Western Sydney is having a moment, with a string of announcements pointing to a region rapidly stepping onto the national and global tourism stage.
Nominations Open For Western Sydney Tourism Awards
The Western Sydney Tourism Awards are back for 2026, with nominations open until July 20. The annual celebration of tourism excellence will be held at Western Sydney Convention Centre in Penrith on October 16, bringing together industry leaders, government representatives and innovators from across the region.
Categories span hotels, venues, bars and pubs, tour operators, tourism businesses and individual leaders, including General Manager of the Year and Tourism Excellence Team Member of the Year. The Western Sydney Tourism Business of the Year award will headline the evening.
ENTER NOMINATIONNew Flights To Launch From Western Sydney International Airport
Qantas Group has strengthened its commitment to Western Sydney with new domestic routes from Western Sydney International Airport. From October 2026, Jetstar will operate up to 14 flights a week to Melbourne, four weekly flights to the Gold Coast and three weekly flights to Brisbane. From March 28, 2027, Qantas will add four weekly flights to Brisbane and four weekly flights to Melbourne. Tickets are on sale now.
The airport’s 24-hour integrated Cargo Precinct will also open in July 2026, with Qantas Freight set to begin operations shortly after.
Raging Waters Rebrands As Sydney Action Park
The Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce has welcomed the upcoming rebranding of the popular Raging Waters attraction in Prospect as Sydney Action Park, marking what organisers say is a significant milestone in strengthening Western Sydney’s position as a competitive tourism destination nationally and globally.
Parramatta Makes History With First Half-Marathon
More than 8,000 participants took part in Parramatta’s first ever half-marathon on June 21, with the 21.1km course weaving through Parramatta Park, the CBD, Western Sydney University and the river foreshore before finishing inside CommBank Stadium. Sam Clifford crossed the line first with a time of one hour and four minutes.
