Hit Your Stride in Warwick Farm
From racehorses to wartime troops, Warwick Farm has seen its fair share of action. Hosting major thoroughbred horse races, polo matches and motorsport events at Warwick Farm Racecourse, the suburb also played an unexpected role during both World Wars, hosting American and British armed forces. On Dharug Country, join WEST as we explore this charming historic area.
As you drive through Warwick Farm, one surprising local landmark, a replica of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, will certainly catch your eye. A smaller version of the original that is. Positioned at the Peter Warren car dealership since 1988, it’s become a Western Sydney Icon of the area.
Just past the dealership, The Doughnut Mum is a great little cafe at the Hometown Warwick Farm shopping centre. Serving quality Mecca coffee, they’re known for their specialty donuts, with flavours including matcha and lemon meringue. You might even find an acquired flavour like Durian on the menu. While you’re here, explore some of the homeware shops including Dollar World AU. It’s great fun to explore all the aisles packed with things you didn’t even know you needed.
Five minutes up the road and you’ll arrive at Warwick Farm Racecourse. The best time to visit is on a race day when the course comes alive. Get comfy besides the pre-race area (known as the paddock) and view the horses in all their mighty form. They’re magnificent up close, with shiny coats and strong strides, the perfect vantage point to choose your favourite. The top-level grandstand is the place to be for the best view over the course or make your way to the finish line to be close to the action.
During your visit, look for a signboard on the lower-level sharing history of the grounds. From the first race meeting held in 1889 to military operations during World War I and II, it’s fascinating history. WWI saw the site used as a training camp for Australian light horse units, and in WWII, troops from the United States Army Service of Supply and British naval officers with the Royal Navy lived onsite. Horseracing resumed in 1952, with polo matches introduced in 1956 and a motor racing circuit built in 1960, hosting the Australian Grand Prix from 1963.
Next door at The William Inglis Hotel, you can view the Inglis Riverside Stables and horse parade areas, it’s one of the premier thoroughbred sales complexes in NSW. There’s also the opportunity to enjoy a refined hatted meal of exceptional quality. A lunch in The Newmarket Room, a beautifully decorated dining room with an equine-themed setting is the perfect way to spend the day.
Other excellent dining options nearby include Island Tastes for Polynesian fare, and Bay Pedro’s Lechon Cebu for Filipino cuisine, known for their signature traditional lechon (otherwise known as roasted pig). Most evenings, there’s either live music or raucous fun to be had with a karaoke machine. Give it a spin, you never know what Mariah Carey-level talents could be hidden within you.
From racehorses and grandstands to wartime camps and karaoke, Warwick Farm is a suburb with plenty of stories to tell - and a few surprises along the way. Discover them all on your next day out with WEST.

















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