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Overview
With October signalling the end to many of the COVID-19 restrictions we've all been living with, it's the perfect time for Sydneysiders to explore our fair city. Whether you're a southwest native or live further afield, there's a raft of pleasures to discover in the region that are well worth your time.
Below you'll find a schedule for a packed day of fun in southwest Sydney that satisfies at every turn. From first-class food to adrenaline-inducing thrill rides to gorgeous scenery, the southwest really does have it all. You're sure to have a day that flies by in the blink of an eye no matter who you're sharing it with.
START THE DAY WITH BREKKIE AT FOUR LITTLE FOXES IN MILPERRA
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so start your day well with a visit to Milperra favourite, Four Little Foxes. Currently open for takeaway only, this welcoming cafe has something for everyone on its exciting and varied menu — from classics like a bacon and egg roll to sweet options like french toast with passionfruit curd and maple mascarpone. And we can't go without mentioning the mouth-watering crowd-pleaser: eggs benedict with fried chicken and jalapeño hollandaise. Add the fact that the baristas are serving up coffee roasted by Deluca, and Four Little Foxes is a real treat to kick off the day's activities.
TAKE A WALK THROUGH GEORGES RIVER NATIONAL PARK
After loading up on brekkie, you'll want to walk it off. Luckily, Georges River National Park is less than ten kilometres away, so you can get your body moving with a view.
Despite being inland, the park's location on the river means the picturesque Burrawang Reach will have you feeling like you're on the coast. And from there you can tackle the Ridge Walk — a trail that affords scenic lookouts along the water. It may be relatively short but it'll certainly get the blood pumping. Once you finish at Cattle Duffers Flat picnic area, either turn round and retrace your steps or follow the river's edge to work your way back to the start.
GRAB A QUICK LUNCH IN BANKSTOWN
Lunch means a trip to Bankstown and your choice of some of the finest Asian cuisine Sydney has to offer. Banh Mi Bay Ngo, located in Bankstown City Plaza, has been delighting southwest Sydney with its range of classic Vietnamese sandwiches for over three decades. The secret to their success? Everything is made in house. If Vietnamese isn't your jam, head on down to the Little Saigon Plaza. The ever-popular Papparich has all your Malaysian favourites, including laksa, nasi lemak and chicken rice. Alternatively, Soju Social offers a taste of South Korea if you need your fried chicken fix.
Christopher Woe
VISIT BANKSTOWN ARTS CENTRE
For culture vultures in the southwest, you can't go wrong with Bankstown Arts Centre. Since its opening in early 2011, it has showcased thought-provoking exhibitions, provided classes and workshops for the community and worked toward breaking down barriers for people experiencing social exclusion — both artists and audience.
During lockdown, the Arts Centre moved online, sharing artworks centred on the local area. Soon, patrons will be able to visit in-person again and experience the kinds of exhibitions the company is famous for, including a series of events to mark its tenth anniversary.
SNACK ON LEBANESE SWEETS FROM AL AFRAH OR RABIEH SWEETS
Nothing delivers that sugary hit quite like Lebanese confectionary. And, the suburb of Punchbowl has two top-quality emporiums dedicated to those mouth-watering delights.
Al Afrah is the oldest Lebanese sweet shop in Australia and has a selection of baklava, pastries, petit fours and chocolates that taste as good as they look. And that's without mentioning the homemade gelato. Rabieh Sweets may be newer, but it's no less impressive. Its menu is packed with Middle Eastern treats that are sure to please the palate — whether they're a reminder of childhood or a first-time experience.
Stephanie Cook
GO TO SYDNEY INDOOR CLIMBING GYM
Following its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the sport of climbing is sure to explode in popularity — even more so than it already has. Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym in Villawood offers both bouldering (low height, no ropes) and climbing (higher walls, safety ropes), and is the largest climbing gym in western Sydney.
The numbers speak for themselves: 250 routes, 50 boulder problems and climbing walls up to 16 metres tall. Prices start at $20 for adult entry, but multi-visit passes and memberships are available, too. It's a worthwhile investment — once you get the climbing bug, you won't stop 'til you reach the top.
Cassandra Hannagan
DINNER AT AN RESTAURANT OR AL ASEEL
After such a busy day, you deserve a cracking feed. Head back to Bankstown for the final meal of the day to pay a visit to An Restaurant, whose slogan — "So Pho So Good" — tells you nearly everything you need to know. Noodles and meat are the order of the day, with a range of cuts to suit every appetite.
Or, if you're craving Lebanese food, head to Al Aseel in Bankstown Sports. The extensive menu features both cold and hot sharing items alongside grilled staples such as shawarma and meat skewers — and that's before you even get to its famous fattoush.
DRINKS AT LADY BANKS
A cocktail or three is the perfect way to round off a day experiencing the best this corner of Sydney has to offer. And, the recently opened Lady Banks at the top of the Flinders Centre in Bankstown is the ideal location to do just that.
Sydneysiders love a rooftop bar — especially when the weather is warmer — and post-lockdown we're keen to spend as much time al fresco as possible. Surely one of the only places with panoramic views of both the CBD and the Blue Mountains, Lady Banks has an impressive selection of beverages. Try its signature cocktail (the Lady Banks, naturally) mixed with gin, elderflower liqueur and a spritz of lemon.
To learn more about Lady Banks rooftop bar, visit the website.