Search U:L

Never miss an event, new opening. Never miss an event, new opening or hyped bite again—get us in your inbox by joining Urban List Insiders. Become an insider

Travel

You Can Now Fly Non-Stop To Western Sydney, Here’s Where To Eat, Stay And Play When You Land

22nd Sep 2026
Written by:
Ilaria Sanzari
Contributor | Urban List, Sydney, NSW

Sydney’s West has long been a hot spot for both Aussies and tourists alike who are looking to find their next best bite or an easy home base for regional escapes (think hiking through the lush Blue Mountains, without needing to sit through that 1.5 hour drive from the CBD first).

Opening the West up for the Kiwis looking for a getaway, Air New Zealand will be kicking off non-stop flights on 26 October 2026*, bringing folks from Auckland to the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI). Pop on your favourite aeroplane movie with a little comfort snack, and before you know it you’ll be landing in Sydney’s West–flight time is only a quick three hours and 35 minutes.

These flights will be leaving Auckland three times per week, giving you, your mates, and your family plenty of wiggle room to pick out the best days to live the Western Sydney life to the fullest. To make the planning easier, we’ve grabbed some intel from locals on the ground to get you this list of key spots to eat, sleep and play once you’ve landed.

Where To Eat

Mikazuki 

Shop 5/169 Macquarie St, Parramatta and Shop 1/76 Phillip St, Parramatta

An close-up image of a small dining table in a restaurant where the focus is on a few dishes of sushimi, chicken, seafood tacos and some Japanese drinks that look aesthetically placed.Image: Mikazuki Riverside | Instagram

When looking for top-quality Japanese food in Sydney, Mikazuki is one of those spots that will be recommended to you several times over. With a couple of locations sprinkled around Sydney, we in the West head over to the two in the heart of Parramatta (unsurprisingly, where so many of the best Sydney food spots call home).

There’s a Mikazuki located just beside Parramatta’s Riverside Theatre, making it a convenient and tasteful choice for any pre-performance feasts to keep you satisfied until the stage lights turn on. The other, on Macquarie Street, is only a short walk from the train station if you’re coming in from a distance. Regardless of which one you choose to dine in, the freshness of the salmon sashimi and warmth of a spicy miso ramen dish will have you floating in flavour heaven (not to mention those ramen noodle refills change the game). 

Volcano’s Steakhouse

Various Locations

A mid-shot of a couple having dinner at a table, with the rest of the restaurant and bar in the background. The couple are shown in the left side of the image at the forefront, eating from a table of many dishes of meats, salads, chips and a few colourful cocktail drinks.Image: Volcano’s Steakhouse Wetherill Park | Website

Volcano's Steakhouse is one of those rare chain restaurants that are Western Sydney exclusive, with the only spots to grab a juicy bite in NSW being in Wetherill Park, Parramatta, Blacktown and Bankstown. 

For any avid meat lovers, this spot is a must-try when you’re in the area, offering grain-fed, dry-aged, and young meat options in multitudes. Don’t know what to try? They’ve even got the Volcano’s Meat Platter so that you can try a range of the best meats while keeping the decisions easy. Bonus points for also being a halal steakhouse,  giving you one less thing to worry about when inviting friends.

Johnny Gio’s 

Various Locations

A close up shot of a man's torso as he grates cheese on top of fresh pizza. The pizza are sitting in boxes at the bottom of the image, with different toppings including red sauce, meats, and cheese.Image: Johnny Gio’s | Facebook

Rated as one of our favourite places to get pizza in Sydney, Johnny Gio’s has a few locations out West, with the one at Carnes Hill being only a 20-minute drive from the airport. This is pizza made just right by being cooked in a brick oven and topped with flavour combinations that have left Sydneysiders dreaming of the next time they can visit.

Think the Sonny Honey pizza with hot honey and balls of ricotta, or their Fat Tony pizza topped with chips–yes, good old-fashioned fries–on a capsicum cream base. The main menu features even more unheard-of combos, and there are even limited specials like their wagyu beef pizza topped with horseradish cream and chopped chives. Top it all off with a classic Nutella pizza and everyone is bound to go home happy.

Chef’s Buffet Korean BBQ

Various Locations

A wide shot of a section of the Korean BBQ restaurant, where the focus is on a man stands in the middleground who stands at a window of display all-you-can-eat food, his back to the audience. It is night and the lighting is warm, with some BBQ tables shown in the foreground.Image: Chef’s Buffet Korean BBQ | Facebook

Spotted all around the West, including inside Westfield Liverpool and Penrith, Chef’s Buffet Korean BBQ brings the heat with all-you-can-eat dinner and lunch deals (and prices that seem unreal). 

You can cook up some juicy wagyu, beef oyster blades, smoked duck breast and pork sausage with cheese melted through, and you still would have barely touched the surface of the meat menu options. You can have all of those options, including unlimited salads and desserts, for only $48 AUD on weekdays and $55 AUD on Fridays and weekends (plus there are huge discounts for the kids).

Where To Stay

Astina Suites

21-25 Woodriff St, Penrith NSW 2750

A wide birds eye view shot from the side of the Astina rooftop, where you can see Theo's Rooftop Bar in the daytime with a blue pool, umbrellas and dining tables. The background includes some buildings and mountains beneath the sky.Image: Theo’s Rooftop Bar | Instagram

Astina Suites is a luxury spot in Penrith, with pristine accommodation that ranges from your standard one-bedroom to a three-bedroom penthouse. Situated a short walk from Penrith Stadium, Penrith train station, and Westfield Penrith, while also being under a 10-minute drive to the Nepean River Walk, this spot is ideal for those looking to explore the area with maximum convenience.

If the prime location was somehow not enough, Astina is also home to the locals’ favourite Theo’s Rooftop Bar, where many Instagram photos have been taken, and glasses of wine have been enjoyed. A highlight? The stunning rooftop pool, complimentary for guests of the suites and providing a glistening view at golden hour for all rooftop guests.

And if you decide staying in for a relaxing retreat is what you’re looking for, Astina is also home to Reset, a wellness and recovery studio that offers sauna, ice bath, and spa packages to rewire after your flight (or before returning to the constant buzz of home life). You won’t even have to leave the building to enjoy some of the area's best service.

Mercure Hotels

Various Locations

A wide shot of the side of Mercure Hotel Liverpool at deep sunset. The sky in the background is a deep purple and the building has white panels facing towards the sky as a roof, an elegant modern design, many glass windows looking into the hotel pub, and warm lighting illuminating the front of the building,Image: Mercure Sydney Liverpool | Website

If you’re looking to move around the West, Mercure Hotels is considered a reliable and highly rated stay by us Sydneysiders, providing great service in plenty of spots including Liverpool, Blacktown, Penrith and Parramatta. 

This means you can explore the streets, food and culture of Western Sydney while knowing that you can end the day with the pool, a stop at the bar, and some room service in soft sheets.

One Global Resorts 

30 Hunter St, Parramatta NSW 2150

A mid shot of a lady sitting in swimwear on a pool chair, reading a book and with her face partially covered by a large sun hat. She is smiling gently, and there is greenery in the foreground and background, with daylight lighting filtering through the space she is in.Image: One Global Resorts | Instagram

Parramatta is one of Western Sydney’s most visited spots for tourists and locals alike, definitely highlighted on the map for its food and culture–it’s not considered Sydney's second CBD for no reason. One Global Resorts location in Parramatta makes it easy to wander the streets of some of Sydney’s best restaurants, visit the new Powerhouse Parramatta museum, and see a play or musical at the elegant Riverside Theatre.

This stay also comes with a 25-metre infinity pool, relaxing spa, fully-equipped gym, and even a sauna that you can use before feasting on some renowned food just outside your doorstep.

Meriton Suites

Various Locations

An image of a couple walking out of an elevator in a hotel, holding a luggage bag with big smiles on their faces. Behind them is an elegant lit mirror on the wall that reflects them exiting the elevator, and the other walls are of a nice marble.Image: Meriton Suites | Website

Meriton Suites is another classic stay in the areas of Liverpool, Parramatta, and all across the greater Sydney city area. With over 20 years of keeping Aussies and internationals comfortable, Meriton has kept many families sane during their travels with their multi-room suites, 24-hour guest service, and TV’s that have a cast for your streaming needs.

If you’re staying in Liverpool, you’ll be a two-minute walk from the Westfield shops that will keep you hooked for hours, and there are two Meriton locations in Parramatta that you can choose from according to what you’d like to be closest to. The Church Street location is next door to the Powerhouse Museum, and the George Street one will keep you fed well along the river wharf.

Where To Play

Luddenham Raceway

823/849 Luddenham Rd, Luddenham

A close up of people in go-karts lined up and ready to race. We see the back of their karts and heads, wearing helmets and there's the beginning of the race track in the foreground and background.Image: Luddenham Raceway | Website 

Essentially next-door neighbours with the Western Sydney International Airport, Luddenham Raceway is less than a 10-minute drive away. This makes it too easy to get that final adrenaline fix in those hours between checking out of the hotel and entering the airport for that return flight home.

Race your friends or your kids on the go-karts for a few laps and win forever boasting rights, and if you check their schedule, you might even be able to watch an Open Track Day motorsport race kick off. With a little arcade section to keep any younger kids occupied and pizza on site for that post-race hunger, you can easily spend a few hours of fun at this spot.

iFLY Downunder

123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith

A mid shot of a kid flying in the air wearing an iFly blue suit and helmet with a big smile facing the camera. Behind the child is a trained man in black also flying, and they seem to be positioned in a large tube of sorts that simulates the airflow for skydiving.Image: iFLY | Instagram

Ever dreamt of skydiving? Well, iFLY gives you the experience of flying without needing to get on an aeroplane first, perfect for anyone who is just that little bit too afraid for the typical experience, or for those who simply love being in the air.

Located right next to Panthers Entertainment Complex, you can catch a few flights (and wish once again for that superpower) before heading over for a round or two of Aqua Golf for back-to-back excitement.

Flip Out

Various Locations

A wide shot of the inside of Flip Out that features many colourful neon trampolines built into the ground, with children jumping on them and some bright green obstacles and standing blocks amongst the trampolines.Image: Flip Out | Facebook

You would struggle to find a local from Western Sydney who hasn’t held a birthday party at Flip Out at some point. With locations in Penrith, Wetherill Park, Blacktown and many more, this indoor trampoline playground is the perfect spot for those kids or mates of yours who just love to run around.

Practice some flips, jump in and out of the foam pool, and let out some energy between your other sightseeing and exploring for the day.

Sydney Action Park

427 Reservoir Rd, Prospect 

A wide shot of four people on a floating yellow water seat as they go sideways on a water ride. They have smiles on their faces and in the foreground there is some greenery, with the bright sky peaking through behind the water ride.Image: Sydney Action Park | Website

Previously known as Raging Waters, and for good reason, Sydney Action Park has recently rebranded to bring one of Australia’s most loved water parks back into action this season. 

With water activities for all ages, including the more leisurely pool and the classic thrill slides and rides, you can spend an entire day (and most do) moving around the whole park and everything it has to offer. Especially in these upcoming spring and summer months, you’ll want to add this water theme park to your itinerary to stay cool while having a blast.

Start gathering your friends and family now, pick your non-stop Air New Zealand flights, and make the most of this end-of-year warm season in Sydney’s West. Read more info and book your flight now to get the best picks and dates–news this good spreads fast.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Air New Zealand and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.

*Subject to Government Approval

Images: Supplied by Destinaton New South Wales