Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic ParkCredit: Destination NSW
Family exploring Bicentennial Park in Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush
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Take a culture trip to Western Sydney during New South Wales’ month-long music festival, Great Southern Nights, where Penrith, Parramatta and surrounds offer riverside beauty, an ever-blossoming arts and dining scene, and incredible staycation-worthy excursions alongside a star-studded line-up of gigs.
Great Southern Nights Gigs
The Western Distributors will attract country music lovers far and wide as they perform at the Leichardt Bowling Club on Sunday 23 March, while iconic Aussie band The Radiators are sure to impress at Wentworthville Leagues Club on Saturday 29 March. The Hoodoo Gurus will be rockin' out at The Vineyard in Windsor on Sunday 30 March.
Great Southern Nights 2023 Taster Series Credit: Morse Code
Great Southern Nights 2023 Taster Series
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Great Southern Nights 2023 Taster Series Credit: Morse Code
Great Southern Nights 2023 Taster Series
Eat & Drink
Checho’s
Enjoy cooking that is somewhere between American-style Mexican, real Mexican and modern Mexican, think fried chicken tacos, mezcal spiked halloumi and Mexican spiced watermelon and feta salad.
Percy Plunkett
Step back in time as you visit the historic house cafe, built in 1866. Bought by Percy Plunkett in 1928, the family has since made it their own. Boasting an all-day menu that serves everything from scones to burgers, the signature, deep-dished pancake is a must-try.
Oribu
Embark on a new era of dining with Parramatta’s first Japanese fine dining experience at Heritage Lounge. Our new head chef, Harry Cho, brings over two decades of culinary expertise to create a menu that is unparalleled in taste and quality. Experience a perfect balance of flavours, textures, and aromas with every dish, crafted with only the freshest ingredients and a keen eye for detail.
Nick & Nora’s, Parramatta
From this lofty rooftop locale, let your eyes drift 26 floors down as you marvel at just how grown-up Parramatta has become with its elegant bars and polished eateries. Raise a martini to this coming of age in the post-prohibition-inspired cocktail bar that is Nick & Nora’s, where you can sip perfectly formed tipples and sup local oysters.
Lilymu, Parramatta
Chopsticks at the ready for this contemporary-edged interpretation of Chinese and Southeast Asian fare from executive chef Brendan Fong. Dine by the light of a neon-lit lotus flower and relish the classics reimagined with care and using ethically sourced ingredients.
CicciaBella, Parramatta
Chopsticks at the ready for this contemporary-edged interpretation of Chinese and Southeast Asian fare from Head Chef Roy Park. Dine by the light of a neon-lit lotus flower and relish the classics reimagined with care and using ethically sourced ingredients.
Mr Watkin’s Bar, Penrith
Named after a bygone Penrith personality, Mr Watkin Tench, this establishment is a café by day, but once the sun sets, transforms into a restaurant and speakeasy-style bar. Staff have excellent hospitality pedigree, to supply delicious fare and good times for all.
Nick and Nora's, Parramatta Credit: Destination NSW
Young people having a drink at Nick and Nora's rooftop bar
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Nick and Nora's, Parramatta Credit: Destination NSW
Young people having a drink at Nick and Nora's rooftop bar
Lilymu, Parramatta Credit: Cole Bennetts
Lilymu, located within Parramatta Square, adds a delicious twist to the flavours of China and South East Asia.
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Lilymu, Parramatta Credit: Cole Bennetts
Lilymu, located within Parramatta Square, adds a delicious twist to the flavours of China and South East Asia.
Play
Sydney Zoo
After seeing the musicians on their stage, be sure to make time to see mammals play in their arena. A visit to the Sydney Zoo will keep the family entertained: talk to the apes on Primate Boulevard, let a meerkat perch on your shoulder, and be wowed by the snakes. There’s also a giant Ferris wheel, many bookable close encounters with resident animals, and even the opportunity to be a zookeeper for the day.
Raging Waters Sydney
Throw yourself directly in the deep end on a sun-soaked excursion to Raging Waters. From gentle waterslides to suit the smaller and less adventurous among us to the more intense Bombora that hurtles adrenaline-hunters into swirling currents, this fun park offers all manner of waterlogged thrills.
URBNSURF
URBNSURF is Australia’s only surf park, which turns surf aspiration to participation, and you can ride perfect waves day and night. Whether it’s your first ride or you’re a seasoned shredder chasing the ultimate thrill, URBNSURF provides the perfect surf experience.
Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
If you’ve never had much luck happening across Australian fauna in their bushland habitats, you can be guaranteed to meet furry, feathered and scaly friends at Featherdale, which lays claim to the largest collection of Australian native animals in the world. Visit Koala Kindy, encounter a quokka, and see a roo or two.
Sydney Coliseum Theatre at West HQ
Be immersed in a revolving door of talent at the architecturally, technically and culturally significant Sydney Coliseum Theatre. As well as electrifying live music shows for Great Southern Nights, there’s plenty more to entertain, from theatre and dance to comedy shows.
Skyline Drive-In
Enjoy a night out under the stars watching a blockbuster, having a beverage and enjoying a tasty treat from the diner menu... sounds like a perfect night.Skyline Drive-In offers a nostalgic yet new experience with the latest Hollywood blockbusters, a 'Happy Days'-style retro diner, and a truly unique night of fun. The Skyline Drive-In screens a range of retro and popular blockbusters.
IFly Downunder
For adrenalin junkies, iFLY Downunder is the largest and most powerful indoor skydiving facility in the Southern Hemisphere. Each flight is 50 seconds: a little longer than a 14,000 ft tandem skydive! All packages include training, flight gear, and a minimum of 2 flights per person with one-on-one instruction.
Raging Waters Sydney, Prospect Credit: Destination NSW
Visitors enjoying a day out at The Beach located at Raging Waters Sydney, Prospect.
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Raging Waters Sydney, Prospect Credit: Destination NSW
Visitors enjoying a day out at The Beach located at Raging Waters Sydney, Prospect.
Anderson's Tours, Featherdale Wildlife Park Credit: Destination NSW
Anderson's Tours offers a small group touring experience to the Blue Mountains including Featherdale Wildlife Park.
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Anderson's Tours, Featherdale Wildlife Park Credit: Destination NSW
Anderson's Tours offers a small group touring experience to the Blue Mountains including Featherdale Wildlife Park.
Explore
Taste Cultural Food Tours
Expand the horizons of your palate as Western Sydney’s diverse food offerings unfurl before you on a global tasting tour. From Cabramatta’s Vietnamese eateries to Liverpool’s Middle Eastern fare, these flavours will linger in your memory long after you’ve taken the last bite.
Western Sydney Parklands
Spanning from Blacktown to Leppington over 27 well-maintained kilometres of parklands, this green space has been designed for the recreation of everyone, including their pooches. There’s the Warrigal Run, Sydney’s largest off-leash dog area, picnic areas, mountain bike trails, kids’ playgrounds, and even the TreeTops Adventure Park, should you feel the desire to test your heart rate on a hurtle through the canopy via zipline.
Elizabeth Farm
Commenced in 1793, Elizabeth Farm contains the oldest surviving European building in Australia. Once home to Elizabeth and John Macarthur, pioneers of the Australian wool industry, it is a rare example of an early Australian colonial homestead. It is also one of the most accessible house museums you will ever visit. There are no inhibiting room barriers, so you can wander freely through the house, draw up a chair to a table, read family letters and newspapers, relax on shady verandas or warm up before an open fire and imagine life in the early colony.
Elizabeth Farm, Rosehill Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to the historic Elizabeth Farm estate, Rosehill in Sydney's west.
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Elizabeth Farm, Rosehill Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to the historic Elizabeth Farm estate, Rosehill in Sydney's west.
Western Sydney Parklands, Eastern Creek Credit: Destination NSW
Young people enjoying a day out at Western Sydney Parklands
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Western Sydney Parklands, Eastern Creek Credit: Destination NSW
Young people enjoying a day out at Western Sydney Parklands
Stay
Pullman Penrith
Experience $110 million of luxury development with a stay at the new Pullman Penrith. Across 153 rooms, a new Modern-European bar and restaurant, a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness centre (designed in partnership with the Penrith Panthers) and an incredible function centre, the new hotel is a destination stay between the Blue Mountains and Sydney’s west.
SKYE Suites, Parramatta
With all the necessary luxe details to feel thoroughly pampered, earmark this one for a city staycation. Located within easy reach of Western Sydney’s most covetable attractions, such as Parramatta Square, Parramatta Park and Riverside Theatre, SKYE Suites offers a contemporary place to relax after your Great Southern Night. Plunge into the infinity pool, ascend to the rooftop bar, Nick & Nora’s, and exhale at the onsite spa.
Novotel Sydney West HQ, Rooty Hill
Located at Western Sydney’s most happening address, this 4.5-star hotel puts you squarely in the action. Close to restaurants, bars and the Sydney Coliseum Theatre, it’s the perfect end to a night watching Jimmy Barnes on stage.
Mercure, Penrith
In downtown Penrith, just a short drive from the enlivening air of the Blue Mountains, Mercure Penrith is within easy reach of Western Sydney’s urban and natural highlights. Soothing tones and an understated aesthetic make this a fuss-free and entirely agreeable stay.
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For more information on Great Southern Nights and to purchase tickets go to greatsouthernnights.com.au. Start planning your Great Southern Nights road trip and learn more about New South Wales’ diverse destinations and experiences at sydney.com and visitnsw.com.
Share your Feel New moments with #FeelNSW and #FeelNewSydney.
Parramatta River, Parramatta Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk along the banks of the Parramatta River, Parramatta.
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Parramatta River, Parramatta Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk along the banks of the Parramatta River, Parramatta.
More Inspirational Stories
Whale watching, SydneyCredit: Destination NSW
A whale breaches out of the water off Sydney waters.
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Every year from May to October, some of the largest animals to ever exist travel north (then back south) the NSW coast and Sydney offers a perfect vantage point to see them on their journey. Known as the Humpback Highway, the stretch of coast sees more than 40,000 humpback whales (plus the occasional southern right whale) travel from their Antarctic feeding grounds to the warm bays of Queensland.
Whether on a picturesque headland or a speedboat out on the water, you can spot the creatures glide past on their journey north at the beginning of the season, then returning, with a new family, around October to November. If you’re lucky you’ll catch one of the whales, each 40 tonnes and the size of a firetruck, perform a fin wave, feed their young or even burst out of the water and crash into the ocean’s waves leaving you feeling utterly in awe of the complexity and beauty of nature. The best time to catch a glimpse is right in the middle of the migration season, in June to July, when the majority of the pods will be cruising past. So, bring your binoculars: here’s the pick of Sydney’s whale-watching spots, from north to south.
Barrenjoey Headland, Palm Beach
At the northern edge of Sydney, 45km from the city, Barrenjoey Headland at Palm Beach is where the whales swim the last leg of their migration before birthing calves between the Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef. It’s also where you’ll get the first sight of the humpback calves on their way back. For the best view, hike up to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, just over 90 metres above sea level, for sweeping views along the coast — keep your eyes peeled for the tell-tale burst of spray.
North Head, Manly
Take the memorable ferry ride from Sydney Harbour to Manly, make your way through the buzz of cafes and bars to the cool, quiet bushland of North Head in the Sydney Harbour National Park. Perched high above the water, elegantly designed Burragula (southern lookout) and Yiningma (northern lookout) show off uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean. The paved Fairfax walk connecting the two lookouts is an easy 1km track delivering coastal bush scenery plus more epic ocean views.
West Head Lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Barrenjoey Headland viewed from West Head lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
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West Head Lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Barrenjoey Headland viewed from West Head lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Whale Watching, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Humpback whale spotted off Sydney Heads on its annual migration along the NSW coastline.
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Whale Watching, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Humpback whale spotted off Sydney Heads on its annual migration along the NSW coastline.
South Head, Watsons Bay
A lesser-known ferry ride is the pretty 25-minute commute to Watsons Bay, on the other side of harbour and the base of South Head. Embark on the 2km South Head Heritage Trail and soak up spectacular beach and harbour views as you make your way to the vista. If you have no luck there, continue on to the Gap lookout. Afterwards, refuel with a classic fish and chips (or an extravagant seafood platter) and ridiculously gorgeous harbour views at the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel.
Cape Solander, Kurnell
Head to Cronulla, the beachy capital of the Sutherland Shire, and nab your supplies for a whale watching adventure in Kurnell, the lands of the Gweagal people and the site where Captain Cook first landed in Sydney. From Silver Beach (netted for safe swimming) walk out to Cape Solander, one of the best vantage points for whale watching in Sydney. If you’re keen to add on a hike, head south on the Cape Bailey walking track, an 8km loop offering panoramic views and more whale watching opportunities.
Watsons Bay, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Watsons Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
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Watsons Bay, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Watsons Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
Whale Watching, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Humpback whale spotted off Sydney Heads on its annual migration along the NSW coastline.
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Whale Watching, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Humpback whale spotted off Sydney Heads on its annual migration along the NSW coastline.
The Coast Track, Royal National Park
Pack your adventurous spirit and traverse one of Sydney’s most renowned hikes, The Coast Track, a winding 26km trail between Bundeena and Otford. Hugging the cliffs for much of its route, the entire track will take up to two days (but speedy walkers can do it in one) and offers plenty of lookout points to spot humpbacks and southern right whales on their journey up or down the coast. Although June and July are the best time for spotting whales, the spring months (when whales are returning with their young) see the track painted in wildflower blooms.
On the water
Meet the magnificent creatures in their world via a whale-watching cruise, departing regularly from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Manly and Cronulla during the season. The cruises follow the whale pods (from a safe distance) along the coast, with vessels ranging from fast and nimble speedboats with tours like Ocean Extreme and Manly Ocean Adventures, to larger ferry-style boats with Captain Cook Cruises, Oz Whale Watching, Whale Watching Sydney and Cronulla Whale Watching, to name a few.
Captain Cook Cruises, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying harbour views aboard a Captain Cook Cruises vessel in Sydney Harbour.
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Captain Cook Cruises, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying harbour views aboard a Captain Cook Cruises vessel in Sydney Harbour.
Tonkin Street Public Wharf, Cronulla Credit: Destination NSW
The Cronulla to Bundeena ferry returning to the Tonkin Street Public Wharf, Cronulla.
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Tonkin Street Public Wharf, Cronulla Credit: Destination NSW
The Cronulla to Bundeena ferry returning to the Tonkin Street Public Wharf, Cronulla.