A Walk on the Wildside – Georges Hall and Surrounds
- The WEST Journal

- Aug 11
- 4 min read
WEST is going to take you on an adventure, a Walk on the Wildside. When we think of the word WILD, it conjures up images of lions and tigers and bears. But, wild also encompasses nature, the wild of the outdoors and all the living things in it. Exploring the parklands, walking trails, local food and activities of Georges Hall and surrounds is exactly ‘Where Interesting Happens’. Located on Dharug land and within the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA, the best way to travel is by car, so put those walking boots on, buckle in and let’s set out into nature to take it all in.
MIRAMBEENA REGIONAL PARK
We start our adventure at Mirambeena Regional Park, a lush parkland area of Canterbury-Bankstown made up of six reserves: Garrison Point, Lake Gillawarna, Flinders Slopes, Shortland Brush, Lansdowne Reserve and Amaroo Reserve. Stretching over 20 hectares, you can find play areas, sportsgrounds, wetlands, walking tracks, cycling tracks, picnic areas and more, many which we’ll see on our day together!
Shortland Brush
Make your way to Shortland Brush reserve, in the Lansdowne section of the park. Stop to admire the bird life on the lake and the incredible bird sphere sculpture by artist Graham Chalcroft. Made of steel, its outer design are the outlines of migratory birds that visit the lake and regional park, up to 94 different species found here alone. The sculpture symbolises the different cultural groups that call Bankstown home, a beautiful reminder of the harmonious multi-culturalism of Australia.
Walking around the lake is spectacular and otherworldly. Towering trees line the walkway, winding through what feels like a forest rather than suburban land. Admire the colours of the stringybark creating an artwork on each tree, and trees that have bark like dragon scales. It is such a peaceful walk, with molting gum trees and picnic seats for wonderful views of the lake.
After your leisurely lake walk, there’s an opportunity to walk, bike or shimmy all the way to Garrison Point, but mid-morning calls for a mid-break snack, so head to Georges Hall town centre for some coffee and cake.
Georges Hall
You’ll find a few great cafes here such as Wild Child and Cafe on Haig, as well as the family run French Rose Patisserie. WEST loves the warm, inviting hospitality not to mention how delicious each of their cakes are! With a background in Lebanese and Brazilian cooking, they also bring French flair to their Halal pastries and cakes, including creamy cannolis and their viral brownies with Dubai pistachio cream you simply cannot miss!
Flinders Slopes - Lake Gillawarna - Garrison Point
Back on the pavement and now in Flinders Slopes, there’s a great park here for the little ones as well as picnic tables and BBQs for a family feast. Follow the easy pathways until you reach the Seven Peacekeepers Monument, a stunning seven pillar artwork by Aboriginal artist Jamie Eastwood telling the story of “The Seven Peacekeepers”, brave warriors who rid The Land of evil spirits.
Continuing on, the path borders Prospect Creek and past both Dietz Island and Prospect Creek Island. You won’t miss it as you’ll be greeted with the sight - and sound - of hundreds of birds. It’s a nesting zone and it’s incredible to see so many birds covering the greenery in white.
As you continue your adventure along the pathways, take note of the variations in trees, with each corner bringing a new forest feel. There are so many opportunities to stop and play in parks and playgrounds, take a peaceful moment by a lake or creek, admire sculptures and artwork as well as more picnic and BBQ grounds. The Mirambeena Regional Park is a nature lovers dream and such a wonderful place for a family, friend or solo outing any time of the year.
When it comes to finding a local gem for lunch, WEST has done the hard work for you and found the perfect place.
Roman’s Deli is a gourmet sandwich food truck that in its first year has garnered a huge following. You can’t miss the green and white branding and the fun character cut outs. They serve halal sandwiches that are chunky, funky and jam packed with the tastiest ingredients of umami flavour, yum! WEST couldn’t get enough of the Colombo with fresh focaccia, panko crusted chicken, coconut sambal and more, truly one of the tastiest sandwiches ever eaten. Pair your sandwich with a refreshing iced tea and be taken to foodie heaven.
Pro1 Badminton Centre & Entertainment Park
If after lunch the food coma hasn’t kicked in yet, work up a fun competitive sweat at Pro1 Badminton Centre, or for a dose of wild and woolly adrenaline head to Bankstown’s Entertainment Park. With go kart racing, ten pin bowling, mini putt putt and arcade games galore (as well as a bar to take you into the night), there is more adventure to be had.
The area of Georges Hall and its surrounds is a region to delight and surprise you. A sanctuary, full of nature to be admired and immersed in and a day to share with others. A place not yet discovered by the crowds but that can become your secret slice of paradise. So, gather your family and friends, pack the picnic basket and bikes and take a Walk on the Wildside with WEST, a place ‘Where Interesting Happens’.


































































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