People having a picnic on a rock above the Nepean River
Photograph: Paul Foley, Penrith City Council

Penrith area guide

There’s more to Sydney’s adventure capital than adrenaline highs – but it’s a good place to start

Emma Joyce
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Penrith was once home to the Mulgoa tribe of the the Darug people, many of whom died of smallpox following the arrival of Europeans. Today, the metropolitan suburb is one of four recognised cities in NSW and it’s fast becoming known as the ‘adventure capital’ for its sports facilities. However, locals will tell you there’s more to discover than adrenaline highs, including a new produce market and a rising food and drink scene. Found at the foot of the Blue Mountains, 50km west of the CBD, Penrith has room to spread its toes, and so it’s easier to explore the area by car, but make sure you give yourself time to stretch your legs on the beautiful eight-kilometre walking and cycling path along the Nepean River.

Find the best things to do in Penrith

Henri Marc
Restaurants

Henri Marc

The industrial style café is so popular they’ve expanded into the vacant garage shop next door. 

Burger Head
Restaurants

Burger Head

  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • price 1 of 4

It's off a street and at the back side of a carpark – this is one that only the locals know about. 

Mr Watkins
Bars

Mr Watkins

  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4

They’ve named this 80-seat bar after Watkin Tench, a British marine officer noted for sailing with the First Fleet and ‘discovering’ the...

Penrith Regional Gallery
Art

Penrith Regional Gallery

The former home of artists Gerald (sculptor) and Margo Lewers (painter) is now a free gallery space.

Sun Masamune
Attractions

Sun Masamune

Found on an industrial estate by the Nepean River is Australia’s only sake brewery.

Zokoko
Shopping

Zokoko

This award-winning chocolatier in Emu Plains uses traditional methods to make chocolate bars with a traceable lineage.

iFLY
Things to do

iFLY

Would you believe kids as young as three can do indoor skydiving? 

Luddenham Raceway
Sport and fitness

Luddenham Raceway

Drive 20 minutes south of Penrith for a family-run, purpose-built go karting circuit that’s fun for kid racers of all ages. 

More adventures in Penrith

Penrith Skatel
Sport and fitness

Penrith Skatel

Get your skates on and head to Sydney’s last remaining rollerskating rink.

Penrith Indoor Sports
Sport and fitness

Penrith Indoor Sports

Penrith offers social competitions in indoor cricket, soccer and netball. 

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