Being the third largest economy in Australia with exponentially rising populations, the Greater Western Sydney region is attaining national importance. It is situated near the vicinity of the Western Sydney Airport. It is also known to be a part of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation.
The Greater Sydney suburbs have matured over the course of centuries to welcome diversity while maintaining socio-economic balance. The interesting names you may hear, are given to these suburbs which are derived from local aboriginal languages, while some were given by the early European settlers based on western city names.
1. History of Greater Sydney suburbs
The first of Greater Sydney suburbs emerged on a large scale in the 19th and 20th centuries. This was because of the improved rail and road transport, which led to an increase in commuting. Moreover, you will find many middle eastern populations in Greater Sydney Suburbs.
Sydyney’s first suburb was on Woolloomooloo Hill, later referred to as Potts Point. In the later 1820s and early 1830s, a few of the first suburban villas and settlements were constructed here. Taking into account the flourishing suburbs of Sydney, the Royal Commission passed several plans to refine the framework of the suburbs. Since their advent, the suburbs have grown exponentially in population also leading to rapid economic growth. In the past 25 years, the population of the suburbs has grown from 1.3 million to 4.7 million.
2. Geography
The city of Sydney has a strategically significant location. The Tasman Sea edges the east coast and hence adorns the city with a magnificent harbor making it one of the important ports in the South Pacific.
Formed about a million years ago, the Blue Mountains stand to the west, soaring high with steep cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and waterfalls. The Hawkesbury-Nepean River to the North is one the oldest food basins for Sydney. Adjacent to the Sydney plain is the Woronora plateau to the South, capped with sandstone. The region spreads over the Cumberland plain, majorly west of Sydney.
3. Local Government Areas of Greater Sydney Suburbs
Greater Western Sydney region has close to 900 suburbs enclosing within its 12,368.2 sq km area and sprawling across 13 local government areas, namely – Blue Mountains, Blacktown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Wollondilly, Camden, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Penrith, Parramatta, Liverpool, Hillshire.
3.1.Blacktown City
Located approximately 35 kilometers west of Sydney CBD, is one of the local government areas of Greater Sydney suburbs. This multiculturally significant suburb got its name because it was once home to the school of Aboriginal children. Apart from being culturally dynamic, the region ranks second in terms of population.
3.2.Campbelltown City
Renowned as the buzzing hub of creativity, Campbelltown is situated on the outskirts of metropolitan Sydney in New South Wales. Founded in the year 1820, this 203 years old suburb will delight you with its Polynesian food and microbreweries.
Downtown Lachlan Macquarie is the city center, with major commercial activities like the Campbelltown Mall, Campbelltown railway station, and Queen Street shopping stop.
Apart from that, the suburb also hosts some of the heritage listings mentioned in the New South Wales state heritage registered places like the St. John’s Roman Catholic church, Glenalvon house, Dredged cottage, and many more.
3.3.Canterbury Bankstown
Located 10.5 kilometers southwest of Sydney, this suburb is one of the fastest growing among the Greater Sydney suburbs. Situated at the Cook’s River, Canterbury City is home to many recreational places like a race course that draws multiple horse racing carnivals and parklands with amenities like a pool and ice rink.
Owing to all these public facilities, this multicultural suburb is a great deal to settle with average property prices.
3.4.Hawkesbury City
Named after the Hawkesbury River, the suburb is located on the Northern edge of the Greater Sydney region and spans 550 km from the Sydney CBD. Its rich, authentic offering is what makes the Hawkesbury region famous.
They are rich in producing things in the locations from fruits, vegetables, beef, artisanal products, or farm gate stores. Moreover, the place also boasts of being the oldest and most extensive food Basin in Sydney.
3.5.Liverpool City
Flourishing on the banks of the Georges River, Liverpool is one of the oldest urban settlements in Australia. The city was once a satellite town until the urban sprawl made its way to Liverpool, making it one of the metropolitan suburbs.
Earlier, with the economy based on poultry farming and market gardening, now the suburb was popular with the strong working class and manufacturing facilities. Apart from that, the place houses several heritage-listed sites like the Liverpool courthouse, Collingwood, Roseland, and St. Luke’s Anglican church.
3.6.Penrith City
Often called the family-friendly suburb, the city of Penrith sits on the banks of the Nepean River. It is located at a distance of 55 kilometers from Sydney CBD on the outskirts of Cumberland Plain on the western edge. Renowned for its historically significant landmarks and appreciable accessibility to civic facilities like schools, medical facilities, parks, and commercial spaces.
3.7.The Hills Shire
The Hills shire, also called the Baulkham Shire, is one of the Greater Sydney suburbs spread over an area of 401 square kilometers. The region adjoins Hawkesbury River in the North and is situated Northwest of Sydney CBD. The region houses a number of heritage-listed sites like the Pearce Family Cemetery, St Paul’s Anglican Church at Castle Hill, Bella Vista, Cattai estate, Great Drain, etc.
3.8.Wollondilly Shire
Located amidst the regions of Macarthur, Blue Mountains, and central tablelands regions of New South Wales, the Wollondilly Shire is a peri-urban area to the southwest of Sydney’s metropolitan region.
Named after the Wollondilly River, the suburb is inclusive of the Nattai wilderness and Burragorang Valley and is majorly part of the National Park. The shire boasts 97% of Sydney’s water supply due to the catchment area and the Warragamba dam, which accounts for Sydney’s largest water supply dam and holds four times more water than Sydney Harbor.
3.9.Blue Mountains City
The Blue Mountains is a western suburb and a great spot to reside in Greater Sydney suburbs. Apart from being close to nature, the city also has civic facilities like libraries and leisure centers to enhance the quality of life of people living there.
The Blue Mountains city also has heritage-listed sites like the Blue Mountains national park, Glenbrook Tunnel, Medlow Dam, and various other railway stations.
3.10.Camden Council
Camden Council is located in and is the rural heart of the Macarthur region of Sydney. This town is one of the local government areas with historic buildings, cafes, and restaurants, making it a lovely place to live in. Moreover, the city of Camden is also famous for Australian wool, wine industries, and wheat.
3.11.Cumberland Council
One of the Greater Sydney suburbs, the Cumberland Council is a hub for people to live, study, and work. Covering about 72 square kilometers of the Greater Western Sydney region, the city is the fifth-largest local government area in terms of population. The civic amenities here include local parks and grounds for sporting activities, fitness facilities, and swimming pools.
3.12.Fairfield City
Located in the central part of Cumberland Plain, Fairfield is located 23 kilometers west of Sydney CBD. The suburb boasts to be one of the most multiculturally diverse cities in Australia. The place is well known for its diversity in terms of cultures, foods, and religions. Apart from English, you can spot people here speaking Arabic and Assyrian Neo-Aramaic.
3.14.Parramatta
The city of Parramatta is the economic capital of Greater Western Sydney and is also commonly referred to as the “cradle city” owing to its notable contribution to farming. The city was the second place that witnessed the European settlement.
The multicultural city has a lot to offer for tourists to explore, like the commercial areas, 18th-century old government house, and Riverside Theatre, which is a performing arts center, alongside trending bars and eateries.
4. Things you Shouldn’t Miss if you’re in Suburbs
Sydney metropolitan area and Greater Sydney suburbs are adorned with magnificent architectural wonders like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney harbor bridge.
The location also houses scenic locations like iconic beaches like Bondi, Coogee, and Whale Beach, national parks like Sydney Harbour National Park and Dorrigo National Park, parklands, and waterways.
Listed below are a few of the popular tourist spot
4.1.Bondi Beach
Popular amongst surfing enthusiasts, Bondi Beach is open all year round to delight sea lovers. The white sanded beach edges the sea with the crescent-shaped sand and is one the most iconic beaches of Australia. The beach also hosts waterfront eateries, a skate park, and a kid’s pool. The place is also renowned among joggers and swimming.
4.2.Coogee Beach
Apart from being calm and family-friendly, Coogee Beach also houses historic buildings and parklands. The beach is good if you are looking for a fun day out with family or friends, as the beach has proximity to the lawn and children’s playground. If you want to enjoy the amazing ocean views, then start your coastal walk at Coogee Beach.
4.3.Sydney Olympic Park
With 430 hectares of parklands, the Sydney Olympic Park is Sydney’s most iconic sporting sector. The place is your ultimate destination for fulfilling all your sporting thrills. In this park, you can take swimming laps in an Olympic-sized pool or book sporting areas to enjoy your games, primarily basketball, hockey, and soccer.
4.4.Sydney Motorsport Park
The Sydney motorsport park is a motorsport circuit. The race circuits include the Brabham circuit, Grand Prix circuit, GP north, and GP South. It is located 40 kilometers west of Sydney CBD. The location is the heart of riders and speed lovers. With about four race circuits, the location is ideal for various motorsport activities. The park also accommodates facilities like vehicle testing, driver safety, and education.
4.5.Raging Waters Sydney
Experience the adrenaline rush by getting into one of the thrilling rides of the Raging waters of Sydney. The Waterpark has over 30 attractions making it a fun place for adults and children alike. Top attractions include thrill rides, cabanas, miniature thrill rides for kids, a wave pool, and a beach. The location guarantees a relaxing satisfying adventure thrill your family and kids are looking for.
4.6.The Blacktown International Sports Park
Located in Rooty hill, the Blacktown International Sports Park is a multi-sports venue. The sports park includes facilities like Blacktown baseball stadium, Blacktown ISP Oval, Blacktown softball stadium, and Blacktown football park. This park was constructed for hosting the softball and baseball events of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
4.7.Western Sydney Parklands
Built in the year 1968, the Western Sydney Suburbs parklands is an urban park system and a nature reserve in Sydney. The New South Wales government spent a whopping 400 million dollars for the development of the parkland which covers about 5280 hectares of land and stretches over 27km.
4.8.Sea life Sydney Aquarium
The place is a must-go for marine life lovers. This public aquarium boasts a diverse variety of Australian aquatic life with over 700 species and 13000 fishes with other seawater creatures. The sea life Sydney aquarium is located in the Darling harbor and is one of the largest aquariums in the world.
Catch a breathtaking glimpse of giant stingrays, grey nurse sharks, penguins, octopuses, turtles, and jellyfish.
4.9.Gap Park
The Gap park is an unmatched waterfront location with stunning views of Sydney harbor, and oceanfront vistas from the sandstone cliff top paths. The place is also popular for birdwatching and whale sightings. Adjacent to Watson’s bay, the park is among the popular tourist attractions for oceanfront views.
4.10.Royal National Park
The Royal national park is popular owing to its untouched beaches, oceanfront cliff, walking and biking trails through the natural bushland, areas for picnicking, camping grounds, and swimming holes at different locations. The Royal national park is also Australia’s first national park.
4.11.Great River Walk
Situated in the Greater Sydney suburbs, in the town of Penrith, is the famous tourist attraction-the Great River Walk. This manmade marvel is 8km long and offers some great views of the Nepean River and the Blue Mountains. The place is inviting for walkers, cyclists, and riders.
4.12. Ifly Downunder
Tick your skydiving fantasy here at the Ifly Downunder. This place is amongst the world’s largest indoor skydiving facilities located in Sydney. Age is just a number for this place as the age group above 3 can participate and enjoy the experience of skydiving without actually having to worry about the weather or the fear of jumping through the plane.
The indoor experience made sure that you experience nothing less than skydiving in the outdoor location with their visitors suspended on the column of air. So enjoy the adrenaline rush of skydiving here in the Ifly Downunder.
4.13.Sydney International Regatta Center
Built as a venue to serve for rowing and canoe sprints for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the Sydney International Regatta Center is now one the popular sporting venues. This recreational facility offers water sports enthusiasts various activities like rowing, sailing, kayaking, or swimming(not casual swimming).
5. Did you Know?
- The Sydney Harbor Bridge is known by the locals as “The Coat Hanger” due to its distinct shape.
- Sydney is the 12th most expensive city with property prices averaging USD 8,717 per square meter.
- The Sydney suburbs are blessed with around 100 beaches, some of them spanning kilometers in length.
- One of the most famous beaches in Australia, Bondi Beach derived its name from an aboriginal word, ‘Boondi,’ which means ‘noise produced because of water breaking on the rocks.’
- The Sydney Harbor is the world’s biggest natural harbor.
- New South Wales (NSW) is Australia’s largest state economy. NSW has the highest population of any state in Australia, almost 65% of this population lives in Greater Sydney.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6.1.Which are the best restaurants to visit in Sydney?
Sydney is blessed with one of the world’s best diversified culinary experiences. A few of the best options would be Kiln, Ursula’s Saint Peter, Aria restaurant, and the Rocks.
6.2.Which Greater Sydney suburbs have the most Indian population?
Harris Park, Westmead, Parramatta, Pendle Hill, Wentworthville, Liverpool, and Toongabbie have the largest Indian population amongst the Greater Sydney suburbs.
6.3.What is the work of the Australian Bureau?
The Australian Bureau of statistics is Australia’s national statistical agency that provides official information regarding the economy, population growth, environment, and other significant matters.
6.4.Is New South Wales part of South Australia?
New South Wales is part of Australia’s southeastern states and is spread across interior tablelands and adjoins the Pacific Ocean to the east.
6.5.Where is Western Sydney University located?
Western Sydney University has multiple campuses situated in Blacktown, Campbelltown, Bankstown, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Parramatta, and Penrith.
7. Conclusion
Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales, Australia, is known as the ‘City of Suburbs’. The Greater Sydney suburbs is a rapidly growing, diversified peri-urban region of national importance. The region has places of environmental significance like agricultural lands, natural bushland, waterways, river basins of Hawkesbury-Nepean river, and world heritage-listed Blue Mountains and whatnot!
So, kickstart your exploring journey right here!
Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by ritukhare
