As Sydney readies itself for the opening of the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) later this year, travellers can look forward to a host of exciting experiences that are now more accessible than ever.
Named after the pioneering aviator who became the youngest Australian woman to obtain a pilot’s license in the 1930s, the Western Sydney International Airport is set to become Australia’s first smart airport. Travellers can expect cutting-edge technology—a remote, digital air-control system—and sustainability features, including solar power and rainwater harvesting. The airport also boasts a world-class, human-centred design by Cox Architecture, Zaha Hadid Architects, Multiplex and Woods Bagot. Best of all, WSI will operate 24/7, which will significantly boost Sydney’s ability to handle air travel beyond its existing airport.
Situated between Badgerys Creek and Luddenham, WSI is roughly 45km west of Sydney’s central business district. The distance can be covered in 45–90 minutes—traffic depending, naturally—though the planned M12 Motorway and Sydney Metro rail link should cut that time to 30 minutes.
But it’s also worth considering the exploration potential of the Western Sydney area. Here are a few of the region’s attractions that are worth checking out right as you land or before taking off.
1. Blue Mountains
For those seeking respite in nature after the bustle of the city, a quick 30-minute drive from Western Sydney International Airport brings you to the border of the Blue Mountains region. Hidden amid the wilderness of sandstone ridges and native bushland is an experience for every traveller.
Adventure-lovers will get a rush from the over 140km of walking tracks and mountain biking trails that loop through valleys, while culture vultures will enjoy admiring ancient Aboriginal art, or visiting the antique shops, museums and cafés of mountain towns like Katoomba, Leura, and Blackheath. There’s also plenty for the foodies: from high tea at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel to craft brews at Mountain Culture Beer Co, housed in a former newspaper office.
2. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
In the heart of Western Sydney, just 30 minutes from the new airport, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park is one of Australia’s most intimate and peaceful wildlife encounters—despite being spread across seven acres of bushland.
Stroll along carefully designed pathways through six wildlife habitats, enjoying close-up experiences with the 1,700 animals from over 280 species, including emus, crocodiles, bilbies, penguins and wombats. Along the way, stop for informative talks by zookeepers, hand-feed kangaroos, pet koalas, and photograph wallabies.
3. Luddenham Raceway
A quick 10-minute drive from the new airport is Luddenham Raceway, an attraction that’s perfect for adrenaline junkies. Sydney’s only motorsports complex delivers high-octane fun in a relaxed setting, allowing everyone from first-time drivers to competitive racers to zoom along the track.
Whether you’re hitting the challenging 600m outdoor go-kart track for some friendly competition or taking on the 1.4km pro circuit—with its elevation changes and technical corners—for some serious car, bike, or drift racing, this is the ultimate taste of local automotive culture and speed.
4. Penrith Regional Gallery
In the mid-20th century, Australian artists Gerald and Margo Lewers helped usher the modernism movement into the local art scene. Now, their former home, a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, is Western Sydney’s leading contemporary art destination.
Nestled along the Nepean River, the gallery presents a dynamic programme of exhibitions featuring Australian and international artists, set alongside heritage interiors, tranquil sculpture gardens and a scenic café. Less than 30 minutes from the Western Sydney International Airport, this is a great spot for a quick cultural hit.
5. Western Sydney International Airport Experience Centre
If you’ve got some time to kill before or after your flight, this dedicated centre – located a stone’s throw from the Western Sydney International Airport – offers engaging insight into one of Australia’s biggest infrastructure projects.
Visitors can learn about the development of the country’s first smart airport through interactive displays, models, and multimedia presentations, exploring the project’s impact on the region and its people. While it’s free to enter, the centre is only open Tuesdays to Fridays, so plan accordingly.
6. Hawkesbury Regional Museum
Set in historic Windsor—one of Australia’s oldest settlements, after Sydney and Parramatta—this museum precinct is an immersive look into the early days of colonial life. Drive just over 45 minutes to the museum and delve into the social history of the Hawkesbury Region through semi-permanent displays and curated exhibitions. Immerse yourself in the culture of the land, river, and people through objects from the Hawkesbury Historical Society.
A popular highlight is Howe House, an elegant Georgian home built in 1820, still furnished with nostalgic, period details. Visitors can also embark on self-guided audio walks along the Dyarubbin, the Hawkesbury River, learning stories of the native Dharug people, colonial settlement, farming and development.
7. Macquarie Arms Hotel
Dating back to 1815, this watering hole on Windsor’s Thompson Square holds the distinction of being Australia’s oldest surviving inn structure. Created by emancipist Richard Fitzgerald at the behest of Governor Lachlan Macquarie, the heritage-listed building still boasts its classic Georgian façade and historic interiors that evoke early colonial Australia.
Over the years, it housed garrisoned soldiers and even functioned as a private home. Today, it offers a traditionally Australian pub experience with local beers on tap and a menu of bar fare that includes burgers, steaks, pies, and parmigianas, all less than an hour from the new airport.
8. Georges River National Park
About halfway between Western Sydney International Airport and the Sydney CBD (about an hour’s drive from the new airport), this verdant national park is an idyllic spot for a few hours of family-friendly fun. The eponymous river that winds through the park offers opportunities for fishing, jet-skiing, kayaking and canoeing, for the adventure seekers.
But visitors can also enjoy picnics at Burrawang Reach, Fitzpatrick Park and Cattle Duffers Flat, and gentle strolls along the Teramba Lagoon track for some birdspotting. See if you can spot pink robins or grey fantails, out of the 100 species of birds that make their home here.
Starting 23 November 2026, Singapore Airlines will operate daily non-stop flights between Singapore and Western Sydney International Airport. For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Sydney, visit singaporeair.com.
