- Sydney’s Metro Southwest extension is making it easier than ever to explore 10 suburbs, from Marrickville to Bankstown.
- Discover the best places to eat, drink and shop along the line.
- From colourful temples and leafy walking trails to vintage stores and cultural hotspots, there’s plenty to explore.
It was meant to take 12 months to complete, but after two years, the Metro’s Southwest extension is officially ready to ride!
For many, this means faster, smoother journeys, as driverless trains cut commute times and give travellers easier access to more parts of the city.
The Metro extension will also unlock new suburbs for exploring, some of which would be overlooked due to tricky bus routes and lack of connections. The new trains also provide around 50% more passenger capacity than the former T3 Bankstown Line, meaning less-crowded carriages.
Now, with 10 new Metro stops to explore, there’s never been a better time to hop on the sleek new carriages and discover Sydney’s under-the-radar suburbs that suddenly find themselves wonderfully connected.
Here’s where we think you should go on your tour of the new City & Southwest Metro extension.
The Metro stops we’ll be exploring…
Marrickville
Ok, so not all of the stops on the new Metro extension are undiscovered, under-the-radar suburbs. Marrickville is one of the Inner West’s most iconic pockets, thanks to its saturation of groovy breweries, incredible Vietnamese eateries and funky theatres.
We have an in-depth guide to Marrickville here if you want to spend a few days in the suburb, but if you’re just nipping there on the Metro, here’s where we think you should check out.
Marrickville Metro Station is located on bustling Illawarra Road, home to a strong variety of restaurants and cafes and known for its collection of vibrant Vietnamese businesses.
Mornings in Marrickville should be spent at one of the suburb’s funky cafes. It’s almost too hard to narrow down a favourite, but Algorithm is known for its incredible coffee and cult-favourite matchapresso, SIT serves one of the best loaded yogurt bowls we’ve ever tried, and ONA employs some of the best baristas in the world.
If you’re in Marrickville for lunch, head to Marrickville Pork Roll for one of Sydney’s most highly rated bánh mìs (think crunchy baguette and thick slabs of pork with fresh coriander and chilli).
Other restaurants that you should definitely check out include Peruvian favourite Pepito’s, neighbourhood steakhouse 20 Chapel and high-quality yet affordable Vietnamese spot Bay Tinh.
If you’re making the most of the Metro’s later service (final departures are typically between 12:15am and 12:45am) and want to drop in somewhere for a drink, Marrickville is the best place to be. Check out top breweries like The Grifter Brewing Co., Batch Brewing Co., Sauce Brewing Co. and Mixtape, or pop down to the popular Vic on the Park.
Dulwich Hill
Dulwich Hill still has the edginess of its neighbouring Inner West suburbs, but it feels that bit more residential, thanks to its tree-lined streets and local green spaces. Yes, it may get labelled “sleepy” now and then, but the suburb actually has a decent cafe lineup, brilliant bakeries and a laid-back, leafy vibe.
Drop by Small Talk for a stacked, Montreal-style bagel, all of which are hand-rolled and baked fresh daily. Grab a sweet treat at Honey & Walnut Patisserie, which serves freshly made cakes, savoury hot food and Allpress Coffee. There’s also award-winning bakery Miss Sina, known for their gooey cinnamon rolls and bánh mì croissants.
If you don’t want to stray far from the Metro Station, drop by Olympic Meats, which actually gets pulled into the Marrickville postcode but is just a few steps from the new Dulwich Hill Station. Feast on premium grilled meats, homemade tzatziki, the triple-cooked chips and hand-rolled pita – you will leave very full, but very happy.
Up for a drink and some music? Head to Butchers Brew Bar and catch live performances across a wide range of musical genres, including jazz, funk, blues, reggae, soul and more.
You can also explore Sydney’s new six-kilometre GreenWay walking and cycling corridor, which is easily accessible from Dulwich Hill. Whether you’re stretching your legs or hopping on a Lime Bike, the scenic shared path is a lovely way to soak up the local surroundings and take in views of the Cooks River. Find the entrance on the southern side of Hercules Street.
Hurlstone Park
Hurlstone Park, or “Hurlo” as it’s known by locals, is definitely one of the quieter suburbs on the Metro line, but that doesn’t mean you should pass it by.
HP Bowlo is a popular small village bar, beloved by locals, serving up craft brews and lots of local beers. They also have generous cheese and charcuterie plates, plus tapas-style tinned seafood served with poppy and sesame lavosh and cornichons. This is a great community watering hole to visit for its wholesome vibe and great food and bev offerings.
The other eatery we’d recommend in Hurlstone Park is Frankly Nick’s Pizzeria, which is an HP institution. Claiming to be “locally world famous”, Frankly Nick’s is a second-generation pizzeria serving up a strong variety of loaded pizzas, which includes a homage to the great Anthony Bourdain, featuring mortadella, ricotta, green olives, pistachio and burrata.
Also on the menu are baked vodka pasta, oven-fired bread and tiramisu. To be honest, I’d ride the metro for just one of those plates.
Canterbury
Canterbury is next on our Tour de Metro. This inner-south-western suburb is bisected by the Cooks River, and is known for its industrial history and diverse and vibrant community.
One of my favourite things about Canterbury? It’s home to the only traditional Mauritian restaurant in Sydney. Le Dodo Affamer is a family-run restaurant with a changing menu du jour. Some dishes are available every day, including the mine bouille (a classic Mauritian street food dish) with veg, chicken, lamb or rice.
Past menu dishes have included salmi octopus, goat and potato curry and bol renversé (an upside-down bowl). Any foodies should make a beeline here for authentic, home-cooked food that you have probably never tasted before.
There’s also Madame Trang, just steps from the Canterbury Metro Station, serving up mouthwatering Vietnamese dishes from crispy fried spring rolls to stuffed bánh mì and Hanoi specialty, phó tái lǎn (stir-fried beef pho). Just up the road, you’ll find Canterbury Lebanese Bread, which has been producing Sydney’s finest and fluffiest Lebanese bread since 1977.
Campsie
We’ve made it to the bustling, multicultural suburb of Campsie.
You’ll find the Metro Station on the suburb’s main artery, Beamish Street, which is packed full of incredible Asian eateries and bakeries.
One example is Chungdam Korean Restaurant, home to Sydney’s first Korean hanjeongsik experience – a traditional Korean full-course feast. Designed for sharing, the $280 spread serves up to four people, working out to just $70 a head. Expect a table laden with an impressive variety of dishes (including grilled fish, seafood pancake, kimchi stew and japchae), making this one seriously filling meal.
Every order also comes with 13 complimentary banchan (Korean side dishes), all made in-house. Not opting for the feast? The Korean fried chicken and pork bone stew are well worth a try, too.
Christina’s Honeycakes bring a taste of Eastern Europe to Anglo Road, just four minutes from the new Metro Station. Pick up one of her stunning honey cakes (known as Medovik), made with many thin caramelised honey layers and topped with honey crumbs and walnuts.
They also come in pistachio, Lotus Biscoff, matcha and pandan flavours, all of which look so ridiculously good that I’m worried for both my bank account and my health.
One of my favourite cafes in Campsie is a bit of a walk from the Metro Station (28 minutes to be exact), but if you’re looking for one of the best salt breads I’ve had in Sydney, plus thick, creamy matcha, it’s the place to be.
FOLI Bakery is the place to go for pastries (especially cinnamon rolls), hidden off a little side street opposite a smash repair shop. You won’t regret the walk, I promise. That said, it’s only open on weekends, so make sure you take that into account!
Belmore
We’re at Belmore, where the Metro Station is located right next to the bustling Burwood Road.
If you’re craving Lebanese coffee and buttery maamoul, head straight to Smëëd, which uses the traditional techniques that baker Amal Elhani learnt from her mother to make the date-filled shortbread semolina cookies. You can go classic, or opt to try a funky new flavour, like Biscoff salted macadamia, raspberry white chocolate, and Nutella roasted hazelnut.
If you’re after a decent steak, Elements Brasserie serves one of the best in the Bankstown area. Or, if you’re there for brekky, head to Turkish-inspired cafe Rust Bucket, which brings a taste of Istanbul straight to Burwood Road, from Kuvarma eggs to the creative, crunchy Knafeh French toast.
Arguably the most iconic hospitality destination in Belmore is Canterbury League Club, which houses The Bistro, Bakehouse Cafe, Chinese restaurant The Dynasty, The Atrium Bar and the Bulldog Sports Bar (so yeah, it’s a one-stop shop for pretty much everything.
The Club also hosts plenty of events throughout the year, from live music to comedy shows, across its bars and eateries.
Lakemba
Lakemba is a vibrant suburb in south-west Sydney, best known for its annual Lakemba Nights markets. Held during Ramadan along Haldon Street, the popular multicultural event brings together a melting pot of local businesses and food stalls serving traditional dishes and international street food.
Lakemba Nights will be easier than ever to reach when it returns in February, as the new Metro Station is located just around the corner from Haldon Street.
If you’re keen to visit Lakemba for a foodie tour before February, head to Dhaka Delight for steamy chai and authentic Bangladeshi treats, from gulab jamun (deep-fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup) to more savoury options like chicken tikka wraps and jalie kebabs.
Another highly rated eatery is Sultano Cafe, which serves up authentic Moroccan dishes within its mosaic-tiled restaurant, from traditional lamb tagine to msemmen bread with honey and a variety of couscous.
For Yemeni food, head to Yemen Gate Restaurant on Haldon Street and make sure to order their popular lamb shoulder mandi.
Just down the road is the highly-rated Afghan Sufra, which offers a range of curries, kebabs, rice and breads, as well as roasted almond and caramelised fig ice cream for dessert. With generous portions and wallet-friendly prices, Afghan Sufra is the perfect spot for a delicious dinner that won’t break the bank.
Wiley Park
Wiley Park is definitely one of the lesser-known suburbs on the new Metro extension, but its increased accessibility through the line is set to bring more visitors to the neighbourhood.
One of Wiley Park’s most fascinating landmarks is its Cao Dai Temple on King Georges Road. Opened in 2000, it is a place of worship for Caodaism, Vietnam’s largest indigenous religion, and was the first Caodaist temple to open outside Asia. With its striking architecture and colourful details, the temple is one of the must-see buildings in the suburb.
If you’re after a bit of nature, head to the leafy Wiley Park (where the suburb gets its namesake) and enjoy the large pond frequented by ducks, geese and other birds.
Hungry? Drop by Hangoutz for a taste of Bangladeshi street food. The menu features crispy Bengali chaat topped with sweet yogurt, alongside spicy Naga fuchka: crisp, hollow shells filled with a fiery mixture. You can also tuck into Dhakaiya bhelpuri: crispy fried puris topped or stuffed with a spiced pea mixture, fresh vegetables, and tangy chutney.
Punchbowl
Another under-the-radar gem in south-west Sydney, Punchbowl is home to a handful of hidden treasures worth discovering.
The suburb takes its name from a natural, bowl-shaped valley, which, rather confusingly, is a few kilometres from the actual Punchbowl in Belfield. But the name is fun, so we’re not going to complain.
If you’ve been in Sydney for more than a week, you’ve probably passed a U-Turn store, which has locations all over Sydney, including Newtown, Surry Hills and Bondi Beach. But the biggest store of this vintage, second-hand clothing giant is found in Punchbowl, on Bonds Road. Sift through racks and racks of pre-loved clothing and make the most of their “pay per kilo” bins.
Punchbowl also has a Bake’d Sydney outpost, which serves up some of the most incredibly gluttonous but delicious desserts in the whole of Sydney. They claim they have “the world’s best pancake”, and honestly, the pictures look pretty damn good.
They even have cinnamon scroll pancakes (our literal dream fusion) and a towering fudgey chocolate cake that would intimidate Augustus Gloop.
Bankstown
Bankstown is another vibrant multicultural hub, with an incredible food scene shaped by its diverse communities. More than 60 languages are spoken here, with Lebanese, Chinese and Vietnamese communities contributing to the suburb’s strong cultural tapestry.
In comparison to the previous, quieter suburbs on the Metro line, Bankstown has plenty to explore. Browse global street food and fresh produce at Bankstown Markets or discover exhibitions by African, Indigenous, Asian and Yemeni artists at Bankstown Arts Centre.
You can even catch a comedy show, musical or cabaret performance at the Bryan Brown Theatre, named after the Australian actor who grew up in the area.
If you want to do something a bit more active or adrenaline-inducing, head to Bankstown Aerodrome for a scenic flight or flying simulator experience. If you prefer your adventures on the ground, try rock climbing at Elevate Climbing, take a helicopter tour or race around the track at Extreme Indoor Go-Karting.
Bankstown Sports Club is another popular destination, with its huge Monkey Mania play structure, Turbo Climb and entertainment precinct.
Food is also one of Bankstown’s biggest drawcards, with everything from Lebanese pastries and Vietnamese pho to Japanese-Peruvian fusion and Polish comfort food. Local favourites include An Restaurant for its steaming bowls of pho, Phuong18 and Banh Mi Bay Ngo for banh mi, and Lady Banks rooftop bar for cocktails and panoramic views across Sydney.
Bankstown also have a couple of notable events throughout the year, including the Bankstown Bites food festival in July and the family-friendly Love Earlwood festival in September.
