This week we are exploring all things Bankstown. With the weather warming and the inaugural Bankstown Biennale exhibition showing, now is the perfect time to explore all Bankstown has to offer.
Start the day off by exploring the Bankstown Art Centre. Enter the gallery via Olympic Parade, taking note of the public art and gardens that surround the gallery and explore ‘Symbiosis’.
The gallery itself is split off into multiple rooms with the biennale exhibition flowing throughout. Be sure to pick yourself up a free guidebook which walks you through the various works and the artists behind them. Check out the courtyard directly behind the entry into the gallery, and if weather permits have a seat under the blossoming Jacaranda while soaking up the sculptures!
Heading out of the gallery, walk down Olympic parade to and turn left up onto Chapel Road which will connect you to Bankstown City Plaza, the heart of Bankstown. Explore the posters and street art dotted along the way – a clear indication of how art proud the community is. The streets here are lined with fresh produce of all kind, take note of the food offerings available but save yourself till later in the day after you have checked out the Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre.
Meander through the streets of Bankstown heading towards Paul Keating Park where you will find ‘The Spirit of Botany’ sculpture, designed by Alan Ingham, commemorating Sir Joseph Banks, who Bankstown happens to be named after – much like our last week's destination Banksmeadow.
Continue up towards the Library and Knowledge centre – opening in 2016 this building is an architectural marvel having transformed the existing Bankstown Town Hall into an integrated, flexible, state of the art community hub and an absolute must-see when in the area. The interior of the building, home to a three-story green-wall, is comparable in aesthetics to the contemporary architecture often found in New York City or Tokyo
After viewing the library from all angles, head back down into Bankstown City Plaza for something to eat. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the options of food – whether you are in the mood for Thai, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Greek, a classic pub feed or even just dessert, everything is so accessible. Some of our preferred options include Gai Hoi Vietnamese, Hanamaruya Japanese, or the Olympic Continental Delicatessen. If you have the time, check out a Taste Tour which is guaranteed to take you to the best food offerings Bankstown has to offer.
