People from all over the world are drawn to Australia’s wide open spaces and rich, diverse culture, and today more than 200 different nationalities call Down Under home. And it’s their intrepid spirit of adventure that brought them to Sydney’s West, where they’ve creating a cultural melting pot and filled it with delicious cuisines. 

“You don’t need to travel far and wide to discover some of the world’s best cuisines,” says Hayden Quinn, foodie and host of Taste of Australia with Hayden Quinn: Sydney Edition. “From Cabramatta to Parramatta and beyond, you’ll find a beautiful mix of cultures serving up amazing cuisines from every corner of the world. There’s real heart and honesty to the food you’ll find here, too, because it’s not just about sharing meals, it’s about coming together and connecting through flavours, life experiences and adventures.” 

Start your tastebud travels in the Greater Western Sydney area, where European, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern and African eateries stand side by side, often on the same street. In Blacktown, Fred and Fely Mahusay’s Sydney Cebu Lechon is as famous for its authentic Filipino fare as it is for its family-friendly service and homey setting. Their specialty, lechon – whole suckling pig – hails from their regional home in Cebu, and is renowned for its golden, crispy skin and juicy, moreish meat.  

The flavourful goodness continues in Ryde, where a thriving Persian community is showcased in various eateries. At Farsi Restaurant, you can choose from more than 50 dishes including standout mains like Fesenjen (pomegranate chicken stew), Mossama Bademjan (lean lamb, eggplant and sour grapes) and a range of vegetarian dishes. Head to 32 Bakehouse for a sweet treat before continuing to Bahar Persian Food, where owner Russoul Sajadi presents a broad spectrum of Iranian and Persian produce, dry goods, health food, artworks and groceries.  

Next, explore Auburn and its neighbours for a broader mosaic of Middle Eastern flavours, with everything from a la carte dining to street food on offer. At Naim and Nermin Gunduz’s Menzil Turkish Bakery, you can stock up on Simit – a sesame-encrusted bagel-style bread with a moreish, fluffy centre – or treat yourself to a box of Turkish biscuits and baklava. For authentic Afghani, try Khaybar, where owner-chef Mujtaba Ashrafi’s award-winning menu spans everything from Bulanees (savoury turnovers) to Mantu (lamb dumplings) to Sherpera – a delicious dessert made from milk, rose water, cardamom, walnuts and pistachios. If comfort food’s in order, visit the casual, family-run Awafi, for Lebanese free-range charcoal chicken paired with freshly chopped tabouleh, handmade garlic sauce, and other traditional favourites like falafel, fatoush, kibbeh, shawarma and more. While you’re in town, you can get to know the locals on a 3.5-hour Taste Tour of Western Sydney. As your guide shows you around this vibrant community, you’ll meet local cooks, hear their compelling stories and sample their delicious Afghani and Syrian street food. 

In Cabramatta, the lively local Asian community serves up a smorgasbord of Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and Korean eateries. For a tasty overview of the area, take a tour with Gourmet Food Safaris, where a local expert will guide you to standout eateries in character-filled alleys, give you a taste of traditional favourites (think: Vietnamese pho, crunchy pork crackling and dragonfruit) and take you to an unofficial markets to stock up on ingredients to take home. 

The zingy Asian flavours continue in Little India, in nearby Harris Park and Parramatta. Taj Indian Sweets and Restaurant was the area’s first Indian eatery and its huge, delectable selection of Indian sweets and a 100% vegetarian menu still draw a steady stream of devotees (who’ll tell you that their deep-fried dough dumplings, Gulab Jamun, are the very best in Sydney). Savour Mumbai street food at Chatkazz, where standout vegetarian dishes like Pav-Bhaji (vegie curry), Ragda Pattice (yellow pea soup with fried potato cutlets) and Vada Pav (Bombay-style spicy fried potato balls) all have vegan options. Or, book a table at Hyderabad House for an all-you-can eat buffet, where their acclaimed biryanis star alongside an extensive, carnivore-friendly spread of Indian classics with a Chinese twist. 

Along with a passion for multicultural cuisine, Western Sydneysiders love getting outside for quality time with loved ones and adventures in nature – and there’s plenty of space to do both across the region.  

Take a walk through Lake Parramatta’s 70 hectares of bushland; here, the abundance of native birds and wildlife make family picnics extra memorable, and a paddle on the water with Parramatta Rowboats is a relaxing way to soak up the lush setting. At Bicentennial Park in the Olympic Park precinct, 40 hectares of scenic parklands are dotted with barbecues perfect for family get-togethers, along with a network of boardwalks and trails perfect for cycling and leisurely hikes. Just 25 minutes’ drive away, Western Sydney Parklands covers some 5280 hectares is home to a range of scenic reserves and more than 60km of tracks. For laidback picnic spaces garnished with gentle walking trails, look no further than Nurragingy Reserve, the Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Garden, Shale Hills and The Dairy. Fancy something a little more energetic? Take your mountain bike or BMX to the Wylde MTB Park, where cyclists of all ages can take an exciting spin through a natural playground complete with jumps, pumps and scenic gullies. 

Keep the adrenaline going at the Penrith Panthers Entertainment Complex, where you can get a rush on the water at Cables Wake Park and learn to wakeboard, kneeboard and waterski. Or hop, skip and jump your way over to its Aqua Park and make your own fun on inflatable slides, runways and jumping pillows in a family friendly atmosphere. While you’re there, head over to iFly for an indoor skydiving session for a free-falling thrill with no plane required. 

Prefer to get your thrills on the ground? Visit Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park and book into an exclusive encounter with the park’s 2.6-metre saltwater crocodile, Max. You can also get a wild rush at Sydney Zoo at Bungaribee, where you can hand-deliver lunch to a lion during a behind the scenes tour. 

Whether you visit for its exciting food, welcoming people or natural spaces, Sydney’s West offers an ever-changing array of experiences that’ll keep you coming back to explore. 

It’s worth spending a night or two to discover the area’s many attractions. In Parramatta, SKYE Suites offers a plush urban resort in an award-winning vertical village; at Warwick Farm, The William Inglis MGallery boutique hotel features luxe rooms topped off with a fantastic rooftop swimming pool and bar; and at Olympic Park, the Pullman is renowned for its five-star sophistication and understated luxury.