A suburb of Sydney in NSW, Bankstown is situated some 20kms southwest of the Sydney CBD. The vibrant, colourful suburb of Bankstown is just as diverse as its 26,000 souls. Beautiful parklands and river foreshores are teamed with international-standard sports facilities and lively retail and dining precincts. The cultural diversity of Bankstowns population has developed the suburb into a food-lovers paradise, featuring everything from Greek to Vietnamese cuisine. Bankstown is the administrative centre for the City of Bankstown.
 | |  |
The Australian Aviation Museum, located at Bankstown Airport houses a wide range of interesting aircraft, aviation artefacts and memorabilia. Bankstown is comprised of many international-standard sports facilities, including the Sydney Bulldogs Stadium and the Dunc Gray Velodrome. Home to the picturesque Georges River, Bankstown plays host to endless boating and waterskiing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy a picnic at the Mirambeena Regional Park or take a leisurely stroll along the many tranquil river foreshores.
The extensive Centro Bankstown is comprised of major retail chains and boutiques. Easily accessible from the railway station, Bankstown Plaza is also comprised of many retail outlets. On South Terrace, a charming shopping arcade is found in the old 1918 Council Chambers building, now called Old Town Centre Plaza.
| Bankstown Restaurants and Cafes |
| |
Due to Bankstowns culturally rich community, a diverse and eclectic array of restaurants, cafes, and fast food outlets are found throughout the area. Many of the eateries are clustered around Bankstown Railway Station, and along Greenfield Parade and Chapel Rd.
| | |
Heading north towards Parramatta, Elizabeth Farm features a museum offering an insight into the life of Elizabeth Macarthur, an important player in the wool industry. The intriguing sandstone building and pretty gardens are located 14kms north of Bankstown. Just northwest of Elizabeth Farm, the restored Hambledon Cottage reflects the early reign of Queen Victoria. For a further insight into the history of the area, the historic yet lively regional centre of Parramatta is only a short distance away. The fascinating Old Government House is one of the oldest public buildings in Australia, and the 1978 Experiment Farm Cottage is located on the site of Australias first private farm. Some 19kms northwest of Parramatta, Featherdale Wildlife Park provides the rare chance to get up close and personal with Australian wildlife.
| National Park Georges River |
| |
Comprised of steep forested hillsides, plateaus and riverside flats, the Georges River National Park provides an ideal river habitat for flora and fauna. Popular riverside picnic areas and a network of picturesque walking trails are also found within the National Park. Visitors can take a stroll around the tranquil Yeramba Lagoon, and experience the magnificent river views along the Ridge Track.
| | |
Bankstown is named for early explorer and botanist, Sir Joseph Banks. During WWII, Bankstown Airport was established as an important air base to support the war effort. Originally a rural area, Bankstown experienced significant industrial growth after WWII. A factory was established at the airport by aircraft manufacturer, Hawker De Havilland for the production and manufacture of de Havilland Mosquito bombers. The end of WWII also saw a dramatic increase in Bankstowns population. People either relocated from the inner-city areas or migrated from other countries, thus creating the multicultural diversity of today. Bankstown became the administrative centre for the district in May 1980.
