What To Do Out West
Looking for things to do while staying at the new Atura Blacktown? Here are my suggestions:
Skyline Drive-In
Cuddle up in your car for a movie, in one of two refitted retro fields situated right next door to the Atura Hotel. You can also pull up a deck chair on the ‘gold grass’ out the front of the Skyline Drive-In Diner – a must-visit for a milkshake.
www.eventcinemas.com.au
Blacktown Markets
The neighbouring drive-in converts to a market with bric-a-brac and food stalls every Sunday from 7.30am-1pm. Keep your eyes peeled for our Kiwi cousins including The Hangi Waka, and a lovely lady selling cakes and freshly caught kina (sea urchin roe).
www.blacktownmarkets.com
Memphis BBQ Pit
Take a drive over to Jamisontown for a plate of Southern American-style pit BBQ. In a fast-casual setting you’ll find smoked American ribs, pulled pork, sliced brisket and the best smoky pit beans I’ve found in Sydney.
www.memphisbbqpit.com.au
Zokoko
With a bean-to-bar, small batch artisan philosophy, this Emu Heights chocolatier belies the industrial park setting. Their Bolivian-grown Alto Beni (68%) has picked up a swag of awards, with their products popping up on local menus too.
www.zokoko.com
Royal Cricketers Arms
Atura’s neighbouring 1880s pub looks like the hands of time have barely left a mark. Boasting a wonderful outdoor backyard with BBQ and plentiful live acts, it’s a great spot to settle in for the afternoon.
www.mycricketers.com.au
Penrith Regional Gallery
Situated riverside, this rather astounding regional gallery also boasts a café, gardens and classes on everything from recreating Shanghai style to playing the ukulele. Alongside more wide-ranging art, there’s a charming local focus, down to mapping Penrith’s fading shopping arcades.
www.penrithregionalgallery.org
For The Kids
The kids can cuddle a koala at Featherdale Wildlife Park, or scream themselves silly on the waterslides at the new Wet’n’Wild (right down the road).
www.featherdale.com.au
www.wetnwildsydney.com.au
