Dining Delight Discovery - Liverpool Powerhouse & Bellbird Dining
- The WEST Journal
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
With the Georges River flowing gently against its edges, and the Casula Parklands as its beautiful backdrop, the Liverpool Powerhouse stands tall. Once a working power station, it has now been converted into a place of art, culture, community and local refined dining. Located on the traditional lands of the Dharug and Tharawal people, a day out to Liverpool Powerhouse is a day out in itself, full of wonder, deep reflection and special meal experiences.
Liverpool Powerhouse has become an important icon in the Liverpool landscape, a place where people can gather and experience creativity in all forms. With a rotating schedule of exhibits showcasing a diverse range of artists and their creative talents, you can also find year-round programs for theatre, comedy, live music, arts and workshop programs, there is truly something for everyone.
Built in 1951 to supplement the city’s electricity supply, it was closed in 1976 and sat dormant for almost 20 years before re-opening in 1994. With Casula train station next door, the Liverpool Powerhouse is right at your doorstep and ready to be explored.
The land the Powerhouse stands on was once fondly referred to as the Liverpool Pleasure Gardens, and the surroundings reflect that memory. Before stepping inside, take a seat in the garden overlooking the Georges River (a King Parrot or two may join you), follow the walking paths and see where they lead and admire the striking towering silos tinted with spray signalling life and colour.
Once you enter the Powerhouse, the impact is immediate. Large draped indigo cynotype banners greet your eyes, framed by the steel posts and beams of the building. Exploring the walls and halls of the Powerhouse, you will discover rooms full of artistic treasures. At the time of WEST’s visit, the exhibit “Under the Big Blue Sky” was showcased, creating a stunning hue of blue juxtaposed against steel and concrete.
The exhibits are stunning, with each artists’ work sewn into the fabric of the building, allowing you to completely step into the moment. The rawness and heritage of the building forms part of the artwork itself. Each artist shares a profound personal message translated through their art, you can’t help but be completely submerged and inspired by your experience, and hours could easily be spent here.
Some artists featured included Tom Polo, Sonja Carmichael, Elisa Jane Carmichael, Ara Dolatian, Elyas Alavi, Izabela Pluta, Guan Wei, Dhambit Mununggurr, Abdullah M.I.Syed, Alexandra Standen as well as many more which can be viewed on the Liverpool Powerhouse’s website. WEST encourages you to learn about these incredible artists and visit more of their works around Western Sydney.
To complement a visit to the Liverpool Powerhouse, then lunch or dinner at Bellbird Dining is a magnificent match, a destination in itself. Head Chef Federico Rekowski hails from a hatted restaurant background, placing emphasis on fresh, quality local ingredients and tasty morsels in every one of your bites. Not to mention a curated playlist that will have you grooving in your seat.
The restaurant sets the stage with seating either inside with a view of the Powerhouse, or outside overlooking the tree-lined Georges River. The menu is mouth-watering and the food a feast for the eyes before your meal has even begun. Using local, seasonal produce and presenting it in beautiful ways makes this a very special experience.
WEST enjoyed a velvety artichoke truffle soup with freshly baked bread and salted butter, and was taken to foodie heaven with handmade ricotta gnocchi, a smoky eggplant delight and a bright, zesty winter salad. You’ll find a variety of beautiful dishes on offer as well as specially curated wines and cocktails at the Bellbird Bar. Service is attentive, warm and engaging, guiding you with menu recommendations and excellent cuisine knowledge, sometimes by the chef himself.
A day out to Liverpool Powerhouse and Bellbird Dining is an exceptional, unique experience that touches both the desire for connection through art and culture, as well as a dining experience that lives on in the memory bank for years to come. A Western Sydney experience not to be missed. Time to get out and explore with WEST!
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