Blacktown is a lively enclave with family-friendly attractions and plenty of green space. Make a splash at the waterslide park, get up close with Aussie icons at the wildlife sanctuary and enjoy a nostalgia-soaked night at the drive-in theatre. Excellent public transport links make Blacktown a great base for sightseeing in the Sydney CBD.
Things to do in Blacktown
Home to koalas, kangaroos and saltwater crocodiles, Featherdale Wildlife Park attracts animal lovers from across Sydney. Sydney Zoo is just south of Blacktown and gets you face-to-face with animals from around the world. Raging Waters Sydney is another family favourite, with three pools and more than 40 waterslides.
Didgeridoo workshops, boomerang throwing lessons and “bush tucker” tours are just some of the experiences offered at the Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural and Education Centre. Visit the Blacktown Arts Centre to admire works by local and international artists.
Eastern Creek winds through the Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens, which features serene ponds, stone bridges and gazebos. The gardens are nestled within Nurragingy Reserve, an urban parkland with shady picnic spots and barbecue areas.
Getting behind the wheel of a V8 race car at Sydney Motorsport Park is guaranteed to get your pulse racing. Next door is the Western Sydney International Dragway, where professional racers hit speeds of up to 500 kilometres per hour.
Blacktown is known for its multicultural community and serves some of the best international cuisines in Sydney, including Burmese, Ethiopian, Indonesian, Thai and more. For a slice of local history, the heritage-listed Royal Cricketers Arms occupies a charming tavern built in 1880.
Getting around Blacktown
Blacktown is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The neighbourhood is a 40-minute drive from the Sydney CBD while trains also run between Central Station and Blacktown in around 40 minutes. Sydney Airport is a 45-minute drive away.