Historic & Unexpected’, this is certainly what you will find. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a whole weekend, WEST recommends its old-world charm and warm hospitality that make it easy to feel right at home.
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We acknowledge the Dharug People as the traditional custodians of the land past, present and emerging.
Tucked into the agricultural countryside near the township of Camden lies Belgenny Farm, home to Australia’s oldest collection of colonial farm buildings.
Located on the traditional lands of the Dharawal people, this State Heritage Listed site is recognised as the birthplace of the Australian wool, dairy, wine, and horticulture industries, providing a remarkable window into Australia’s Colonial agricultural past.
Starting your day in Camden South with a smooth White Horse Coffee from Southie Coffee House, you’ll find an inviting space, genuinely personable staff, and lots of laughter heard between staff and customers. This is a place that gives the phrase “a local’s place” true meaning.
Load up on coffee and a fresh pastry, then make your way to nearby Belgenny Farm. Driving in, you’ll most likely spot a
herd of sheep, grazing cattle and some resident kangaroos resting under big bushy trees.
Originally known as Home Farm, Belgenny Farm formed part of Camden Park Estate. A 2000-hectare property granted in 1805 to pioneering settlers John and Elizabeth Macarthur, with the aim of developing wool production and export.
Starting with Spanish Merino sheep from the Royal flock in England, The Macarthur’s played
Southie Coffee House
a significant role in shaping early Australian agriculture through the wool industry, dairying, horticulture, and viticulture.
After purchasing your entry ticket, you’re free to roam and explore each of the 15 original colonial buildings, some of the oldest surviving in Australia. From the 1820s, these buildings once supported agricultural operations on the farm, including a granary, stables, blacksmith workshop, smokehouse and creamery. As you move through each building, there is signage for you to learn more and explore, helping you to imagine farm life here some 200 plus years ago. At Belgenny Cottage, you can even see Australia’s first $2 banknote up close, with two faces you may just recognise.
After an insightful step back in time, it’s time for lunch and
there’s no better place than Camden. Camden is a village treasure, packed full of excellent places to eat such as Jally’s and Barenz, local pubs and a variety of international cuisines. For the tastiest Vietnamese banh mi’s, order from Baylee’s Pork Roll & Pies. Their rolls are crispy, light, and filled to the rim with all the best ingredients. Be sure to leave room for dessert from Arta Atelier, where airy, creamy and decadent pastries are sublime.
A visit to Belgenny Farm is both insightful and nostalgic. An immersive experience that invites you to wander, learn, and connect with the stories that helped shape Australia’s agricultural heritage, and continues to do so today.
A hidden gem, right on your doorstep, take the family. They will love it.
campbelltown city council
We acknowledge the Dharawal People as the traditional custodians of the land past, present and emerging.
Within the suburb of Campbelltown is East Campbelltown, once home to the Soldiers' Settlement, a government resettlement scheme granting WWI veterans small blocks of land for poultry farming. Now a residential area residing on Dharawal land, join WEST as we visit a place where you can feel like a local, thanks to the community spirit found within.
East Campbelltown is easily accessed with a short bus ride from Campbelltown Station, or a detour off the M5.
Arriving at Waminda Avenue shops, Georgio's Cafe is the perfect spot for your morning coffee. This is a cafe that cares about their customers, where regulars are greeted warmly by name, coffee orders are made without uttering a word and laughter reigns supreme. Using The Little Marionette beans, George might even serve you his famous dragon latte art.
After fuelling up, take a stroll through the neighbourhood.
You’ll notice streets named after Australian capital cities, great Australian rivers, and Australian poets, such as Banjo Paterson (The Man From Snowy River), Henry Lawson (The Drover's Wife) and Dorothea Mackellar (My Country). Subtle reminders of Australia’s literary and cultural heritage.
Nearby Waminda Oval has a playground for kids, and on game days, you can watch the East Campbelltown Eagles rugby teams play. Established in 1961, the Eagles’ matches bring the community together with cheering sidelines full of
red and white. While exploring the East Campbelltown area, try to imagine the land as it was from 1919 as the Soldiers' Settlement, with up to 36 poultry farms tended to by returned WW1 soldiers.
Back at Waminda Avenue shops, Waminda Bakery is locally famous Campbelltown wide, as the go-to for the freshest bread, pies, pastries, cupcakes and cookies. Locals are greeted warmly and the bake room is always lively with activity. With so much on offer, choosing just one thing may be a challenge!
Campbell Chinese Take Away offers great Chinese, and Georgio's Cafe serves up the tastiest, classic, old-school burgers in town, as well as milk-bar style favourites such
as potato scallops and fish and chips. Pick-A-Pizza is a family-run eatery making the most delicious pizzas, pastas and Italian dishes. Dennis, his wife and two daughters make their pizzas to order and cook each one in a traditional woodfired oven. After two decades of perfecting their craft, the flavour is true perfection.
You can also stop by IGA for groceries, Z Barber Shop for a fresh cut, or Alana Hair & Nails for a little TLC. Your local neighbourhood shops are often full of life and stories to tell, genuine people, doing great things, every single day. If you love exploring places where you can live like a local, then East Campbelltown would certainly be an ideal day out for you.
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city of canterbury
bankstown
We acknowledge the Dharug People as the traditional custodians of the land past, present and emerging.
Located on the traditional lands of the Dharug people, is Bankstown Airport, one of the most important airfields in Australia. Home to many essential aeromedical organisations, it is enshrined in Australian World War II aviation history, playing a pivotal role in Allied war efforts.
To many, Bankstown Airport may be considered a small, local airport. Perhaps surprisingly, it is Australia’s largest Emergency Medical Services base, one of the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. Operating 24/7, it supports critical emergency services, patient transfers and more, including world-class aviation and aeromedical training at The ACE Training Centre, alongside over 160 businesses that call the precinct home.
To explore this precinct, begin your day with a Will & Co Coffee at Kaffeine & Co, a well-loved neighbourhood favourite known for its great food and community feel. A
warm, freshly baked manoosh from Bedouin Bakery beckons next door before you go any further. Next, visit the Air Traffic Control Tower, commissioned in 1970 and listed on Australia's Commonwealth Heritage List, an iconic example of post-World War II design. Admire the variety of aircraft on the airfield as you continue towards the Aerodrome World War II Memorial. As mentioned, Bankstown Airport played a crucial role in WWII. 1940 saw the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Headquarters established here, followed in 1941 with training of the first Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF). During World
War II, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) used the airport as a strategic air base, and it was affectionately coined Yankstown.
By 1942 de Havilland Mosquito combat aircraft were being built onsite, and in 1945, the British Fleet Air Arm took over operations, then known as Royal Naval Air Station Bankstown (also known as HMS Nabberley). A covert RAAF bunker was also established nearby in Condell Park.
World War II Memorial is Flight Experience Sydney, home to a CASA certified simulator used for commercial pilot training and open for public experiences – your chance to take the captain’s seat! If you’re lucky, commercial pilot and skilled Red Baron aerobatics pilot Naomi may guide you.
For lunch, Lazeez Lebanese Cuisine at Bass Hill Plaza is where heartfelt hospitality meets delicious flavours. The Lahm be ajeen with mint, tomato, yoghurt and a sprinkling of pine nuts melts in your mouth, paired with a tangy, fresh Fattoush salad. Boston Doughnuts nearby has big, plump, flavour-bomb donuts you'll thank us for! Founded in Bass Hill by local Marwa, there’s love in your every bite.
Precinct is an insightful step back in time, a chance to honour its origins, celebrate its aviation achievements, and appreciate the incredible work of those in the aeromedical field. The extent of history, importance, and ongoing presence of this humble local airport is surprising. Pay a visit and discover for yourself
Bankstown Airport
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Flight Experience Sydney
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food . Boston Doughnuts
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cumberland city council
We acknowledge the Dharug People as the traditional custodians of the land past, present and emerging.
Once a thriving bricking making area in the 1970’s, the suburb of Merrylands West has since replaced the clay extraction pits and kilns for one of its most treasured features, the tranquil 12-hectare Central Gardens Nature Reserve. Though modest in size, it is a suburb on Dharug land rich in charm, shaped by its strong sense of community and vibrant multicultural cuisine.
Just a short bus ride from Merrylands Station, Merrylands West makes for a rewarding day out. Begin your day at Mina Bakery & Sons, their popular “Cafferino” coffee bar is a great place to start, and you may find it hard to resist a warm, freshly made manoush, the aroma is so very tempting.
A visit to Ablas Patisserie Merrylands is our tasty next stop. Specialising in Lebanese sweets, their selection is impressive, with many items made fresh that very morning. Take your pick from baklava, knefeh,
maamoul, znood and more. Delicious! Eat them now or treat yourself later while exploring.
From here, it’s a short stroll to Central Gardens Nature Reserve. Opened in 1976, it has become the heart of the neighbourhood, where stepping inside the gardens feels like you are entering an urban oasis. Walking the pathways, it’s a tranquil, peaceful environment, passing shady trees, picnic areas, flowing streams, kids' playgrounds, locals enjoying the day, and plenty of birdlife including nesting Ibises above you.
As you wander, an unexpected sound is one of a waterfall, getting louder as you approach. Following the accessible boardwalk, you’re greeted by two flowing waterfalls, a wonderful sight. There’s plenty of time to take it all in, then meander throughout Central Gardens stopping to enjoy a lakeside seat or two. Be sure to visit the next surprise, the Wildlife Exhibits, a small, FREE animal park home to emus, wallabies, kangaroos and even nocturnal animals. Central Gardens is a great example of the unexpected to be found for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re visiting solo, with family or with friends.
For lunch, take your pick from shawarma at Sofram Adana, pub
classics at Coolibah Hotel or fabulous Middle Eastern cuisine at Al Turath Restaurant. You can’t help but love the themed décor, hanging mosaic lamps and colourful walls made even more enjoyable by the friendly service. WEST recommends the popular BBQ plate with a mixture of coalgrilled kebabs, dips, zesty tabouli, kibbeh and Lebanese bread, you can expect phenomenal flavours on your plate!
Merrylands West is a suburb that invites you to slow down and feel connected, to nature, to food, and to the people who shape the neighbourhood. With its green spaces and rich local cuisine, it’s well worth exploring on your next Western Sydney day out.
culture . travel . food . Al Turath Restaurant
Central Gardens Nature Reserve cumberlandcitycouncil
alturathrestaurant
Central Gardens Wildlife Exhibits cumberlandcitycouncil
fairfield city council
We acknowledge the Cabrogal
People of the Dharug Nation as the traditional custodians of the land both past, present and emerging.
Located on the lands of the Cabrogal peoples of the Dharug Nation, Carramar in NSW is a leafy suburb, with a lot of heart. Perhaps best known for the historic Lansdowne Bridge designed by Bridge Builder and Master Stonemason David Lennox, Carramar is also home to a dreamy artisan gelateria.
Starting your day at Art of Gelato Michelangelo on busy The Horsley Drive, you’ll enter through the doors of a bright pink exterior, and inside it’s a wonderland of colourful gelato flavours. Italian vanilla, blood orange, pandan, taro coconut, green tea, mango sorbet – the choice is yours. WEST’s favourite was the black sesame, the nuttiness of the sesame really pops and is an absolute winner!
Run by father and son duo Martino and Vince, their gelato
is made in traditional Italian artisanal methods. Making small batches and using real fruit, the flavours are bold, surprising and oh-so-delicious. Featured in Powerhouse Museum’s Food Producers program, WEST joined a gelato-making experience, seeing firsthand the passion in what Martino and Vince do, crafting gelato that speaks to the soul. Before heading out to explore Carramar, enjoy a Goliath coffee here with your gelato, a perfect combo.
Carramar has some lovely parks, Oakdene Park being one of them. The ‘Bland Oak’ lives here, a beautiful big oak tree planted in 1842 by William Bland, a former doctor, convict and politician. Nearby is Heiden Park with an old granary tower built in the 1900s and a pathway you can stroll to Fairfield CBD, and for a longer scenic walk, follow the Orphan School Creek towards the heritage Lansdowne Bridge. Built by convicts between 18341836, you have a lovely view of its historic sandstone arch by the creek’s edge. Simple and elegant.
For lunch, why not opt for a taste of Malta, Gato’s Pastizzi offers homemade pastizzi of the best kind. Crunchy flaky pastry, piping hot filling and moreish flavours. This is a place locals
love and we’re sure you will too. Next door is also Mina Bakery & Sons with fresh oven-baked manoush. WEST loved the passion behind their customer service and the flavour of their handcrafted dough in the chicken pide and supreme style manoush, this is love on your plate.
As you travel through Carramar and visit some of the local businesses throughout, one thing that stands out is the sense of pride and community. Customers feel like friends and visitors are embraced warmly. WEST felt this firsthand and encourages you to visit this welcoming suburb and experience for yourself. Oh - and don’t forget to pack a cooler, you’ll be wanting to take some gelato home with you!
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Oakdene Park
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food . Art of Gelato Michelangelo
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Lansdowne Bridge
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hawkesbury city council
We acknowledge the Dharug and Darkinjung People as the traditional custodians of the land both past, present and emerging.
The Hawkesbury has a certain magic to it, and a day out in Ebenezer is one of the very best kind. Located on the traditional lands of the Dharug and Darkinjung peoples, Ebenezer is one of those wonderful places where you can experience both the colonial history of Australia and yet feel like you’re on an unexpected getaway.
We start our day at Ebenezer Church, Australia’s oldest church built in 1809. Staffed by knowledgeable volunteers, you can enjoy a Devonshire tea spread while overlooking the serene Hawkesbury River. The scones are homemade and match perfectly with your tea. The atmosphere is so relaxing here you’ll feel you’re a world away.
Explore the pioneer church, colonial graveyard and Schoolmasters House. 15
pioneer families who bravely migrated to Australia in the early 1800s, in turn building Ebenezer Church, using it both as a chapel and school. It eventually grew to include the surrounding community, with many locals rowing along the Hawkesbury River to attend services and school. “The Historic Tree” outside was the site of the very first services in 1803 before the church was built. This is a serene place to slow down, enjoy your tea with views and captivating historical conversation.
Afterwards, Tractor 828 is where you will find a great lunch spot. Fresh, local ingredients cooked lovingly by the friendly and welcoming staff and lots to choose from on the varied menu. Take a seat inside in the cool, or outside with a small playground for the kids and views over the surrounding paddocks. You can also shop some local products with Tractor 828 supporting local businesses.
Our last stop is a trip into what feels like a nod to Europe, visiting two family-owned wineries with the most stunning views in Ebenezer. Tizzana Winery is housed in a beautiful, old stone building with the feel of Italy’s Tuscany. With original vines planted in the late 1880s, be guided through a flight of red and white wines while surrounded by a ye old world cellar.
Across the road is Jubilee Vineyard Estate. Their tasting room sits outdoors with the most splendid view over vines, leafy trees and their own private lake. This is the ideal spot to indulge in a glass of White Chambourcin on a hot day, or a glass of Pinot Noir for red wine lovers, all while being transported on a Tuscan holiday. If you pre-order you can enjoy chef quality food to match.
Ebenezer truly is Hawkesbury’s hidden gem, a magical infusion of food made with love, significant Australian Colonial history, discovery, adventure and warm conversation everywhere you go. If you love local history and a long, leisurely day out exploring, then Ebenezer could well be the kind of getaway you’ve been looking for, right in your own backyard.
culture . travel . food . Tractor 828
Tizzana Winery
tizzanawinery
tractor828
Ebenezer Church
discoverthehawesbury
hills shire council
We acknowledge the Dharug People as the traditional custodians of the land past, present and emerging.
Within the evergreen The Hills Shire, you will find The Gables, a community neighbourhood designed with families and green spaces in mind. From imaginative playgrounds to quality sports grounds and amenities, it’s an inviting place to spend a day outdoors. Located on Dharug land, join WEST as we take you on a day of exploring.
Whilst driving through The Gables, you’ll notice a neighbourhood of manicured gardens, stylish, tidy homes and tree-lined streets. A Stockland masterplanned community, new scaffolding is also within sight, with hundreds of new home builds underway and many more planned.
Arriving at Bobby Bakehouse, it’s one of those places you stumble upon, and are so happy you did. Framed by timber pylons and corrugated iron roofing with hanging
plants and plenty of seating, it's an inviting space where you might easily spend hours.
Their shelves are stocked with goodies, from scrumptious pastries baked locally at Glenorie Bakery, to flaky filled pies (the beef brisket is a fave) as well as sandwiches and sweet treats. The ham and cheese Danish is packed with chunky ham and melted cheese, you’ll want to get your hands on these.
Picking up your Essential Coffee is a fun, quirky surprise, with
the kitchen cleverly housed in a big blue bus. Very photoworthy! For our sweet tooth friends, you’ll love the fresh donuts and ice-cream served from the trailers on site.
Throughout The Gables, there are playgrounds for every imagination. Stargazing Park has fantastic UFO themed equipment and constellation star steps to climb (some even glow at night), Wheelie Park with bike tracks for kids that love to vroom, Orchard Park has an Alice in Wonderland themed set and Slidey Park with, you guessed it, slides galore. There are also hockey fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, a skate park and more, encouraging lots of outdoor play and active time together. Great for the family on a day out.
After working up an appetite, head to the Stockland Gables Town Centre for some excellent food options. Choose from Ogalo, La Taqueria, Dream Kebab House, Sushi Hub and C9 Chocolate and Gelato depending what you’re craving. Cafe Capri is a favourite for their spacious indoor-outdoor seating and delicious food, the tacos with battered fish, sesame dressing and coleslaw has flavour that sings.
A day out in The Gables is ideal for the outdoor enthusiast, discovering great food, creative spaces to play, a friendly welcoming community and plenty to discover and explore. If you’re looking for a fun, active day outdoors, why not explore with WEST and plan your own day of exploring by heading to The Hills.
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Stockland Gables
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food . Bobby Bakehouse
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culture . Stargazing Park thesydneyhills
liverpool city council
We acknowledge the Dharug and Tharawal People as the traditional custodians of the land past, present and emerging.
Green Valley is a suburb found on the traditional lands of the Cabrogal people. Once covered in Eucalyptus forests and home to market gardeners, dairymen and poultry farmers, it is now a thriving residential suburb with a diverse and interesting community, reflected in the wonderful cuisine you can find here.
Starting your day at The Valley Plaza, you are greeted by early2000s style signs, a nostalgic throwback to when Savage Garden might have been playing on the radio. Choose from three popular cafes for your coffee, XS Expresso, Macchiato & Co and Lab Kitchen. The Campos Coffee at Lab Kitchen is spot on and in a great location to enjoy the buzz of a busy locals meeting place. Take a stroll in the plaza afterwards to explore the local shops, there’s also plenty of food options if you’re feeling peckish.
From here, head across the road to Ida Kennedy Reserve, a sprawling park dedicated to a Green Valley resident, known for once being the quickest tomato packer in town at 100 boxes a day. Such a great snippet of local history. There are paths for strolling, and if you head to the top of the hill, you’re rewarded with views over the neighbourhood. Green Valley’s streets follow the contours of the land, with many streets curved and following a semicircular pattern rather than a
traditional grid system. It’s quite beautiful, see what you can spot from your seat on the hill.
Next stop is to admire the JAAM-E-MASJID mosque. Its striking green and white colours and towering minarets add beauty, culture and colour to the neighbourhood. For a feel of local life (and a great lunch), our next stop is the Green Valley Village Shopping Centre.
This is a place that feels local, where you can buy local, from a fruit and veg shop, hot bread bakery, butcher, Indian grocer, Middle Eastern sweets shop and enjoy a great meal at Golden King 2000 Chinese Restaurant, My Tandoori Indian Restaurant or Meo's Kitchen.
If you love flavours that transport your tastebuds on holiday, then a meal at Meo’s Kitchen is a smorgasbord. The Banh Hoi Dac Biet is such a fun way to eat, where you’re given a selection of rice paper sheets, fresh herbs, salad and meats to put together. A delicious WEST must visit.
A visit to Green Valley is one that leaves you with a full belly and a happy heart. In this neighbourhood, you’re encouraged to slow down, share a chat with local shopkeepers, and enjoy the simple pleasures that make the area feel like home. A wonderful place to visit in and of itself for your next planned day out.
We acknowledge the Burramattagal Clan of the Dharug People and as the traditional custodians of the land past, present and emerging.
Bordering the Parramatta River, Rydalmere is a suburb known for its industrial precinct and relaxed, riverside lifestyle. The Burramattagal Clan of the Dharug people are the original custodians of this land, relying on the river for food such as eels and fish. Today, Rydalmere’s peaceful river walk, ferry connections and residential feel make it a lovely place to visit.
A great place to start your day with coffee is at Cherry Beans Rydalmere, a hidden gem tucked into the industrial part of town. Housed in an industrial space with dangling hanging plants, coffee is roasted in-house and full of flavour, so why not take a seat and take it all in.
From here, head down to the river for a long stroll along the waterfront. If you love biking, you can cycle the Parramatta to Park River Trail, sure to be a scenic ride. Families will appreciate the playgrounds, and the BBQ areas are perfect for cooking up a sausage sanga or two.
One feature not to miss is the Thackeray Street Footbridge at Shepherd’s Wharf, a striking water pipe bridge built in 1936 to carry water supply over the Parramatta River. Rydalmere was once known as ‘Field of Mars’ for the soldiers that received early land grants here, if you take the steps up, you’ll have a great view over the river, picturing what life may have looked like back then.
A fun activity WEST highly recommends is to take a ferry along the Parramatta River. Using a Transport for NSW Opal card, you can travel to Parramatta, or all the way to Circular Quay, stopping at places like Sydney Olympic Park, Balmain and Barangaroo. It’s a wonderful way to sightsee, offering you a unique perspective of the city from the water. Head upstairs for the best views, passing historic bridges, city skylines and the bustle of everyday life.
When it’s time to eat, Rydalmere offers plenty of choice, from Thai and Chinese to pizza and cafe style fare. Big Tree House
is a local favourite, owned by Simi, an IT lecturer at the nearby University. Inside is full of personality, with playful tabletops and quirky napkin holders reflecting the great vibe of the café. The menu is diverse and offers options for coeliacs and vegans, WEST loved the salmon poke bowl with creamy sesame dressing and crunchy coleslaw.
With the Parramatta River at its doorstep, a scenic ferry ride adventure and nature inviting you outside, Rydalmere is a riverside gem waiting for you to discover. Share with family, share with friends, just as WEST has shared with you.
Thackeray Street Footbridge
penrith city council
We acknowledge the Dharug and Gundungurra People as the traditional custodians of the land past, present and emerging.
Penrith is a city known as a food and nightlife mecca, and now a visit is even more enticing with a new dining precinct known as Manufactor. A site that began life as a copper tube manufacturing plant in 1961, its purpose has been reinvented. Found on the traditional lands of the Dharug people, join WEST as we explore this exciting new destination.
As always, let’s start our day with a cup of sunshine, coffee. Melosi Deli is a gem here, offering authentic Italian products, Australian smallgoods cured in Italian methods, a panini bar and delicious Goliath coffee. There are shelves stocked full of goodies, it's fun to explore the aisles and see what treats you find.
Outside, you’ll discover disused parts of the copper factory used as ornaments around the precinct, an outdoor
gallery of sorts. Old operator controls by the playground, inventive metal garbage cans and water tanks used as colourful art pieces. There’s even an outdoor pickleball court for some sporting fun.
Bright, realistic murals adorn many of the walls, giving a sense of artistry. Calum Hotham is a mural artist from Bathurst who specialises in realism, and you will discover many of his artworks as you explore.
Feeling thirsty? Drink West Brewery has plenty of local drops to choose from, including the aptly named Penrith Porter. With founder links to a Penrith Panthers player, it’s local all the way and a great place to unwind.
For lunch, tempt yourself with Louisiana-style fried chicken from Flappy’s, tasty burgers at Burger Point, Southern BBQ from Brisket Boys or New York style pizza from Freddy's. Our pick of the day is back to Melosi Deli, the panini bar menu is too good to miss. Choose from a range of options, WEST went with the fan favourite - a mixture of Italian prosciutto, truffle salami, provolone picante cheese and more. Heaven.
Roland Melosi, owner of Melosi Deli, has been a Sydney Royal
Easter Show Smallgoods judge for the past 10 years, so you know the quality of their meats is some of the best you will find. Enjoy your panini in the courtyard surrounded by olive trees, or take it over to the pickleball court for shady garden seating.
Upmost care has been taken to retain the heritage of the site whilst adding a fresh, new modern twist. There are plans to add even more businesses to cater for every appetite, ensuring the Manufactor precinct is a favourite dining destination for locals and beyond, perhaps even yours. WEST suggests making a visit, and discovering this unique destination for yourself. There is so very much to offer.
ARTS CENTRE
We acknowledge the Dharawal and Gundungurra People as the traditional custodians of the land past, present and emerging.
On the traditional land of Dharawal and Gundungurra peoples, Wollondilly, or the Dilly as it is affectionately known, has always been a place of great beauty and artistic endeavour. With the Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre now calling Picton home, locals are embracing artistry, creativity and an inclusive community for all.
This November 2025, the Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre (WPAC) celebrates its one-year anniversary, and what an incredible year of live entertainment it’s been. Showcasing performances in a stellar, visionary piece of architecture, bringing and enabling creative arts to resonate, of the highest quality, in the Dilly.
For a daytime trip to the Centre, enjoy a coffee at The Hip Joint Cafe. A name play on
the physiotherapy practice it’s attached to, a sweet message on your cup is a warm fuzzy feeling to start your day.
Arriving at the Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre, take a moment to admire its form. Designed by Williams Ross Architects, the Lyrebird and Water Dragon totems of the Dharawal and Gundungurra peoples have been beautifully incorporated. Spot the curve of the lyrebird tail and the shimmering of dragon scales
The Hip Joint Cafe
on the outside, and the totems of both on the carpet inside.
The layout has been thoughtfully planned, with all areas of the building inclusive, fully accessible and adaptable, supporting everything from theatre performances to large-scale events. It is truly an astonishing place of performing arts in the heart of Picton.
2025 has seen a stellar line up, from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Dance Theatre, Flickerfest short film festival and Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, to local theatre, circus, dance and more.
For the best kind of experience, book in a show and make a night of it. Start with a hearty dinner at the 190-year-old George IV Inn up the road. A community
staple, enjoy a great meal and live music before heading to WPAC early to mingle and soak in the vibes. Enjoy locally sourced drinks from the bar and the buzzing atmosphere before your show begins.
After a fun and feel-good evening, you won’t want to miss what 2026 has in store. The entertainment is guaranteed to be just as spectacular, so follow the Wollondilly Performing Art Centre’s 2026 program and schedule in a vibrant show experience for yourself. WEST loves that art and culture can shine even brighter in the Dilly.
A placemaking building like this is not just beautiful, but brings something extraordinary to the local area and puts this beautiful part of Western Sydney on the map.
Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre
travel . Picton Town Centre
visitwollondilly
food . George IV Inn georgeivinn
culture . Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre
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west of west
central coast council,
city of newcastle, singleton
council, cessnock city council
Year upon year, a flurry of enthusiasm and excitement rings out at the announcement of the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide, and the Australian Good Food Guide’s
Hatted Restaurant Winners. Defined as the highest levels of hospitality all over Australia, these two prestigious guides highlight exceptional chefs, exceptional food and exceptional dining experiences. In this edition, The WEST Journal celebrates some of the restaurants awarded a Chef Hat accolade in the Central Coast, Newcastle and Hunter Valley regions. Pairing cool, coastal living and vineyard views with refined hospitality and delicious, glorious food.
MOUNT VIEW ROAD, MOUNT VIEW
Awarded Chef Hats from both guides, Bistro Molines owners Sally and Robert Molines live and breathe the ethos of hospitality at their core, with their love of customers, staff (or family as they like to call them) and food shining through. With stunning Mount View vineyard views, an everchanging French provincial menu and more than
fifty years as restauranteurs in the Hunter Valley, Bistro Molines love treating guests like friends and ensuring everyone feels relaxed and welcome.
Circa 1876 restaurant is set amongst the beautiful kitchen gardens and vineyards around
The Convent Hunter Valley, just outside Pokolbin. Every course of executive chef Anthony Fullerton’s succinct but diverse menu offers an excellent balance of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes that speak of the seasons and display an expert, light touch with classic French recipes and techniques. This is an unmissable choice for destination dining.
éRemo Restaurant at the Spicers Guesthouse is surrounded by vineyards and verdant kitchen garden in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country. The style is inviting and relaxing, with Italian inspiration in everything they do. éRemo is about crafting memories that linger, from sitting on the lawn with a hand-spun pizza, to a diverse a la carte menu, and four-course shared dining experience from the ‘Avido’ menu, head chef Brandon Cole’s selection of dishes, served to share.
Humbug is a neighbourhood restaurant in Newcastle owned and operated by Head Chef, Michael Portley & Maître d, Stephanie Wells. Humbug serves up snacks, pasta and wine, celebrating seasonal, produce driven cooking matched with an adventurous and ever-evolving wine list with a focus on small family owned and operated wineries. Humbug is all about genuine hospitality, good music, a welcome and inviting space and delicious bites.
Nestled in the Parish of Pokolbin at the foot of the stunning Brokenback Range, The Gates Restaurant offers breathtaking views in Australia’s oldest wineproducing region. Guests can enjoy both an à la carte menu and a premium degustation experience, thoughtfully curated
with matching Leogate Estate wines. Showcasing regional produce and refined technique, The Gates Restaurant menu reflects a deep connection to the land, the seasons, and the rich winemaking heritage of the Hunter Valley.
Margan is a family-owned farm, winery and restaurant, established in 1996 and located in Broke, Hunter Valley. Margan is a five red-star winery, winning Cellar Door of the Year three times and with Margan Restaurant consistently awarded one-hat since 2017 in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. Margan offers farm to table dining featuring estategrown produce as well as a range of interactive experiences. With both owners Lisa and Andrew Margan inducted as Living Legends in the 2025 Hunter Valley Legends Awards, you know you are in the hands of a venue who are passionate about everything they do.
Restaurant Botanica is a modern Australian restaurant hidden among grapevines and gum trees at Spicers Vineyards Estate, appealing to diners seeking cuisine with impeccable provenance and a superb regional wine list. Spicers' signature emphasis on locally sourced produce starts in their own kitchen garden, where a bounty of the Hunter's best produce is used with naturally sustainable practices to create award winning cuisine in a distinctive regional style. .........................................
Perched above Terrigal with sweeping views of the Pacific, The Cowrie offers a refined dining experience celebrating fresh, local seafood and modern Australian cuisine with a strong focus on sourcing fresh produce from local suppliers and providores. Each dish is artfully crafted, highlighting the region’s
finest seasonal ingredients and ocean fresh flavours. Whether you’re sipping wine at sunset or indulging in a multi course tasting menu, The Cowrie delivers a memorable culinary journey.
The Flotilla is a small and dynamic restaurant located in Newcastle, NSW. Flotilla’s aim is to provide a relaxed yet refined dining experience that celebrates the joy of eating out. Their menus are crafted around the seasons and the incredible produce from their local growers. Embracing a hyper-seasonal approach, Flotilla updates their menu every six weeks to ensure it's always fresh and aligned with what's best, as well as featuring a “killer beverage program”.
bistromolines.com.au
worldsapart.club
eremo.com.au
humbugnewcastle.com.au
leogate.com.au
margan.com.au/restaurant
restaurantbotanica.com.au
thecowrie.com.au
theflotilla.com.au
bistromolines circa1876
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city of wollongong, shoalhaven
city council, bega valley shire council, wingecarribee
shire council
Australians love nothing more than eating out, choosing to celebrate friendship, family, anniversaries and special occasions at a favourite restaurant, or at an eatery on the bucket list thanks to the recommendations of a prestigious food guide. The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide, and the Australian Good Food Guide are two such chaperones, held at the highest levels of trusted restaurant recommendations. In this edition, The WEST Journal showcases some of the restaurants awarded a Chef Hat accolade in the Illawarra, on the South Coast and in the Southern Highlands. So book in your visit, take the leisurely road and get ready for a hatted experience that will linger on the palate for years to come.
Awarded hats from both guides, Bangalay Dining showcases a commitment to excellence in food, wine and hospitality. Nestled on the stunning South Coast, Bangalay celebrates the region’s rich natural bounty, with menus driven by native ingredients, seasonal
produce, and refined culinary technique. Bangalay Dining’s dedicated team strives to create memorable dining experiences that honour both land and culture, offering a uniquely Australian expression of coastal dining. As the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide puts it, “Bangalay? Banga-yay.”
HARBOURFRONT SEAFOOD
Overlooking the iconic Belmore Basin on Wollongong Harbour, at Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant, the freshest local and sustainable seafood and produce are showcased on your plate. Offering both a daily market menu and an à la carte selection, Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant is known throughout the region for their premium seafood platters. With stunning waterfront views, warm hospitality, and a reputation as a true Wollongong icon, this is a restaurant that promises a dining experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious. .
TATHRA-BERMAGUI ROAD, BERMAGUI
At Mimosa Wines, you will find a boutique family-owned gastronomic restaurant on the South Coast of NSW. Head Chef Matteo Ponti brings close to two decades of experience shaped by his roots in the Italian countryside and a global
culinary journey. Originally from Piedmont, Matteo earned his first Michelin star at the age of thirty while leading a contemporary Italian kitchen in Singapore, where he spent a decade refining his craft. His menu at Mimosa captures his culinary experiences, where each plate tells a story of season, memory and travel. With a deep respect for nature and sustainability, Matteo reimagines Italian cuisine through a modern lens.
Paste Australia is the Southern Highlands home of Chef Bee Satongun’s acclaimed Michelinstarred Thai restaurant brand. Located in a picturesque setting, Paste brings refined Thai cuisine to regional New South Wales, combining authentic flavours with contemporary presentation. The restaurant sources premium local produce while staying true to traditional Thai techniques, showcasing complex balance, aromatic herbs, and bold yet elegant tastes. With an emphasis on creativity and cultural
storytelling, Paste Australia has become a fine dining destination in Bowral and Mittagong and proudly holding Chef Hat recognition. .........................................
Tucked in a lively Wollongong laneway, Restaurant Santino is a modern Italian bistro with a moody, art-deco edge. Think dirty martinis, low-lit ambience, and walls lined with classic prints that frame the glow of the room. Their chefs craft fresh pasta daily, balancing tradition with a contemporary touch on a rotating menu that always feels new. Santino hums with warmth and groove - equal parts Italian spirit and equal parts Australian soul, lifted by the clink of amaro glasses and the buzz of lively conversation.
Nestled in the escarpment above Wollongong, is Ruby’s Mount Kembla, one of the longest serving restaurants in the Illawarra established in 1987.
Ruby’s Mount Kembla offers a 5 and 7 course tasting menu prepared by Head Chef and Owner Scott Woods, seasonally inspired by local ingredients with many foraged items found on the menu and wine pairing to match. With chef links to ARIA and Matt Moran as well as Tom Aitkins in London, you are in excellent hands.
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Ex-Sydneysiders John Evans and Sonia Greig bring city slick dining with a country vibe. SOUTH on Albany craft a fortnightly
changing set 3 course Chef's menu, freshly shucked oysters and matching wines. It's real, honest food, driven by flavour and truly seasonal produce. SOUTH on Albany love to showcase NSW food and wine and have been awarded one hat from the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide for 5 years running. For the best of seasonal produce and wine, a visit to SOUTH on Albany is one not to be missed.
bangalayvillas.com.au
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pasteaustralia.com
restaurantsantino.com.au
rubysmtkembla.com.au
southonalbany.com.au
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SOUTH on Albany
bathurst regional council
We acknowledge the Wiradjuri People as the traditional custodians of the land past, present and emerging.
Most often associated with the Bathurst 1000 at Wahluu/ Mount Panorama, Bathurst’s greatest claim to fame is in fact as Australia’s oldest inland settlement and Gold Rush region. Heritage listed buildings from its 1815 inception pepper the Bathurst city landscape, home to bars, restaurants, boutiques and accommodation full of character and certainly many stories to tell. Bathurst is found on the Traditional Lands of the Wiradjuri People, the original custodians of the Bathurst Region and the People of the Three Rivers - the Wambuul (Macquarie), the Calare/Kalari (Lachlan) and the Murrumbidgee.
Bathurst is the kind of town that asks you to slow down, matching its historic surroundings. Known affectionately as BX by locals, this shorthand term reportedly stems from military radio communications during the Second World War. Bathurst is a city embracing their local artisans and business owners, full of live music, social activities, farm and agricultural produce, sporting events, beautiful parks and standout food. Making your way to Bathurst
is a lovely journey whether by train, bus or car. Taking the train, you arrive at the heritage Bathurst train station, dating from 1876. Take time to admire the Victorian Gothic design, ornate detailing and the ‘Chiefly Engine’ restored locomotive, once driven by Australian Prime Minister Ben Chiefly. The station is central to everything and is an ideal place to start.
A short stroll away is the Bathurst Rail Museum and its cafe, Ly Café at Refreshment
Wahluu/Mount Panorama
Room Bathurst, the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely coffee and plan your day.
Bathurst is an easy city to navigate, with its streets in a grid-like system. Kings Parade is an open landscaped park home to the Carillon, Evans and Boer War Memorial monuments, and nearby is the State Heritage listed Bathurst Courthouse, built in 1880 and designed by James Barnet, Colonial Architect of NSW. It’s a stunning piece of Victorian architecture, with its beautiful copper clad dome and colonial design. Next door is the Bathurst District Historical Society Museum, housed in Bathurst’s old post office built in 1877. For a great sense of life from the 1800s, this is a must visit on your trip to Bathurst.
Head down Keppel St and make your way to The Hub for lunch, one of the most popular cafes in town. Serving local Fish River Roasters Coffee Co., there’s a hearty menu on offer and a leafy courtyard to enjoy. The cafe is full of locals and visitors alike, service is friendly and efficient, the food local, in-season and cooked to perfection. No wonder the locals love it!
Machattie Park, opened in 1890, is a wonderful place to take a stroll, with heritage centrepieces including the Bandstand, the Caretakers Cottage and the unique Crago Fountain. And what’s a day of exploring without stopping for a treat. Located on the corner of George and Church St, Annie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour takes you back in time, with retro style seating and pink decor reminiscent of a 1960s diner, not to mention all your favourite flavours on offer. For dinner, Bootleg Dining, in the heritage Royal Hotel building, is a premium dining experience, and another option you can’t go past is The Victoria. A champion of the live music scene, the energy here is electric, full of people that love good food, good service and a lively atmosphere!
One of the most unique and fun things to do - whether a motorsport fan or not - is to head to Wahluu/Mount Panorama and take a ‘hot lap’ at the Motor Racing Circuit. Originally planned as a scenic drive during the Depression years of the 1930s, it’s open to the public outside of race periods. The circuit
is a scenic 6.2km route along winding road and some of the steepest gradients of any track in the world. Cruise the curves and stop at the peak for panoramic views of Bathurst from the John Hinxman Vista. What a thrill!
Bathurst certainly is a city where Australian heritage meets highoctane thrills. WEST invites you to visit a city steeped in some of Australia’s oldest colonial history, revving with motorsport energy, and wrapped in regional, hospitable charm.
travel . Wahluu/Mount Panorama bathurst_council
food . The Victoria thevictoriabathurst
culture . Bathurst Rail Museum museums_bathurst
The WEST Journal explores everything Western Sydney and Regional NSW have to offer. Aligning with the NSW Government’s roll out of a Three Cities City, we explore what Greater Western Sydney has to offer, taking in everything outside of the Eastern Harbour City (Sydney City), from the Central River City (Parramatta and surrounds) to the Western Parklands City (The Western Sydney Airport and surrounds).
WEST of WEST explores in and around regional destinations outside of Greater Western Sydney.
