Are you looking for vibrant nightlife, beautiful national parks and a thriving arts scene? Look no further than the livable and exciting Western Sydney suburbs, which include Parramatta, Blacktown, Hawkesbury and Penrith – just to name a few.
If you’re thinking about studying in Australia, here are the top 10 reasons you should consider Western Sydney.
Epicentre of education
Western Sydney is home to Western Sydney University, one of Australia’s leading institutions. According to Times Higher Education (THE), it is in the top two per cent of universities worldwide. It even ranked 5th in Australia among universities under 50 years old in the THE Young University Rankings 2022.
Western Sydney University is also ranked 1st in the world for commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and scored five stars in the categories of teaching, employability, facilities and innovations according to QS Top Universities.
Western Sydney suburbs are second to none
Wondering what the best suburbs in Western Sydney are? With such a diverse and vibrant selection, it’s impossible to pick!
Across the Western Sydney suburbs, you’ll find incredible food and drink, lush green spaces, entertainment venues and so much more. Plus, these suburbs are often more relaxed and are often more affordable compared to inner-city or city living.
Great sports culture
Western Sydney is one of the best places to get involved with sports. There’s no shortage of local teams to get behind, including a number of National Rugby League (NRL) and Australian Football League (AFL) teams including the Penrith Panthers and GWS Giants, as well as the Western Sydney Wanderers for football/soccer fans.
You can also explore the bike trails of Bicentennial Park or the Aquatic Centre and celebrate the triumphs of some of Australia’s greatest swimming legends. The choice is yours!
Read more: 10 Day Trips and Fun Things to do in Western Sydney
Multiculturalism
Western Sydney has a diverse population with 35 per cent of residents having been born overseas. As a result, international students can feel comfortable knowing they’ll have a culturally-rich place to study, work and live.
Diversity Fest is one such event, hosted by Western Sydney University. With one-third of its students coming from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and one-fifth of students born overseas, Diversity Fest is a chance for everyone to come together and connect through diverse experiences and perspectives.
A bustling events calendar
Speaking of events, Western Sydney boasts a full calendar of events – multicultural and otherwise – running throughout the year. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Western Sydney, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
The Sydney Coliseum Theatre in Rooty Hills regularly plays host to local and international talent, Sydney Olympic Park is home to the annual Royal Easter Show, and Riverside Theatres in Parramatta is a performing arts centre that puts on live performances throughout the year.
Education providers in the region also regularly host an array of events through the school. For example, Western Sydney University organises community lunches, live music sessions, live bingo, game nights, student breakfasts and more.
A chance to connect with nature
Western Sydney suburbs are surrounded by an abundance of natural bushlands, parklands, hiking trails, farms and national parks. In other words, there are countless natural wonders right at your doorstep, ready to explore
Pack a picnic and visit The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, Bungarribee Park or even Weir Reserve. Alternatively, discover some breathtaking waterfalls and campsites at the Blue Mountains, taking in the rich biodiversity and breathtaking views.
Foodie hot spots
It’s no secret restaurants in Western Sydney are among the best in New South Wales, offering a wide variety of cuisines such as Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian and Taiwanese.
Parramatta is home to the legendary Eat Street, which has many excellent cafés, bars and restaurants. The lively strip is decorated with fairy lights and offers alfresco seating, making it a popular spot during the summer.
Harris Park is known for having exceptional Indian food, while Cabramatta and Auburn are the go-to spots for Vietnamese and Middle Eastern food, respectively.
A lively bar scene
As well as being a popular food spot, Parramatta’s nightlife is booming, housing some of the best bars in the state and even the country.
If you’re looking for a vibrant bar unlike no other, visit Coco Cubano, a Cuban-inspired bar that will have you feeling like you just stepped into downtown Havana.
For something a little more luxurious, check out Nick & Nora’s or ALEX&Co., both of which specialise in upscale beverages like cocktails and champagne.
In the mood for something more low-key? Check out Uncle Kurt’s, a New-York inspired bar tucked away under a Parramatta car park.
The arts are thriving
Art lovers will be in bliss when living in Western Sydney as the region’s art scene is rich and diverse. If you’re a student wanting to discover world-class pieces, Western Sydney University has an outstanding collection consisting of paintings, works on paper, mixed media, sculptures and ceramics.
If you’re after some boundary-pushing live theatre, swing by the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith. These performance hubs also offer concession prices, making it a great cost-effective weekend activity for students.
Rich history
Western Sydney has a range of interesting historic sites filled with Aboriginal history and heritage. Not far from Elizabeth Farm – Australia’s oldest intact European building – you can find the Baludarri Wetlands. This small area of greenery was named after a Darug teenager who lived in Parramatta when European colonists arrived and served as the translator for Governor Phillip.
The Western Sydney Parklands are situated in the Deerubbin and Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Councils, the Traditional Custodians of the land.
The parklands feature gorgeous rural and agricultural lands, natural bushlands with historical sites and artefacts that tell the story of survival and resilience of the Darug people during British settlement.
Image courtesy of Destination NSW Content Library.
Ranked in the top 2 per cent of universities worldwide, Western Sydney University is a top choice for international students. From a wide variety of courses to unparalleled student support, discover everything that Western Sydney University has to offer.
