Spring has Sprung! Your Guide to Outdoor Activities in The Western Suburbs

The weather is finally warming up and it’s time to put your long johns away and drag out your sunnies and shorts (yes, we know it’s only September, but it’s always that extra bit hotter in the west, ok?). Now that we’re finally getting some sun, it’s the perfect time to emerge from your winter hibernation and get some vitamin D. 

Yes, we hear you, all of Sydney's beaches are indeed towards the east and are unfortunately out of the #westthings area of expertise. Fear not, we say! As you are about to find out, there are plenty of beautiful places to pack a picnic and get some of that fresh Western Sydney air without the 2 hour commute to the coast.

Whether you're just looking for a place to have nice casual afternoon stroll with your bae this weekend or wanting a full day of outdoor fun, we've got you covered. Read on for a guide to our fave Western Sydney outdoor spaces and activities!

Auburn Botanical Gardens, Auburn

The Low Down: Free roaming peacocks, blooming rose bushes, reflection pools and an entire garden dedicated to taking you to olfactory heaven. Sounds like the backdrop to a medieval romance novel doesn't it? Well for once reality trumps fantasy - all this and more* is waiting for you in the very accessible Auburn Botanical Gardens. Need we say more?

* Sexy man or woman of your dreams not included

Entry Fees: 

Free for Auburn locals (proof of address required) and youngin's under 16 at all times

$4 for non local adults when visiting during weekends and school/public holidays

$5 for non local residents during annual festivals (click here for more details)

Parramatta Park, Parramatta

The Lowdown:  Featuring 85 hectares of World Heritage listed parkland in the heart of the western suburbs, Parramatta park is perfect for picnic-ing, cycling and just getting a dose of nature in an otherwise dense urban centre. Facilities include shelters, free to use BBQs and trails for walking and cycling. You're even allowed to bring your pooch along*! With over 1.7 million people visiting each year, this place is definitely worth checking out.

*Make sure to read up on specific pet-related rules on the park website beforehand

Entry Fees : Free

Featherdale Wildlife Park, Blacktown

The Low Down: Three words. Cute furry animals. That you get to touch! What else could you possibly need for a swell day out? That's right. Nothing. In fact, we dig Featherdale Wildlife Park so much we have an entire post dedicated to how awesome it is. To read more, click here.

Entry Fees: 
Adults: $29.00

Children: $16.00

Treetop Adventure Park, Abbotsbury (Located within Western Sydney Parklands)

The Low Down: For the westies out there wanting a bit of adventure in their lives, the Treetop Adventure Park will sort you out. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to live like Tarzan, this is the way to find out: think canopy high rope courses and flying foxes that will have you swinging through the trees like the King of the Jungle himself (while securely harnessed in of course).

Entry Fees:
Children (3 - 9 years old): $25
Juniors (10-17 years old): $35
Adults (18+): $45

Wet n' Wild Water Park

The Low Down: Most of you will more than likely be familiar with the Wet n' Wild water park. Full of adrenalin pumping water rides, slides and roller coasters the park is beginning it's second season of glorious watery fun on 20th of September (Yes, that's today!).

Entry Fees: 

Guests Under 110cm Tall: $59.99
Guests Over 110cm Tall: $79.99

Images sourced from: Panaramio, Parrapark, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Treetop Adventure Park, Timeout Sydney