Everyone’s talking about this Western Sydney city but what is there to do in Penrith?

Penrith is having a moment. With big projects, Olympic buzz and world-class attractions, it’s time to see what all the fuss is about.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sparked debate on Friday, suggesting the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games could see some events held outside of Queensland. “For example, are we really going to do rowing in Rockhampton on the Fitzroy River when there are some pretty good facilities at Penrith?” he asked on the Two Good Sports podcast.

It comes as the NSW Government has announced a $4 million boost in funding for the Sydney International Regatta Centre and Penrith Whitewater Stadium, before they host the International Canoe Federation’s Slalom World Championships for the first time in more than 20 years, appearing on the world stage.

There’s a lot of buzz around Penrith right now — and money being injected too. Westfield Penrith is preparing for an $18 million upgrade later this year, Penrith Stadium is receiving a $309 million redevelopment and there’s the upcoming opening of Western Sydney Airport too, of course.

READ MORE: First look inside Western Sydney Airport

It may not be high on the sightseeing bucket list while visiting Sydney, but there are many reasons why a trip to Penrith should be on the cards. Here are the top things to do in Penrith, Sydney’s next up-and-coming, must-see destination.

Top things to do in Penrith

1. Penrith Whitewater Stadium

One of only a few man-made rivers of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, Penrith Whitewater Stadium hosted the canoe and kayak slalom events at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. One hour west of Sydney, try whitewater rafting or learn how to kayak with the help of highly trained river guides. Suitable for beginners and pros alike, as long as you’re a strong swimmer and confident in the water.

Where: Penrith Whitewater Stadium, McCarthy’s Lane, Cranebrook NSW 2750

Find out more at sport.nsw.gov.au

2. The Joan Sutherland Performance Arts Centre

This world-class venue is enough to warrant a trip out of the CBD. Named after Australia’s most famous opera diva, The Joan — as it’s affectionately known — presents performances in music, theatre and dance. There’s a 660-seat concert hall, 380-seat drama theatre, 100-seat multipurpose hall and more than 25 rooms for music classes. In the coming weeks, there’s Disco Revolution: Night Fever Tour, to reignite your passion for disco (Jul 19, 7pm), and The Ultimate Magic Show with magician and illusionist Jonas Jost (July 15, 11am & 2pm).

Come spring, the School of Rock: The Musical (September 12-20), the Opera Gala with Penrith Symphony Orchestra (September 13) and the 40-piece Royal Australian Navy Band will celebrate the 130th anniversary of The Proms with Last Night of the Proms (September 24). And at Christmas time, there’s a Family Christmas Concert and a nostalgic look back at stories and traditions of the festive season at Christmas Then and Now (December 17).

Find the full program with times and prices at thejoan.com.au.

3. TruNinja Penrith

Test your ninja skills on this revolutionary obstacle course with foam pits, warped wall, jump tower and other obstacles. Come along for one or two hours of play, or book kids in for the 10-week Ninja Academy course (for ages five to eight years, or nine to 15 years). It’s not just for youngsters though — adults night runs every Friday and Saturday night from 7pm ($22 per person).

Where: Tru Ninja Penrith, Shop 3, 120 Mulgoa Road, Penrith NSW 2750
Price: From $10.50 per child; get 2-for-1 tickets on Wednesdays.

truninja.com.au

4. Museum of Fire

Explore the drama and danger of firefighting at the largest Museum of Fire in Australia. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Penrith, with one of the largest fire collections in the world. There’s a rotating display of fire engines, dating from the late 18th century up to the 1980s, along with uniforms, firefighting tools and a Station Officer’s melted fire helmet — plenty to keep even youngsters occupied. There’s a children’s play area too, complete with a ride-on fire engine and interactive computer games.

Where: 1 Museum Drive, Penrith NSW 2750.
Price: Adult $17, child $8.50 (under-twos free), family of four $40.

museumoffire.net

5. Penrith Heritage Walk

Learn more about the city’s history on a fascinating 11km walk which takes you from Penrith Train Station, along the beautiful Nepean River and across to Emu Plains. Enjoy the views, and stop at the cafés and attractions along the way.

Price: Free.

Download the route map here.

6. iFLY Down Under

Adrenaline junkies, teens and energetic kids can take the leap without the risk at Australia’s first indoor skydiving facility — and the largest and most powerful in the Southern Hemisphere. All packages include training, flight gear and a minimum of two flights per person, with one-on-one instruction. Standard flights are 50 seconds or you can choose the Value Package for double-length flights.

It’s safe for ages three and up, so the whole family can test their mettle.

Where: 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith NSW 2750.

ifly.com.au

7. Western Sydney Stargazing

Australia’s witnessed a number of celestial events already this year, including meteor showers, the Southern Lights and the Strawberry Full Moon. Take your stargazing skills up a notch on a small group tour at the Arms of Australia Inn Museum (also worth noting down). Led by an experienced guide, visitors will explore the night sky using a state-of-the-art telescope to spot craters on the moon, Jupiter and its moons, Saturn and its rings, and other stars, galaxies and nebulae.

Where: Arms of Australia Inn Museum, 127 Gardenia Avenue, Emu Plains NSW 2750.
Price: Adult $60, child $20 (under-fives free), family of four $130.

westernsydneystargazing.com.au

8. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq

Dodgems, arcade games, carousels and prizes await at this cocktail bar with a twist. Try your luck on traditional and new arcade games, score a strike on the ten-pin bowling and walk away with your prizes. The circus-inspired wonderland is filled with neon arcade signs and red velvet drapes, and there’s a bar where there’s a happy hours from 4pm-6pm every day.

Where: Shop MM102, Westfield Shopping Centre, 585 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750.
Price: Prices vary per activity; Fun Bundle (bowling, mini golf, laser tag and $25 game card): $45 for adults, $36 for kids)

archiebrothers.com.au

Penrith

How to get there:

By car: From Sydney, use the M4 Motorway and take either The Northern Road exit or the Mulgoa Road exit to get to Penrith; the Mamre Road exit to get to St Marys; or the Russell Street exit to get to Emu Plains.

By public transport: Penrith is on the Western and Blue Mountains line of the Sydney Trains network. Local railway stations are St Marys, Werrington, Kingswood, Penrith and Emu Plains. Trains to the Blue Mountains via Penrith and Emu Plains depart from Central. Suburban trains regularly depart from Central and City stations. Daily NSW TrainLink services to and from Central NSW also stop at Penrith.