Walk This Way: Penrith's Past
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
Threaded through Penrith, Emu Plains, Castlereagh, St Marys and Mulgoa is a 50km trail of heritage buildings, showcasing the area’s fascinating history as an important agricultural, railway and commercial hub from the early 1800s. Part of this trail is 11km of easily walkable pathway through Penrith and Emu Plains. Join WEST as we share heritage gems with you, found on the traditional lands of the Dharug and Gundungurra people.
Penrith Regional Gallery 
Penrith Weir 
The Arms of Australia Inn, Museum
What better way to experience a region than by walking it and learning about the historical places that make it what it is today. Arriving by train at Emu Plains Railway Station, be sure to admire the historic 1883 brick and sandstone building as you exit. The station was considered the gateway to the Blue Mountains, playing a central role in the expansion of the area.
From here, enjoy a scenic stroll along the Nepean River towards Café at Lewers at Penrith Regional Gallery. Take in the lovely gardens with a cup of local Cassiopeia Coffee. Set within the gallery grounds is the former home of modernist artists Gerald and Margo Lewers, with the farmhouse on site first built around 1901. Impressive paintings, sculpture and photography are spread throughout the property, as well as the Ancher House, designed by renowned modernist architect Sydney Ancher.
Emu Plains Station 
Penrith Regional Gallery 
Penrith Regional Gallery
Your next heritage visit is to St Paul’s Anglican Church on Short Street, built in 1848, and the Emu Plains General Cemetery next door. This was the site of the convict barracks for the Emu Plains Convict Farm from 1819 to 1832, established by Governor Lachlan Macquarie. It’s amazing to picture hundreds of convicts working in the area to produce wheat, rye, barley and corn for the colony.
A short walk takes you to Melrose Hall. Opened in 1934 during the Great Depression, it hosted dances, concerts and local functions to lift spirits during a time of global economic hardship. The Arms of Australia Inn is nearby. Licensed in 1841, it was an important stopping place on the Great Western Road for those crossing the Blue Mountains. It’s currently run as a museum by the Nepean District Historical Society, a perfect stop for soaking up some local history.
Melrose Hall 
The Arms of Australia Inn, Museum 
St Paul's Anglican Church and Emu Plains General Cemetery
Back along the river, Emu Plains is lined with fantastic cafes and restaurants that are hugely popular with the local crowd – a great chance to stop for a snack and soak up the vibe. From here cross over the pedestrian Yandhai Nepean Crossing and follow the river north to arrive at Penrith Weir. Constructed in 1909, it played an important role in providing Penrith with a permanent local water supply. It’s a unique vantage point over the Nepean River, and the views of the historic Victoria Bridge are lovely from here. Designed by John Whitton, Engineer-in-Chief of the NSW Railways, and completed in 1867, the bridge was instrumental in opening up travel, trade and settlement west of Penrith.
Penrith Weir 
Victoria Bridge 
Penrith River Walk
There are plenty more heritage sites to visit along the 11km history trail, but a great one to finish at is the Old Methodist Church on Henry Street. Built in 1861, it hosted the first moving pictures screened in Penrith in 1898, and is now home to Wingboy Penrith, an eatery known for cooking up some seriously tasty halal chicken wings, corn ribs and loaded fries. The 13 in-house sauces are lip-smackingly good – try the Korean Gochujang or see if you can handle the heat with the ‘Asskickin’! The atmosphere is colourful and fun, with the character of the church making for a very cool backdrop.
Wingboy Penrith 
Wingboy Penrith 
Old Methodist Church, Wingboy
With so many more heritage sites to discover in the area, it’s a good excuse to return time and time again. Combined with rich culture, food and adventure, this is what great days are made of.
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