Western Sydney has become a holiday destination in its own right, thanks to fabulous new hotels and great activities for the family, particularly TreeTops Western Sydney.
Book a weekend getaway centred around the adrenaline-pumping park on the tip of the lush and vast Western Sydney Parklands.
Packed into TreeTops is both the high-ropes Adventure Park and the Crazy Rider Xpress rollercoaster zip line.
The Adventure Park is home to more than 100 aerial challenges, where you can spend two hours high in the trees getting a full body workout and a healthy dose of adrenaline as you make your way past rope ladders, cargo nets, zip lines and plenty of other sky-scraping obstacles.
The experience is suitable for kids over the age of three. It is also accessible for people with some physical, intellectual or sensory disabilities – just check with the park first.
The Crazy Rider Xpress is all the stomach-dropping madness of a rollercoaster mixed with the flying feeling of a zip line. It’s an invention unique to TreeTops and is the fastest rollercoaster zip line in the world.
Thrill-seekers over 10 years old can fly down the 500-metre zip line, whirling in 360-degree loops and delightfully dizzying twists, turns and drops.
Once you’ve got your ticket you can have as many rides as you can fit into an hour, so you can experience the thrill over and over again. TreeTops Western Sydney is the perfect day out for families – there’s options for children over the age of three right through to adults keen to relive their sport-and-rec camp glory days.
Outside of the park, another great Western Sydney attraction is the fabulous food and stories of its diverse communities.
Where to eat
Chu Restaurant by China Doll at West HQ, Rooty Hill
For something a bit fancy, try the highly rated a la carte menu or Sunday yum cha at Chu, next to the Sydney Coliseum Theatre. You’ll be treated to all sorts of dumplings and modern takes on lemon chicken and sweet and sour pork, as well as rice and sago desserts – and dessert cocktails.
Gursha Ethiopian Restaurant, Blacktown
Expect to be feasting on delights such as toasted injera (a type of flatbread), kitfo, which is spiced and finely chopped lean beef served with cottage cheese and kale, and yedoro wot, a traditionally prepared chicken drumstick stew.
Pho Oanh Vietnamese Noodle Shop, Blacktown
For a real authentic taste of Western Sydney, try Pho Oanh. The dishes are simple but delicious, such as rice with pork chops, vermicelli with spring rolls and beef noodle soup with rare beef and flank.
Things to do
Skyline Drive In Blacktown
One of the best date-night spots in Sydney, but also great for an evening out with friends or family, is Skyline Drive In Blacktown. Watch a movie the nostalgic way: cuddled up under a blanket in the back of your car, looking at the stars in the sky and the stars on the screen.
Visit: eventcinemas.com.au
Taste Cultural Food Tours
This is a great way to experience the best of Western Sydney food while also giving back to the community. Taste Tours trains migrants and refugees to host local tours that promote culture understanding and exhibit their cuisine. Choose from a Taste of Vietnam tour of Cabramatta or Taste of the World tour of Liverpool.
Visit: tastetours.com.au
Where to stay
Family: Meriton Suites, Parramatta
Enjoy five-star luxury and soaring views of Western Sydney at these self-serviced apartments for the entire family.
Visit: meritonsuites.com.au
Luxury: The William Inglis Hotel
In nearby Warwick Farm, the William Inglis Hotel has an outdoor pool, day spa and cafe, restaurant and bar.
Visit: williaminglis.com.au
Unique: Mowbray Park Farmstay
For a different experience, stay in a rustic lodge on this Picton farm that dates back to the 1800s. You’ll be entertained with archery, sheepshearing and horse riding.
Visit: farmstayholidays.com.au
Take me there
How to get there: TreeTops Western Sydney is a 45-minute drive from Sydney CBD, two hours from Newcastle or an hour from Wollongong.
Opening hours: From 10am to 5pm daily; 9am to 5pm on public and school holidays.
Prices: The Adventure Park costs $28 for ages 3-9, $41 for ages 10-17, or $51 an adult. Crazy Rider Xpress costs $30 for ages 10-17 or $40 an adult.
Explore more: treetops.com.au