A guide to the suburbs of Western Sydney

The eastern suburbs of Sydney get a lot of attention. After all, they're home to famous beaches and seaside style. In fact, we've already got a guide to the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. But the Western Suburbs of Sydney are just as great—from the Western Sydney Parklands to the emerging food and culture scene—and we're showing you why with four of our favourite examples.

Penrith is a city nestled against the banks of the Nepean River, and the locals make the most of this natural feature. Stroll along the water's edge (a path aptly named the Great River Walk) and maybe bring a picnic and relax under a shady tree. Or explore the natural beauty of Penrith with a hit of adrenaline at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium. The venue for the canoe/kayak slalom events during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the whitewater stadium is now a must-visit for anyone looking to try their hand at whitewater rafting. 

Head back into town for dinner at one of Penrith's fantastic restaurants. Cheecho's is a local favourite and is well worth a visit if you love Mexican food and cocktails, and The Union has delicious Mediterranean food, served on sharing plates—perfect for groups or families who can't decide what to order and want to try a bit of everything.

Finally, settle into your Penrith hotel for a good night's rest. Wake up, perhaps take a dip in the hotel pool or work out in the fitness centre before heading back out to see what more this vibrant city of Western Sydney offers.

One of the busiest hubs of the Western Sydney suburbs, Parramatta is alive with arts, culture, food, and activities. For families with active kids visiting the Western Sydney suburb, Blaxland Riverside Park should be top of your to-do list. The huge children's playground boasts a double flying fox, mega swing, tunnel slides, multi-level treehouse, outdoor water play area, and free-to-use BBQ facilities. If you're looking for more outdoor fun, Parramatta Park (a UNESCO World Heritage-listed park) is a great place to run around or relax in the sun.

When it comes to food and drink, Parramatta has something for everyone. Betty's Burgers & Concrete Co. serves up burgers of all kinds (including vegetarian options) as well as milkshakes served with their signature frozen custard ice cream. Meanwhile, the Ruse Bar & Brasserie offers contemporary Australian cuisine and a wine cellar to make any wine lover envious. The menu revolves around charcoal and wood fire cooking, with an emphasis on creating dishes that can be shared amongst friends and family. And at 350 Restaurant and Lounge, you can enjoy a twice-cooked pork belly that's sure to satisfy even the hungriest guest. But if you're still craving more, the passionfruit brûlée is the perfect way to finish a delicious meal.

After a delicious and filling meal, there's surely only one thing on your mind: a good night's rest. Be sure to book yourself into a Parramatta hotel to sleep off your fantastic food and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to discover more of this vibrant city.

One of the best suburbs in Western Sydney and the Greater Western Sydney region for anyone looking for live entertainment, Olympic Park is known for its plethora of entertainment venues. Accor Stadium, the aquatic centre, Sydney showground, and plenty more make this suburb home to some of the best events in Sydney.  Remember to check out the ALL - Accor Limitless Experiences to plan for an upcoming event that interests you.

While many people visit this Western Sydney suburb for the events—the Sydney Easter Show being one of the biggest each year—there's plenty to love about this suburb year round. Head to Newington Armory (a heritage-listed former Royal Australian Navy armament depot) to take in some history while grabbing a bite to eat at the Armory Wharf Café and pop into the BirdLife Discovery Centre where you can learn all about birds in their natural habitat.

When it comes time to grab a bite to eat, you'll have plenty of options. For a casual bite to eat and maybe an afternoon sweet treat in Sydney,  Mellow Me Café and Dessert Bar is a great way to wrap up an afternoon in Olympic Park. For lunch or dinner, Brewery Bar + Kitchen is home to some of the best, elevated pub food in the Western Sydney suburbs. Located near the train station, near Accor Stadium, and just downstairs from the Novotel Sydney Olympic Park, you'll be within walking distance of everything you need.

Discover your Sydney Olympic Park accommodation options, from budget to upscale and start planning your getaway.

Located in inner south-west Sydney, Liverpool has a rich history and plenty of things to see and do.

The Liverpool Regional Museum celebrates the region's cultural heritage, history, and stories. Those who enjoy learning about the past will have plenty to love about this Western Sydney suburb, but so will those who look to the future. The Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre hosts art exhibitions and installations of all kinds, from the Sydney Film Festival to comedy nights to live music.

Come dinner time and this Western Sydney suburb has plenty of eateries to choose from. Blackrose Bar & Café embodies casual Italian dining for lunch or dinner—the rucola pizza and the strangozzi alla norma pasta are standouts. And if you find yourself spoilt for choice and struggling to choose, The Laneway lets you choose between multiple dining options in modern comfort and style.

When you've finished your last mouthful of gelato at The Laneway, you can head around the corner to your hotel Liverpool hotel room. Head to the on-site Brasserie restaurant for breakfast to energize your continuing adventures in the Western Sydney suburbs.  

The suburbs of Greater Western Sydney often get overlooked by the hustle and bustle of Sydney's city centre, but they have just as many fun things to do and experiences to try. The plentiful nature that makes up the region is second to none, and the multi-cultural cuisines are a delight for your taste buds every meal. So start planning your Western Sydney getaway with an Accor hotel.

Lead image via Destination NSW