Sydney/Outer West

The Outer West is the huge western area of Sydney that includes the suburbs of Blacktown, Mt. Druitt, St. Mary's and Penrith.

Understand
Settlement began when the area was designated for Aboriginal people to live in. "The Blacks Town" become Blacktown today. This part of Sydney attracts a high amount of recent immigration, with 50% of residents born outside of Australia from various countries including India, the Philippines, China and Brazil.

The area is developing fast owing to reasonable transport connections and relatively affordable Sydney housing. Penrith and Blacktown have become the centres for Outer Western Sydney business and nightlife.

By car
Road access from Sydney to the Outer West is easiest via the M4 Western Motorway, and that continues up to the Blue Mountains to the west. Access from the north via the M2 Hills Motorway is an alternative, although toll charges apply. Access from the south via the Westlink M7 but tolls also apply.

By train
The area has good train connections. All trains stop at the major centres before proceeding either to Penrith or Richmond. There are Express services to some stations from Sydney Central station.

Frequent trains pass through, ,  to  and beyond to the Blue Mountains.

By bus
The area has buses from Springwood to Penrith and Macquarie Park to Blacktown.

Buy

 * The stations at Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Penrith all have large shopping malls right next to them.

Connect
All 4G mobile phone networks in Sydney are available here. Telstra has 5G.

Stay safe
The area has the reputation of being one of the more dangerous in Sydney. Take particular care at nighttime when walking or taking the train.

Go next

 * Blue Mountains by car or train. If you're coming from Sydney, you've already come a third of the way.
 * Historical Richmond and Windsor in the City of Hawkesbury are to the north
 * To the south is Southwestern Sydney