Lately I’ve been touring Western Sydney, gathering stories for articles, and I’ve been blown away by the diversity of experiences and attractions available for every age group and type of visitor, from thrill seekers, to nature lovers and history buffs.
There are awesome activities for kids, like feeding wallabies at Featherdale Wildlife Park, farming fun at Tobruk, and obstacle challenges at Treetop Adventure Park in Cumberland State Forest. Swathes of bush make a natural playground in the many national parks and reserves, and the beautiful rivers make getting out on the water easy. As a major source of Sydney’s food, there are farm gate trails, farmers’ markets and pick your own fruit places, not to mention great dining on this fresh local produce. There’s new life being breathed into quiet country villages and the locals have amazing stores to tell if you take the time to chat.
The Hawkesbury River from Hawkins Lookout
Many attractions are less than an hour’s drive from the center of Sydney, making them ideal for day trips, but there’s so much to do out west, it’s worth making a weekend of it or spend a whole week. For some ideas, here’s my story on a three-day sojourn to the Blue Mountains and my week-long wanderings around the Hawkesbury. If it’s waterfront dining you fancy, then you’ll love the venues in this story on riverside restaurants.
For more inspiration check out this short video produced by Destination NSW and presented by Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres.
So next time you’re looking for something to do with the family, somewhere to impress guests, or just a quiet weekend away, head west!
Shields’ Orchard, Bilpin
