Family WEST: The Airport Run, But Make It a Day Out
With Western Sydney International (WSI) Airport welcoming its first passengers, there’s a whole lot of Western Sydney worth exploring before you fly or after you land. When travelling with the family, the airport run doesn’t have to mean a mad dash from the front door to the departure gate. From animal encounters and nature trails to treetop rope courses and seriously good local eats, these family-friendly stops turn travel time into adventure time. Take a tour of some of WEST’s family-friendly suburbs to explore close to Western Sydney International (WSI) Airport. Across the traditional lands of the Dharug, the Cabrogral of the Dharug Nation and the Dharawal People, Western Sydney has a day out for every type of family.
Japanese Garden, Campbelltown Arts Centre 
Roman's Deli, Georges Hall 
Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens, Nurragingy Reserve
BLACKTOWN: Animals, playgrounds and room to roam
Start with a visit to Sydney Zoo at Eastern Creek, where the kids can come face-to-face with wildlife from Australia and around the world. From kangaroos and koalas to elephants, lions and rhinos, there’s plenty to keep curious minds busy. Enjoy a coffee from one of the zoo cafes and if you’re feeling peckish, there’s plenty of food outlets serving meals, snacks and drinks.
Once you’ve explored all the enclosures, if the kids are enjoying the great outdoors continue with a visit to nearby Bungarribee Park. Adventure playgrounds, a flying fox, water play and open green spaces give plenty of room for little legs to burn off some energy. Enjoy a packed picnic in a shady spot, or order burgers, wraps and more at Harvey’s Social, right inside the park.
End the day with a wander around Nurragingy Reserve. Explore the beautiful Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens, discover the variety of stunning international gardens or let the kids loose at one of the many playgrounds. There’s plenty of options to entertain the whole family.
Sydney Zoo 
Bungarribee Park 
Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens, Nurragingy Reserve
MOUNT ANNAN: A garden adventure for curious kids
At the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, nature is in full bloom. Start at The Garden’s Playground, where little adventurers can climb, swing and slide before setting off to explore.
Settle in at The Garden’s Cafe next door for a cup of delicious Goliath Coffee Roasters coffee and order a bite to eat if you’re feeling hungry. It’s a lovely spot to recharge before a wander through the gardens. Afterwards, follow the walking trails through the native gardens and woodland, keeping an eye out for birdlife, fascinating plant species and wildlife along the way. There are picnic spots and tables for a break too.
For something a little different, visit the Australian PlantBank, where conservation work helps protect native plant species for the future. Guided tours offer a fascinating look at how seeds are collected and preserved, so check availability if you’d like to book in.
Australian PlantBank 
Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan 
The Garden's Cafe
CAMPBELLTOWN: Art, sculpture gardens and a splash of fun
When visiting Campbelltown, the Campbelltown Billabong Parklands is an endless day of fun for a family outing. With interactive water play, pools, picnic areas and shaded spaces, it’s a place to splash, swim and play.
For a change of pace, cross the road to Campbelltown Arts Centre, a cultural space bringing art and nature together. Explore the galleries and wander through the beautifully designed Japanese Garden. Kids will love being up close to the colourful koi carp fish, as well as following the Sculpture Garden walk, turning a stroll into a little outdoor art hunt.
The Art Cafe, overlooking the Japanese Garden, is a scenic stop for a coffee and a cool drink. Afterwards, visit the Western Sydney University Campbelltown Campus to admire their garden Sculpture Walk, then head into town to settle in for lunch at Alkalizer, known for its fresh, flavour-packed menu, coffee and relaxed atmosphere.
Campbelltown Billabong Parklands 
Campbelltown Arts Centre 
Alkalizer
GEORGES HALL: Take a walk on the wild side
At Mirambeena Regional Park, swap airport queues for nature trails, lakeside walks and birdwatching. The surrounding reserves are filled with playgrounds, picnic spots, BBQ facilities and plenty of green space for families to explore.
Keep an eye out for birdlife around Lake Gillawarna and Prospect Creek, or choose a walking trail surrounded by tall, towering trees. Pack the walking shoes, bring the kids and see where the trails take you, there’s plenty to discover along the way.
For a coffee and something sweet nearby, head to French Rose Patisserie for a townie - a delicious mash-up of brownie and tart. Kids will love flavours such as Nutella, Mars Bar, Snickers and Kinder Bueno. When it’s time for lunch, Roman’s Deli serves sandwiches, focaccias and bagels packed with delicious fillings, alongside specialty coffee and creative drinks. Grab a bite and enjoy a laid-back local food stop after your outdoor adventure.
Mirambeena Regional Park 
Roman's Deli 
French Rose Patisserie
ABBOTSBURY: Big adventures in Western Sydney Parklands
For families who like their day out with a little action, Western Sydney Parklands in Abbotsbury delivers. Take on the treetop courses at Treetops Adventure, meet farm animals at Calmsley Hill City Farm or let the kids loose at Lizard Log playground, where play equipment is integrated with the beautiful surrounding bushland.
Stop at Saluti by Novella for your morning coffee before taking a stroll along one of the walking trails to discover more of the Parklands, or spread out a picnic and enjoy the fresh air. Walking trails, picnic areas and BBQ facilities make it easy to turn one activity into a longer outing.
When lunchtime rolls around, head to Cugini & Co in Abbotsbury for Italian favourites, from wood-fired pizza to pasta, in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Treetops Adventure 
Cugini & Co 
Lizard Log Playground, Western Sydney Parklands
Your next stop or stop-over? Head West.
From meeting wildlife and exploring secret garden corners to splashing, climbing, discovering local art and finding your next favourite lunch spot, Western Sydney is full of ways to make family memories. So pack the snacks, round up the kids and turn your next airport run into an adventure. You might just discover that the best part of the journey is everything waiting for you out West.
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