top of page
Search

Smithfield's Hidden Gems

Smithfield is one of the largest suburbs by area and staddles both the Fairfield and Cumberland City Council areas. Well known for the industrial heartland of Sydney but it may come as a surprise the hidden gems to be found and explored in and around the village centre. Aboriginal people from the Cabrogal tribe, a sub-group of the Gandangara tribe, have lived in the Fairfield area, for over 30,000 years. Smithfield sits on the Cumberland Plain and is a place of discovery, naturally WEST wants to take you there.

 

A place of travel, food and culture, WEST is going to take you on a little, local, journey. A destination in and of itself, right in your own backyard. Naturally, we start the day with a coffee, Marmalletas can be found in the village centre, on The Horsely Drive. A cool, fun vibe, great food and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the classic story of a local who wanted to create something great within their local community. They have certainly achieved that. When we visited, they were just trialling a burger bar on Friday nights and they do a mean schnitzel too. Keep that in mind for later in the day, or evening, depending on when you visit.



The town centre is dotted with some great places to eat from premium offerings of fine dining Italian at Candeloris, casual take-away such as Frangos serving up amazing Portuguese Chicken on the main street to the very cool, very fun Saigon Hustle. The catchphrase – ‘Where the West Comes Alive” is very apt. Cool, contemporary Vietnamese inspired flavours and vibes. The atmosphere is electric, and the food is on point. Book ahead to get the perfect seat in the house.


However, we are going to take you to something very unexpected. Tucked away a few blocks back from the Horsely Drive you will find the very beautiful Holland House. It looks and feels like you’re on a movie set and the soothing green façade looks like the traditional buildings you expect to see in Amsterdam.



The Dutch Shop, ‘t Winkeltje in ‘Holland House’. An institution, an experience, a destination known and loved by the Dutch community in Australia sells all manner of products celebrating the Dutch culture. An Aladdin’s cave of treasure, the Dutch Shop sells everything from sporting memorabilia to traditional sardines and liquorice.


Inside you will also find a traditional café, with layers dark timber, a golden glow and full of texture and colour. The café is furnished with all manner of rugs, fringed lampshades, wood paneling, delft tiles and ceramic figurines, fake tulips in vases and of course the ever-conspicuous wooden clogs. The sensory overload is brilliant, and you can get lost in time here. Fortunately, the Dutch Shop serves up some incredible food, exactly as you would find in the homeland. From Snert to Croquettes to Frinkandel Speciaal you can explore with your eyes and your taste buds some of what the Netherlands is famous for. Dessert is a must – don’t miss the Appletaart. It's everything that is good about great food done simply. Indulge yourself and walk away with a basket full of goodies from ‘t Winkeltje or Supermarket.



WOW wasn’t that cool! Expect the unexpected and our next destination has its own very cool vibe. If you’re a local you might know this local Gym, BOXCLASS. This gym, also found in Smeaton Grange, is all about community and WEST loves the look, feel and welcoming environment. It also has cool mural artwork so take a look in, say hi and who knows, you might just end up being a member.



Now for some more culture and you guessed it Smithfield has a diverse array of peoples, religions and places of worship that are a part of the fabric of the community. For the culture tourist, the diversity of churches, temples and places of worship add colour and variety to the streetscape. The town centre has a diversity of buildings with some cool 70’s buildings to boot.  The Minh Gaic Temple is particularly beautiful, with the sculptural facades of the temple and entry gates, along with the elegant Buddhist statues gracing the grounds. Head east past the Fairfield City Museum and Gallery, also a great spot to visit, to discover this beautiful part of Western Sydney.




Visually stunning, a day out in Smithfield to explore its hidden gems is truly rewarding. So much to do and we still haven’t fully scratched the surface. What are you doing this weekend? WEST is hoping it’s a visit to Smithfield to explore and immerse yourself in this suburb many of you know but few have explored.


Comments


bottom of page