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SYDWEST Spring 2026
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DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
Powerhouse Parramatta opens November 7
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BEST THINGS TO DO IN WESTERN SYDNEY
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SPRING FEATHERDALE’S JOEY SEASON 31/8/2026 11:22 am
Discover one of Sydney’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park. Wander through 7 acres of native bushland and meet over 2,000 Australian animals, including koalas, kangaroos, quokkas, penguins and more.
PENGUIN ENCOUNTERS
KOALA EXPERIENCES
ANIMAL FEEDINGS
Get up close to penguins with expert keepers.
Enjoy a unique, unforgettable koala encounter.
Hand-feed Australia’s friendliest native wildlife.
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Why visit Featherdale? 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.
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Plan Your Visit 217–229 Kildare Road, Doonside featherdale.com.au
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hello@austwp.com.au +61 2 9622 1644
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WESTERN SYDNEY
CALENDAR » Spring in the West brings a packed line-up of sport, culture, festivals and family entertainment, before the countdown to Christmas kicks off early with festive favourites returning to the region. SEPTEMBER 2026 > Real Festival
Penrith’s flagship riverside festival transforms Tench Reserve into a playground of art installations, live music, workshops and Sydney’s best food trucks, with on-water activities by day and illuminated displays lighting the Nepean River after dark. Tench Reserve, Jamisontown, September 12-14, realfestival.com.au
Australian Short Course Swimming Championships
Australia’s fastest swimmers descend on Sydney Olympic Park as the nation’s top short course talent battles it out in the pool, with plenty of rising stars to watch ahead of future international meets. Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Sydney
Olympic Park, September 29-October 2, sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au/ aquatic-centre
Father’s Day Car Show
Hundreds of classic, custom and high-performance vehicles roll into Penrith for one of Western Sydney’s biggest automotive gatherings, with family entertainment, food vendors and a lively community atmosphere alongside the machinery. 123 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith, September 6, penrithpanthers.com.au
OCTOBER 2026 < Parramatta Lanes
Western Sydney’s biggest street festival takes over Parramatta’s laneways for a weekend of food, live music and art, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors into the city’s bars, restaurants and pop-up venues. Parramatta CBD, Parramatta, October 21-24, atparramatta.com/lanes
Western Sydney Wanderers Home Season Opener
The Red and Black kick off a new A-League Men’s campaign in front of the Western Sydney faithful, with the club chasing a finals return.
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for hands-on encounters the whole family will love this spring. 217 Kildare Rd, Doonside, September-November, featherdale.com.au
Sydney Kings Home Games
Western Sydney’s NBL heroes return to the court for a run of home fixtures, bringing fast-paced basketball and family entertainment to Sydney Olympic Park as the finals race heats up. Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park, November (dates TBC), sydneykings.com.au
DECEMBER 2026 Nutcracker on Ice
The beloved Christmas classic gets the ice-skating treatment as Clara’s Nutcracker doll comes to life in a dazzling, family-friendly retelling of Tchaikovsky’s magical tale, complete with sparkling costumes and highflying skating artistry on a frozen stage. 55 Sherbrooke St, Rooty Hill, early December, coliseumtheatre. com.au
CommBank Stadium, Parramatta, October (stay tuned for date), wswanderersfc.com.au
Western Sydney Marathon
Runners of all abilities take on marathon, half-marathon, 10-kilometre and family fun run distances around the scenic Penrith Lakes, with a fast, flat course that suits everyone from elite athletes to beginner joggers. Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith, October date TBC, sport.nsw.gov.au
NOVEMBER 2026 Powerhouse Parramatta
Western Sydney’s highly anticipated new museum has announced it will open its doors to the public this November, with five exhibitions set to premiere across its huge 30,000-square-metre space. The new exhibitions will present more than 3000 objects and 120 new acquisitions, featuring over 45 new commissions spanning 14 countries. Powerhouse Parramatta, opens November 7, powerhouse.com.au/visit/parramatta
Coliseum Summer Festival Spring at Featherdale
It’s joey season at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, with baby kangaroos and wallabies emerging from the pouch and the park’s koalas, wombats and reptiles all on show
The Coliseum kicks off its biggest season yet with a run of blockbuster comedy, magic and family theatre to start the silly season, headlined by some of Australia’s best-loved performers. 55 Sherbrooke St, Rooty Hill, early December, coliseumtheatre. com.au
Dewali festivities
Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with cultural performances, food stalls and family-friendly activities as Parramatta comes alive with colour and community spirit. The joyful celebration brings people together to share traditions, stories and delicious food. Parramatta, October/November 2026 sydneytravelguide.com.au/sydwest
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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.
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estern 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 URBNSURF
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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
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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
HIKE IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
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
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
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 SYDNEY WILDLIFE PARK
+ 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
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WHERE TO EAT
LILYMU, PARRAMATTA
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.
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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
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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, arrana.com.au DARLEY’S RESTAURANT, KATOOMBA
DARLEY’S RESTAURANT, KATOOMBA Located in the historic Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, Darley’s Restaurant is one of the standout examples of fine dining out west. Ever so elegant yet wonderfully homely, the dining room is a charming setting for beautifully presented dishes. 5/19 Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba, (02) 4780 1200, worldsapart.club/ardour/lilianfels
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 ever-popular Middle Eastern breakfast platter with fried eggs, foul (fava beans), labneh and assorted village cheeses. Main Lane, Merrylands, iftar.com.au SINCLAIR’S, PENRITH
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
CHU RESTAURANT, ROOTY HILL
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WHERE TO EAT
CHATKAZZ, HARRIS PARK
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
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PRECINCTS
BANKSTOWN ARTS CENTRE
Get to know Western Sydney
» Discover the unique identity of these 10 suburbs across Western Sydney and beyond.
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.
PARRAMATTA 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, including the new design and technology museum Powerhouse Parramatta. Within the modern cityscape, you’ll find pockets of lush
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 showcases the culture and creativity of the local people. The suburb’s rich multicultural mix means you can eat your way around the world, sydneytravelguide.com.au/sydwest
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BLACKTOWN DRIVE-IN
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.
LIVERPOOL
with 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.
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 PARRAMATTA LANES FESTIVAL
BLACKTOWN Blacktown, Sydney’s largest suburb, is 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 Sydney Action Park, highspeed 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 12
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THE PAPER MILL FOOD, LIVERPOOL
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.
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 FRERES CROSSING RESERVE, CAMPBELLTOWN
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 sydneytravelguide.com.au/sydwest
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CAMPBELLTOWN ARTS CENTRE
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.
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.
PHOTOS: DESTINATION NSW
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.
BALLOON ALOFT, CAMDEN
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PHOTOS: DESTINATION NSW
10-20 DECEMBER TICKETS ON SALE NOW
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