How to spend a fun-filled weekend away in Western Sydney

We all need a cheeky weekender from time to time. Reset the clock, recharge the batteries, rewind the tape of life. For most of us, we want something affordable, within a few hours drive, that still feels like a real getaway for the senses. Welcome to Western Sydney! For years, Sydney siders have chased the waves and trekked north or south along the coast in search of the peace and tranquility that comes from escaping the city, only to find themselves in crowded coastal towns, heavy traffic, expensive hotels and an over saturated market.

But there’s another option that’s really making a name for itself, with nature, gastronomy, culture, serenity, and a tourism attitude that is warm and welcoming. Whether you’re after a girls trip, a family break, an active adventure, a romantic escape or even a solo sojourn, Sydney Travel Guide has your weekend away to Western Sydney all planned out.

The Family Weekend Away

A family weekend away means it needs to tick a whole bunch of boxes! Mum, Dad and the kids all have different expectations. The good news is, Western Sydney has all the fun, the connection, the luxury and the quality to appeal to every family member, large or small.

Whether its a budget-friendly family itinerary, or you’re in need of some serious entertainment at world-class zoos, or wild water parks, and large outdoor adventure spaces, you’ve got it all here.

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• Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park: Feeling feathery friends? Here’s your chance to actually interact with gorgeous creatures like hand feeding the kangaroos and patting the koalas. Featherdale is known for its interactive experiences that rival some of the world’s top zoos.

• Raging Waters Sydney: Get your splash on at this major water park with over 30 slides to entertain every age and height. Note to self, the park is only open in the warmer months of the year.

• Western Sydney Parklands: Get your little ones off their screens and into nature with this giant green space with hiking trails, the “Lizard Log” nature play area, and BBQs for a big relaxed family feast. Bring your own sporting gear, a big picnic lunch, the dog and a great sense of fun.

• Penrith Adventure Capital: The middle name says it all! This precinct offers a Cables Wake Park (wakeboarding), Jetpack Adventures, and the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler. In other words, you’re going to get wet, windy, wild and wonderstruck.

• Sydney Olympic Park: It’s impossible to visit Western Sydney without a trip to Sydney Olympic Park. Home of the best concerts, sporting matches and festivals in Sydney, there’s also a full time aquatic centre, archery centre, and the Brickpit Ring Walk. 

• The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan: Sometimes all the kids need is a huge big wide open space to let their hair down, run rings around each other, exhaust themselves, lay in the sunshine, play in the dirt and listen to the birds sing. Head to the Botanic Gardens and enjoy the stunning native gardens and walking paths.

• Lake Parramatta Reserve: Just because its the west, doesn’t mean there isn’t an abundance of swimming sports available. Throw in some kayaking, and bushwalking trails. This is a fantastic option the entire family will love for the whole day.

• Casula Parklands: Ok, seriously, the name doesn’t sell it. But believe me, the minute you say “Riverside area with a ninja training course and playground” then this suddenly tops the list. I mean really, its Ninja Training!!! End of story.

• Blacktown Showground Precinct: This is the trifecta of water play area, skate park, and modern playground. You can easily spend the day here, upgrade your skills, enjoy some shenanigans, be a big kid again with your little ones, exhaust the ankle biters and burn some serious energy.

• iFLY Indoor Skydiving (Penrith): This is the adrenaline pumping option of the west. Perfect for every age group and every level of dare devil, it’s the Indoor skydiving experience that will be remembered by the whole fam for years to come. Don’t forget to say yes to the family photo in your onesies and goggles!!

• Zone Bowling & Reading Cinemas: Slightly less hyped than the skydiving option, but still action packed, head to these indoor options around town from Villawood to Penrith. This is where your nervous su=ystem can take a break while the kids still get their fill of fun for the day.

• Museum of Fire: There aren’t many kids (or dads for that matter)… (or mums, now we think of it!) who aren’t secretly obsessed with the idea of spending a day gawking at fire fighters and firefighting equipment. Head to this historical museum with firefighting memorabilia to entertain the entire family. Ok mum, time to move on…

• Flip Out Trampoline Arena: It doesn’t matter how long its been since you’ve been on a trampoline, the sheer joy this activity can bring is instant! It’s active play for all ages at Flip Out. Book your session times ahead of schedule and maybe save the hot dogs til after your bounce has ended. Also a brilliant way to snap some fabulous action shots if you’re happier being the onlooker. Either way, this one is a great crowd pleaser.

Eat

• Skyline Drive-in Cinema (Blacktown): What’s better than food, combined with a classic outdoor movie? This is one of those dining options that kills two birds… and convinces the little ones that there really was once such a thing as a drive in cinema in real life!

• Eat Street (Parramatta): As the name suggests, this is a fabulous street filled with loads of options. There are so many family-friendly restaurants to be found here, even the exploration will be part of the adventure.

• Marcel Bar and Bistro (St Marys): Bar for mum and dad, bistro for the kids! You can see why this place is popular for family dining. Prices are also in keeping with the family friendly budget.

Stay

• Novotel Sydney West HQ. Right near all the best theme parks, this hotel offers great sized rooms, free Wi-Fi, and access to an aquatic centre.

• Atura Blacktown. A family-friendly hotel right near the theme parks also. Fuss free, free Wi-Fi and parking.

• Mercure Penrith. Located right near the Nepean River and a bunch of playgrounds, this hotel has an outdoor pool and gym that families can use when they’re not out and about.

• Peppers The Hills Lodge. A luxury hotel in Castle Hill with a pool, day spa, and adjacent recreational centre featuring indoor rock climbing and a children’s playground. This is one that has something for everyone in the family.

• Meriton Suites Liverpool. Meriton Suites Liverpool and Meriton Suites Parramatta: These apartments are handy to have as they’re fully equipped with kitchens and laundry facilities, ideal for families who prefer self-contained living and want to save on those hidden extras. They also feature indoor pools and are close to local attractions and shopping centres.

• Camden Valley Inn. Nestled in Cawdor, this inn boasts a pool and playground areas that are perfect for little kids to enjoy.

The Romantic Weekend Away

There’s something seriously romantic about a weekend away surrounded by nature, without the noise and fast pace of the city, no traffic, no rush, just you, your loved one and a whole range of activities and dining options to help you savour your connection. Here’s our list of the best activities, dining and accomm options for you and your special someone.

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• Balloon Aloft, Camden. You’ll blow your partner away with this one! For a truly memorable experience, take a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the picturesque Camden Valley, followed by an à la carte breakfast.

• Wistaria Gardens. Plan a scenic picnic in these stunning gardens near Parramatta Park, especially stunning when the wistaria and cherry blossoms are in full bloom during spring. Bring a book of poetry for that extra special “woo” effect.

• Lake Parramatta Reserve. Get active and enjoy the outdoors by renting a rowboat, pedal boat, or iconic swan pedal boat for two on the lake. It doesn’t get any more “Notebook” than this…

• Marrong Reserve / Lookout. Head here for a picturesque spot to enjoy fresh air and views of the Sydney skyline, ideal for a quiet, reflective moment. Nothing beats views of the city, without actually being in the city!

• Pottery or Art Class: Engage in a shared creative experience by taking a pottery class at the Parra Clay & Arts Society
   or a paint-and-sip session with a company like Pinot & Picasso. Channeling Demi Moore and Bruce Willis… eat your heart out!

Eat

• Nick and Nora’s. A glamorous, sky-high cocktail and champagne bar on the 26th floor of V by Crown, offering sophisticated drinks and a great view. Dont forget to pack your evening outfits.

• Bellbird Dining and Bar. Enjoy a creative, intimate atmosphere with mood lighting and a delicious menu at this contemporary arts centre. Google some impressive arty lingo to impress your loved one in this contemporary space.

• Lola Cocina Spanish restaurant. Located in Parramatta, this spot offers authentic Spanish cuisine with the added romance of live flamenco shows on Fridays and guitar music on Wednesdays. If you’re feeling brave, you can participate with some flamenco dancing on the weekends.

• The Meat & Wine Co. For a classic “dinner and a show” date, enjoy a romantic steakhouse dinner here before walking across the bridge to the Riverside Theatres.

Stay

• Peppers The Hills Lodge. A luxury hotel in Castle Hill offering a relaxing getaway in the suburbs. Nothing says romance more than a luxury hotel that doesn’t take forever to find.

• Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley by IHG. Located in Windsor, this hotel provides a tranquil, quiet setting with a spa and indoor pool, perfect for a romantic escape. This is a winner when the weather is cooler, and a hot tub is all you need.

• Camden Valley Inn. A charming option with a very high rating, perfect for a cozy weekend away. This one offers a warm inviting home away from home feeling, with all the pampering you don’t get at home!

The Solo Weekend Away

A solo weekend away in Western Sydney can be a rejuvenating escape filled with nature, culture, and self-paced adventures. Here’s the best play, eat and stay options for a solo traveller in Western Sydney.

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• Blue Mountains National Park. Just a short distance away, you can explore the Three Sisters at Echo Point lookout, go on a bunch of different hiking trails, or take the world’s steepest passenger railway at  Scenic World to wander through an ancient rainforest.

• Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through large, lush gardens with free entry. It’s a serene place to read a book, journal, or enjoy some quiet “you” time. You had me at peaceful stroll.

• Nepean River Walk. Take a picturesque walk or bike ride along the “Bridge to Bridge” loop and enjoy the views of the water and surrounding nature. This is a great place to take your camera and get creative with some photography.

Eat

• Kanzo Parramatta. A great place for quick, quality sushi meal, ideal for a fast and satisfying solo lunch.

• Pho Pasteur. If you’re after a cheap and cheerful Vietnamese meal, this is perfect for a casual, no-fuss stop.

• Willo Restaurant and Bar. A contemporary Australian restaurant and bar that is very popular for solo dining, with great food, service, and atmosphere.

• Hunter and Barrel Parramatta. A little more up-market than the other options, Hunter and Barrel offers a unique dining experience inspired by nature, popular with solo diners who appreciate top quality food.

• Marcel Bar and Bistro. Located in the Penrith Pullman Hotel, this upscale diner offers an elegant setting for a solo indulgence. A little pricier, but when you’re dining for one, then you can afford to treat yourself!

Stay

• Spicers Sangoma Retreat. For an indulgent solo escape, try this luxurious, all-inclusive haven in Bowen Mountain. Try out the spa treatments, an infinity pool, and a tranquil, upscale atmosphere. The best part, it’s just an hour from the city.

The Active Weekend Away

For an active weekend away, Western Sydney offers numerous high-energy outdoor activities, from thrilling water sports to challenging mountain bike trails and aerial adventures. 

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• Penrith Whitewater Stadium: Tackle Grade 3 rapids on a man-made river, originally built for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Guided rafting or self-guided kayaking options are available. There will be no backing out when you see the options on offer here.

• iFLY Indoor Skydiving: Experience the sensation of free-falling in a safe, indoor wind tunnel in Penrith. Still not convinced? You can opt to watch from the sidelines and snap some hilarious pics of your mates with the wind in their hair.

• Treetops Adventure Park: Play Tarzan for a day in Abbotsbury, navigating over 100 aerial obstacles across various ropes courses and experiencing Australia’s fastest Zipcoaster through the bushland canopy. Maybe bring more than a small loin cloth though, if you want your mates to talk to you afterwards.

• Cables Wake Park: Try wakeboarding, water skiing, or kneeboarding on the lake via an overhead cable system, or test your agility on the inflatable Aqua Park obstacles in Penrith. This may sound like an option for the physically gifted. But rest assured, it’s for all levels and abilities.

• Jetpack Adventures: Learn to fly a water-powered jetpack or flyboard and soar 10 metres above the lake in Penrith. Ironman isn’t the only one who gets to have all the fun.

• Wylde MTB & BMX. Explore Australia’s largest combined mountain biking and BMX hub in Western Sydney Parklands. It features over 15 km of purpose-built trails suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. Don’t nock it til you try it!

• Ghost Tour: Explore something unique with a visit to the Museums Discovery Centre or a spooky ghost tour at historic locations like the Old Government House or Parramatta Gaol. Seriously, nothing beats scaring the daylights out of your best mates for a spooky adventure.

• iFLY Indoor Skydiving: Get an adrenaline rush together and experience the thrill of indoor skydiving in Penrith. This is a group activity that is guaranteed to bring a sense of connection.

Eat

• Amoretti’s Abbotsbury. Located close to Treetops Adventure Park, this Italian restaurant offers generous portions, quality steaks, ribs, and seafood platters, perfect for refuelling after an active day. We suggest booking your table in advance, especially if you’re a group of mates, with an appetite.

• The Log Cabin. Situated by the Nepean River, this venue serves classic pub meals and modern favourites using fresh local ingredients, with dishes like steak and barramundi that will feed the most ravenous group of mates.

• Osso Penrith. Found near the activities in Penrith (iFLY and Cables Wake Park), Osso offers hearty steakhouse meals and is known for its quality cuts and Australian cuisine, providing a great post-activity protein boost and place to unwind and recap the adventures.

• The East Bank Precinct (Penrith): A collection of riverside cafes and restaurants including options like  Goji Bar & Restaurant (modern Asian), Maldini’s By The River (Italian/pizza), and Eastbank Fish and Chips, providing variety and scenic views for a relaxed post-activity meal.

Stay

• Cables Lodge Accommodation. Save your dollars for the daily activities and choose a budget friendly bed for the night. Located at the Cables Wake Park, this affordable option offers dormitory-style and private rooms, shared kitchen, and common areas, making it ideal for groups and solo travellers focused purely on the activities.

• Pullman Sydney Penrith. A more luxurious option offering modern accommodation just minutes from the Cables Wake Park and other activities, with access to a restaurant and bar.

• Ingenia Holidays Nepean River. For those with a caravan or seeking cabins, this holiday park offers a tranquil setting right by the Nepean River, close to walking paths and local cafes. Everyone’s got that one mate with a caravan.

The mates weekend away

• Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Hire a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Horizon Line and explore the calm, non-tidal section of the Nepean River towards the Nepean Gorge for beautiful views of the sandstone cliffs.

• Aqua Golf: A fun, relaxed activity in Penrith where you hit golf balls into the water and aim for targets. FYI, friends are not technically considered targets.

• Cables wake park and aqua park. Offers dorm-style lodging, perfect for a group of friends or a sporting team looking for adventures that will have you laughing and panting all at once.

Play

• Axe Throwing: Get your axe into gear and test your aim with your buddies. Different locations in the area offer axe-throwing experiences, a fun and unique way to bond and release some energy.

• Workshops: Consider a group class like a paint-and-sip session in Parramatta, a cooking class, or even a gin-making workshop for a creative and relaxed group activity. Top tip, have a designated driver in the group, or pre-book your uber group booking.

• Pinot & Picasso Parramatta: This studio in the heart of Parramatta specialises in fun art, not fine art, making it a great option for all skill levels. They provide all art supplies, glassware, and a fridge (BYO drinks and food), and are popular for birthdays, hens parties, and team-building events. This is a true crowd pleaser without the pressure.

• Drip Splash: Known as Sydney’s “freshest Paint and Sip studio”, Drip Splash encourages a fun night of painting with music and your favourite drink. Top tip, bring your own favourite drinks.

• Paint Juicy Parramatta: Offers a high-energy paint-and-sip experience in a licensed venue, with artists guiding you through the creation of your masterpiece.

• Cooking with Yoshiko. Located in Windsor, this workshop allows groups to learn how to make traditional Japanese desserts. And yes, you get to eat them too.

Eat

• Holy Basil Parramatta. Known for great Thai food and plenty of space to seat large groups. This is your crowd pleaser for atmos and food.

• Harvest Buffet. An all-you-can-eat seafood and international buffet, ideal for groups with mixed tastes.

• BOM KBBQ. An all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ spot with the added bonus of VIP karaoke rooms for post-dinner fun. Who doesnt love Korean bbq and karaoke?!

• Gledswood Homestead and Winery. A beautiful old historic venue that is great for a classy dinner – and can host celebrations and parties if you have a special gathering, offering wine tasting and dining options in a beautiful setting.

Stay

• Holiday Inn St Mary’s. The rooms here are spacious and the Inn has multiple onsite bars and restaurants, so easy to please the group.

• Astina Suites. This is a high-end apartment hotel in Penrith offering large, modern units with kitchens, great for groups who prefer self-contained stays and access to a rooftop pool and bar. Not too expensive when you break it down between a few mates.