Stretching between Sydney’s inner suburbs and the foothills of the Blue Mountains, the Western Suburbs is a cosmopolitan collection of residential areas. It includes Liverpool, Doonside and Cabramatta, as well as Granville, Glenorie and Edmondson Park. The area is renowned for its immense parklands and diverse recreational facilities that include former venues for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
Things to do in Western Suburbs
Stretch your legs on one of the walking trails that wind through the Western Sydney Parklands, a 5,280-hectare recreational area that is one of the largest in the world. It includes Sydney’s largest off-leash dog area, the Warrigal Run at Bungarribee, and the traditional Chinese garden at Nurragingy Reserve, as well as plenty of sporting facilities and children’s playgrounds.
If you want to meet local wildlife, head to Featherdale Wildlife Park to cuddle koalas and hand-feed kangaroos. In addition to around 40 species of native reptiles (including a 4.5-metre saltwater crocodile) and adorable little penguins, the park is home to a diversity of bird species that include charismatic emus.
Want to try whitewater rafting or kayaking? Visit the only man-made whitewater river in the Southern Hemisphere at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium, which was purpose-built to host events during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Experience the thrill as 14,000 litres of water flow every second along its moveable obstacle system, which combines both natural and man-made materials to replicate a wild river system.
Getting around Western Suburbs
The Western Suburbs is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Sydney and slightly further from Sydney Airport. Both buses and trains connect the area to destinations across the New South Wales capital. Private taxis and ride-share services are also readily available for getting around.