Explore Western Sydney: 10 Unique Experiences for Your Next Business Event
Sydney is a metropolis of three cities: the Eastern Harbour City on the coastline and to the west, the Central River City and Western Parkland City. Western Sydney is a heartland for business and industry, with diverse culture, exciting attractions, natural beauty and one of the fastest growing populations in Australia. Its existing and forthcoming infrastructure – including the new Nancy Bird Walton International Airport, which will open in 2026 – means greater economic, employment and aspirational opportunity for locals and travellers alike.
A thriving region, it is perfect for business event organisers and their delegates. If you are looking for unique experiences along roads less travelled, you should check out these 10 venues and team-building activities that help give Western Sydney its undeniable charm.
Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park
Located just 13km from the Eastern Harbour City and well-connected with buses and a dedicated train station, Sydney Showground is the home of major events and big experiences at Sydney Olympic Park, a precinct awash with world-class stadiums and conference facilities, lush parklands, arts and culture, and myriad hotel, dining, and entertainment options.
With 120,000 square metres, Sydney Showground is equipped to host a range of business events, from team-building activities and small style conferences to large scale exhibitions. And if you are looking to create positive social impact with your event, you will be pleased to know that the profits from events held at Sydney Showground are invested to support Australian agriculture and rural communities.
Rosehill Gardens
Located 20km from the Eastern Harbour City, Rosehill Gardens is one of Western Sydney’s most expansive and vibrant venues. Part of the Australian Turf Club, alongside Royal Randwick, Rosehill Gardens is an historic Sydney racecourse that hosts 25 horse-racing meetings each year, including the iconic Longines Golden Slipper and James Squire Golden Eagle. It is also an inspiring canvas for business events that are second to none – from large-scale galas to smaller conferences – with venues that include a large-scale betting ring, exhibition hall and grand pavilions, as well as more intimate spaces.
Powerhouse Parramatta
Due to open in 2025, Powerhouse Parramatta is the first NSW State Cultural Institution based in Western Sydney, with over 18,000 square metres of exhibition and public space. The Central River City hub of the Powerhouse Museum – which sits at the intersection of the arts, design, science and technology and is custodian to more than half a million objects of national and international significance – Powerhouse Parramatta will be a transformational cultural precinct and the largest museum in the state of New South Wales.
Western Sydney Conference Centre
Western Sydney Conference Centre is located less than an hour from the Eastern Harbour City, at the foot of the World-Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. The precinct boasts a multifunctional event space, the five-star hotel Pullman Sydney Penrith, premium dining options and easy access to explore entertainment and activities in the region. The Conference Centre has more than 1,200 square metres of floor space, which can be transformed to host conferences, galas, seminars, and workshops.
Destination NSW
Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
Located 57km from its sister Royal Botanic Garden in the Eastern Harbour City, the Australian Botanical Garden Mount Annan is a scientific hub that showcases Australian flora over more than 400 hectares of rolling hills, lakes, lawns and gardens.
It is also home to a range of indoor and outdoor spaces that could be perfect for your next business event, whether it’s a conference surrounded by the Cumberland Plain Woodland in the architecturally designed Bowden Centre, a gala event in one of the modern venues within the Australian PlantBank, or an unforgettable event amongst nature on the Lakeside Lawn or Wattle Island.
Destination NSW
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
The Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is a beacon of creativity and culture and a unique venue for tourists and business events alike. With ample free parking and adjacent to Casula train station, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is easily accessible. Conference organisers can choose from a range of unique venues, including exhibition spaces, indoor and outdoor amphitheatres, as well as 2 hectares of breathtaking parkland, nestled on the banks of the beautiful Georges River.
Sydney Zoo
Located 38km from the Eastern Harbour City and occupying a sprawling 16.5-hectare site on the edge of Western Sydney Parklands, Sydney Zoo is home to animals from every continent. Visitors and business event organisers can take their pick from outstanding digital capabilities and locations, including function rooms, outdoor areas and an aquarium
Sydney Coliseum Theatre, West HQ
The Sydney Coliseum Theatre, West HQ is a home for the arts and a landmark venue in the growing region of Western Sydney, located close to several major roadways and public transport arteries for ease of access. The Sydney Coliseum Theatre boasts an impressive line-up of live performances, and cutting-edge technology and conference facilities. It is located within the West HQ precinct, which has terrific team-building opportunities (such as Zone Bowling) and world-class dining options. The Sydney Coliseum Theatre features a performance venue which can be customised to suit the needs of each event – up to 1,300 removable seats can be added to an auditorium that also features 2,000 permanent seats – and its event space features three foyers and seven bars.
Destination NSW
Penrith Whitewater Stadium
Penrith Whitewater Stadium is located at the foot of the world-heritage-listed Blue Mountains, one hour from the Eastern Harbour City. The only man-made river of its kind in the southern hemisphere, it is a spectacular venue for extreme fun and special events, guaranteed to get pulses racing at corporate team building events. In 2000, it was the official venue for the Sydney Olympics kayak and canoe slalom events.
Ultimate Karting Sydney
Ultimate Karting Sydney is an incredible purpose-built racing venue covering over 3,000 square metres, located near the stunning Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan. With a six-lane, 450-metre go kart track, arcade gaming, motion sensor facilities and delicious dining opportunities, it is the perfect place for a thrilling and memorable event!
