Beyond the CBD: 19 Unique Things to Do in Western Sydney

Are you constantly scratching your head, wondering what to do in Sydney, specifically in the western part of the city?

Well, no need to stress - give your planning brain a break!

Why? Because the vibrant Western Sydney region is packed with exciting things to do.

And we mean packed!

From outdoor adventures and cultural hotspots to dining and nightlife, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Whether you're exploring its suburbs or searching for budget-friendly activities, we’ve got you covered.

Here goes:

Outdoor Adventures & Nature Escapes

1. Parramatta River

Ah, the Parramatta River - undeniably one of the top attractions in Western Sydney.

Once a major food source for the Aboriginal people and early settlers, it’s now a fail-safe way to keep the whole family entertained.

You can do cool things like bushwalk along Hunts Creek to Balaka Falls. Or you could take a dip at Lake Parramatta, a sweet swimming spot.

You can even hop on the Mortlake Vehicle Ferry, also known as the Putney Punt, completely for free. What’s not to love?

If nothing else, take a stroll along the river and soak up its natural beauty. And if you're up for some leisurely exploration, hop on a river cruise for stunning city views.

Pro tip: Catch the sunset at Rydalmere Wharf. You’ll have plenty of fodder for your next Instagram post.

2. Western Sydney Parklands

If you're on the hunt for the best parks in Western Sydney, you can't go wrong with a visit to Western Sydney Parklands.

Australia's largest urban park, covering a whopping 5,280 hectares (that's literally half the size of Paris), you could spend days here and still find things to do.

Young families can make a beeline for Bungarribee Park. The park is home to one of the best playgrounds in Western Sydney. There's a 50-metre-long flying fox, giant swings, and a 14-metre-high play tower.

You’ll find the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, where you can have breakfast with koalas.

Treetops Adventure Western Sydney offers one of the world’s fastest zip coasters and over 100 aerial obstacle courses.

Plough and Harrow is another great alternative with its tree rope courses. There's also Raging Waters Sydney, the perfect water park for summer.

Don't forget to check out Nurragingy Reserve and its 63-hectares of bushland, too.

Other attractions here include:

• Sydney Motorsport Park: One of only two permanent tracks in Australia and a popular events venue.

• Calmsley Hill City Farm: A scenic farm in Abbotsbury where you can ride tractors and milk cows.

• Skyline Drive-In: Sydney's last drive-in cinema for some old-school cool. Don't forget to check out Blacktown Markets and its 240 stalls every Sunday

But whatever your interest, there’s something for everyone here.

3. Nepean River Walk

Don't sleep on Penrith. This Western Sydney suburb is definitely worth visiting.

And one of the best places to go in Penrith?

That’d be the Nepean River Walk (also known as the Great River Walk), a picturesque riverside stroll perfect for families.

Photo: @daisyandsully_thedoods on Instagram

Go for the popular ‘Bridge to Bridge’ loop, roughly 6.4 kilometres, and extremely scenic. There are plenty of lookouts and seating areas along the way to admire boats and birds.

Or, you could just grab a picnic mat or a bicycle and enjoy the scenery. It's really one of the best things to do for free in Western Sydney.

Pro tip: The western side of the River Walk's lower section is currently closed due to flood damage. Use the footpath adjacent to the road for your stroll.

Cultural & Historical Landmarks

4. Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Looking for something unique to do in Western Sydney? You can’t miss Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Here, you can dive into the heritage of the Dharug people, the region’s original inhabitants.

The centre has an Aboriginal Cultural Museum where you can explore the history of the land. There’s also the Retail Art Centre, featuring arts and crafts by local Aboriginal artists.

Want to get closer to nature? The walks here highlight native plants and their role in Aboriginal traditions. You’ll also explore tribal areas and gain insights into their customs. Plus, you might catch in-house artists painting or crafting didgeridoos and weapons.

Pro tip: There are special experiences like dance performances and bush-tucker meal tastings! Just be sure to pre-book for a spot.

Address: 21 Guntawong Rd, Rouse Hill NSW 2155, Australia

How to get there: Take bus 740 to Windsor Rd at Guntawong Rd, then walk for 7 minutes after.

5. Liverpool Regional Museum

No, we're not talking about Liverpool with Mohamed Salah or The Beatles.

Instead, the Liverpool Regional Museum is one of those underrated activities in Western Sydney you shouldn't miss (plus, it's completely free).

Culture buffs will enjoy exploring the cultural heritage and history of south-west Sydney.

And if you're a local, the Liverpool Genealogy Society volunteers are on hand to assist with family history research. You might even uncover something new about your own family history!

Address: 462 Hume Highway, Cnr Congressional Dr, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia

How to get there: Take bus 872 to Hume Hwy after Reilly St and walk for 3 minutes.

6. Riverside Theatres

Been to the Sydney Opera House already? If you're in a 'been there, done that' kind of mood but still want a dose of culture, perhaps Riverside Theatres will be right up your alley.

Parramatta's premier art hub is located right on the fringes of the vibrant Church Street dining district.

Here, you can catch dance, theatre, circus, and opera. Plus, there are musicals, children’s entertainment, comedy, and so much more too.

From Shakespearean classics to international acts, the Riverside stage easily dazzles (and hey, who says theatre is just for the inner-city elite, right?).

Address: Corner Market &, Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia

How to get there: Take bus 549 to Victoria Rd before Marist Pl and walk for 3 minutes after.

7. Elizabeth Farm

Want to time travel? How about a visit to Australia’s earliest surviving colonial homestead?

Built in 1793 and set within a re-created 1830s garden, Elizabeth Farm is brimming with history.

This place has witnessed plenty of momentous events - Dharug dispossession, convict rebellion, and even the toppling of governors.

Today, it’s an ‘access all areas’ museum - no barriers, locked doors, or delicate furnishings.

What you see is what you get. And what you'll get here is a unique slice of history.

Address: 70 Alice St, Rosehill NSW 2142, Australia

How to get there: Take bus 909 to Alfred St after Weston St, then walk for 3 minutes.

8. Fairfield Adventure Park

If you're looking for fun things to do with kids in Western Sydney, this park is a winner. It’s huge, packed with activities, and best of all - it’s totally free. Perfect for the school holidays, we'd say.

Photo: @jesscharlottemia on Instagram

Older kids will love tackling the 11-metre-high rope tower, rope bridge, and three massive slides. But don’t worry if you’ve got little ones.

There's a toddler-friendly playground too, complete with a mini rope tower and a merry-go-round.

Photo: @jesscharlottemia on Instagram

In any case, you won’t have to ask them twice - your kids will be off and running in no time. And who can blame them?

Other things to look forward to include two 20-metre flying foxes, tire climbing walls, a balancing rope, a giant sandpit, and a walking see-saw. Safe to say, boredom isn’t an option here.

Address: Vine Street, 14-20 Lawson St, Fairfield NSW 2165, Australia

How to get there: A 10-minute walk from Fairfield Railway Station.

9. Sydney Olympic Park

There’s so much to do at Sydney Olympic Park, aside from checking out the iconic stadiums from the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

You can try your hand at archery or enjoy a scenic bike ride through the parklands. If you're up for it, take a refreshing swim in the pool where Ian Thorpe made Olympic history.

The Aquatic Centre is a must-see, too. It features a "Dive into History" exhibition, celebrating Australia's swimming legends. You can even take a tour of its impressive facilities.

Bicentennial Park is perfect for cycling lovers. With 35 km of pathways, it's a cyclist's dream.

The park stretches across the Badu Mangroves wetlands, and your reward? Rolling hills, free BBQ spots, and peaceful lakeside meadows.

Photo: @globetrottingheels on Instagram

Other cool spots to visit in and around the area:

• Sydney Produce Market: Australia's largest fresh produce wholesale market.

• Murama Dance Ground: A gathering place for the Aboriginal community dedicated to healing and culture.

• Narawang Wetland: A freshwater wetland home to Green and Golden Bell Frog species.

10. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park

If you're thinking about venturing beyond the CBD, why not check out Featherdale Wildlife Park?

It's the perfect place to meet the largest collection of Australia's most adored native animals.

With your admission tickets, you can interact with these adorable creatures. Imagine hand-feeding kangaroos and wallabies or hanging out with cuddly koalas - how cool is that?

Plus, you'll get your own BBC Earth or Nat Geo animal experience with fantastic zoology presentations and feeding demonstrations that really highlight the importance of wildlife conservation.

Address: 217 Kildare Rd, Doonside NSW 2767, Australia

How to get there: Take the train from Blacktown to Central Station, then hop on bus 729 from Platform E, and you'll arrive 10 stops later.

11. iFLY Downunder

There’s no shortage of fun places to go in Penrith - especially for all you indoorsy folks.

When it comes to exciting indoor activities in Western Sydney, iFLY Downunder is where it’s at!

This indoor skydiving experience lets you feel the thrill of freefalling - without having to jump out of a plane.

It’s safe, fun, and open to almost everyone (ages 3 and up), making it one of the top picks for school holiday activities in Western Sydney.

Whether you’re flying solo, with friends, or bringing the whole fam, you're in for a good time. Not flying? You can still catch the action through the 360° glass tunnel!

Address: 123 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith NSW 2750, Australia

How to get there: Take bus 690P to Penrith Panthers Leagues Club, and it's just a 1-minute walk from there.

The Best Things to Do at Night in Western Sydney

12. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq

Penrith may be laidback, but don't let that fool you. The city certainly has no shortage of things to do at night.

Case in point: your local hangout spot for everything fun - Archie Brothers Cirque Electric.

From arcade games to laser tag, zone bowling to dodgem cars, it almost seems as if boredom is illegal here.

Plus, Holey Moley Golf Club Penrith is right next door! So, there are plenty of options to keep yourselves entertained after dark (especially if you're looking for great date night ideas in Sydney).

Address: Shop MM102/585 High St, Penrith NSW 2750, Australia

How to get there: Take the T1 Penrith line via Parramatta and walk for 5 minutes afterwards.

13. Live Music Venues & Bars

Just like the rest of the city, Western Sydney has more than its fair share of fabulous night spots.

One of them is the iconic Bella Vista Hotel, a must-visit in the Hills District. Here, you'll find everything from bottomless cocktails during lunch on Saturdays to Disney-themed trivia nights on Thursdays, and of course, partying too.

And speaking of the Hills, there are other top-notch watering holes to check out too.

The Pickled Bear is a unique, tiny bar with stiff cocktails.

Sophia's in Baulkham Hills has a special Bottle-keep program, allowing you to store special whiskies in 60 purpose-built bottle cabinets if you can’t finish them during your visit.

Dining-wise, you can't miss a visit to The Piazza at Castle Towers either. With 12 restaurants to choose from, there's something for every taste.

For instance, Al Aseel serves award-winning Lebanese cuisine.

Hurricane's Grill Castle Hill dishes out dinosaur-sized steaks. And if you haven’t gotten over your latest trip to Korea yet, satisfying your chimaek cravings at Gami Chicken & Beer will do the trick.

14. Late-Night Eateries

Wondering where to grab a bite but it's an ungodly hour? No worries – there are plenty of places to get your chow on.

Chubby Buns in Lidcombe stays open until 2am Sunday to Thursday, and on Fridays and Saturdays, it closes at 3am. They serve some of the best late-night food around: mouth-watering charcoal-grilled burgers – who doesn't love that?

Photo: @reyn0 on Instagram

Cafe Nho in Canley Heights is another solid option where you can tuck into hearty Vietnamese flavours. They close at 11pm daily, giving you plenty of time for a late dinner.

While Nick and Nora’s is more of a bar than a restaurant, you can still enjoy charcuterie along with a selection of meat and cheese boards until closing time at midnight (which, let’s be honest, is half the week).

Food & Dining Hotspots

15. Cabramatta

Ready for a foodie adventure? Cabramatta is the place to be in Western Sydney!

Home to one of Australia’s largest Vietnamese communities, this vibrant suburb is a feast for the senses. And it’s not called Little Saigon for nothing.

Wander through bustling laneways and arcades packed with shops and eateries. For a legendary meal, head to Tan Viet Noodle House for their famous herbal duck and pho.

Craving something bold? Cô Ba Cabramatta serves up sizzling steak and stir-fried snails drenched in sticky tamarind sauce.

And if you’re after top-notch rice paper rolls, Phu Quoc Vietnamese & Chinese Restaurant is the spot.

Try them stuffed with grilled sugar cane prawns or beef wrapped in betel leaf - you won’t regret it.

16. Blacktown Asian Food Market

Looking to recreate that gimbap recipe you just learned on YouTube? Or maybe that Japanese curry you saw on TikTok?

Then the Blacktown Asian Food Market is a must-visit. This place is an Asian supermarket, seafood market, and butcher all rolled into one.

You’ll find produce from Taiwan to Indonesia, and everything here is fresh - vegetables come straight from local farms.

17. Percy Plunkett

One of the best places to visit in Penrith right now is Percy Plunkett (also known as "Kentucky").

Named after the man who owned the place back in the 1920s, this stylish modern Aussie café is the perfect spot for some comfort food.

Sip on a hazelnut cappuccino and dig into a lamb eggs Benedict. Or go for house-made scones and a brown sugar iced cold brew.

Either way, the food is always delicious, and the service is top-notch.

18. Sun's Burmese Kitchen

Tired of the same ol’ same ol’? Or maybe you’re on the hunt for some authentic Burmese food? Look no further than Sun’s Burmese Kitchen, one of the best hidden gems in Western Sydney.

Photo: @hellyeahjusteat on Instagram

Here, you can tuck into proper Burmese favourites like kyay-o, a traditional soup with rice noodles. Or try one of their flavour-packed khaukswe (noodle) dishes – including the iconic mohinga, a comforting fish-based soup with noodles, lentils, eggs, and fresh herbs.

There’s also a solid range of vegetarian options for the non-carnivores. Don’t miss the lahpet thoke, a tea leaf salad that’s probably Myanmar’s most iconic salad dish.

Bonus: Beyond the Western Sydney Suburbs

19. Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains, with their UNESCO World Heritage status, are one of Western Sydney’s must-visit spots – and it’s easy to see why.

Start your adventure at Echo Point Lookout in Katoomba for incredible views of the Three Sisters. It’s also the jumping-off point for plenty of scenic hiking trails if you feel like stretching your legs.

Feeling adventurous? Hop on the world’s steepest passenger railway at Scenic World and descend into a lush, ancient rainforest – it’s a ride you won’t forget. We recommend getting your Scenic World Pass beforehand too.

For next-level views, take the glass-floored cable car that glides right over a deep gorge. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, dramatic valleys, and jaw-dropping sandstone cliffs. There’s also plenty to learn about the area’s rich Aboriginal history.

And if you really want to go all out, book a Blue Mountains helicopter tour for unbeatable views from above.

How to get there: You can either drive or take the train on the Blue Mountains Line from Parramatta, Penrith, Emu Plains, and other nearby stations.