Spanning from Windsor to Campbelltown to Lidcombe, Western Sydney is brimming with strong communities, diverse cultures and plenty of attractions. Complete with delicious food, adrenaline-pumping adventure and lush parklands, there are countless day trips and fun things to do in Western Sydney.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most fun things to do in Western Sydney along with some day trip recommendations for the region.
Read more: 10 Awesome Reasons to Live in Western Sydney
7 fun things to do in Western Sydney
1. Eat some of Sydney’s best food
Greater Western Sydney is a melting pot of cultures and, as a result, offers some of the city’s best food. You’ll find the best Vietnamese food outside Vietnam, mouth-watering charcoal chicken, and more falafel than you could ever hope to eat.
For authentic and delicious Vietnamese food visit Cabramatta, where you’ll find steaming pho without having to look far.
For charcoal chicken, our recommendation is El Jannah, a family-owned Lebanese charcoal chicken shop with locations across Western Sydney.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can book a taste tour where a guide will take you through the best restaurants in Greater Western Sydney.
2. Enjoy a schooner at one of Sydney’s oldest pubs
If you don’t know what a schooner is, you’re not alone; this measure of beer is unique to Australia. Originating in the 1930s, a schooner refers to a 425ml glass.
One of the best things to do in Western Sydney is to grab yourself a schooner or two at the Royal Cricketer’s Arms. This Western Sydney establishment is over 100 years old and the perfect place to soak up some local history along with an ice-cold beer.
3. Explore the great outdoors
If you’re wondering what to do in Western Sydney, simply step outside! The region boasts a unique mix of busy metropolitan areas and lush natural landscapes.
For instance, the Western Sydney Parklands offer a vast green oasis where you can easily spend the day enjoying a walk in nature. Looking for something a little more exciting? Challenge yourself both mentally and physically at TreeTops Adventure. Make your way across over 100 aerial obstacles as you move through the Australian bush while suspended in the air. Here you’ll also find Australia’s fastest Zipcoaster – perfect for adrenaline junkies!
4. Defy gravity at iFLY Sydney indoor skydiving
Speaking of adrenaline, this is yet another heart-racing thing to do in Western Sydney: iFLY, an indoor skydiving experience.
Those brave enough to take part get geared up before entering a tunnel-like structure where you fly on a cushion of controlled air. Each session includes training from a highly trained flight instructor plus time in the air.
5. Meet some Aussie animals
If you’re an animal lover, you’ll be spoiled for choice of fun things to do in Western Sydney. The region has not one, but two fantastic animal parks where you can get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most famous creatures. At Featherdale Wildlife Park, you can cuddle a koala, feed a kangaroo or even take a selfie with a quokka.
Animals from further abroad can be encountered at Sydney Zoo, which is set up as a safari experience. Here you can have close encounters with giraffes and camels or even lions – if you’re brave enough, of course!
6. Go for a splash
Greater Western Sydney is home to Raging Waters Sydney, one of Australia’s best water parks. On a hot summer’s day, there is no better way to cool off than by tackling Raging Waters’ huge water slides and rides.
If water slides aren’t your thing and you’re more of an adventurer, whitewater rafting might be just right for you. Located in Penrith, guided white water rafting will leave you soaked, exhausted, and having experienced an adrenaline thrill like no other.
7. Catch a show at Riverside Parramatta
Make the most of your time in Western Sydney and catch a live performance or film at Riverside Theatres. This premier performing arts venue in Parramatta is home to roughly 750 performances and events each year for theatre-goers of all ages.
Catch musical acts, comedy shows, dance performances, foreign language films, Q&A screenings, exhibitions on screen and plenty more. Check out what’s on at the Riverside Theatres’ website.
3 fun day trips from Western Sydney
1. Blue Mountains
If you’re interested in spending the whole day in the great outdoors and tackling a hike or two along the way, visit Western Sydney’s famous Blue Mountains.
Here you can see breathtaking views of world-heritage listed sites like the Three Sisters, and enjoy the sounds of the local wildlife as you hike. You can even partake in guided activities like abseiling, canyoning, canoeing, horseback riding and more.
2. Royal National Park
A day trip to the Royal National Park is a must if you’re wondering what to do in and around Western Sydney. Established in 1879, the park – known among locals as ‘The Royal’ – is the second-oldest national park in the world.
Located south of Sydney’s CBD, a trip here will start with a one-hour drive from Western Sydney. Once you arrive, you’ll be spoiled for choice of how to spend your time in this massive outdoor playground. Featuring everything from lush rainforest to pristine beach, you can go for a bush walk, a bike ride, a surf or all of the above!
3. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
North of Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is particularly accessible for those living in Western Sydney suburbs like Parramatta and Blacktown. A popular choice for day trips, this picturesque and history-rich landscape has so much to see and do.
If you’re in the mood for a more relaxed excursion, pack a picnic and enjoy the scenic views as your backdrop. Alternatively, you can have a more active day, cycling or bushwalking along the park’s many trails.
Image courtesy of Destination NSW Content Library.
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