This Penrith getaway helps you experience the best of the region. From riverside walks and local cafés to cultural attractions, Blue Mountains adventures and great dining, here are some great ways to enjoy Penrith’s nature, food and local experiences during your stay.
Two days may seem like a fair chunk of time, but there’s so much to see and do in Penrith during your stay at Mercure Penrith Hotel. So, we’ve curated the best ways to experience a snapshot of the region.
DAY 1
ACTIVITY – Great River Walk
Connect to Darug Country along this easy route beside the banks of the mighty Dyarrubin (Nepean River). You’ll see boats, birds and other wildlife, rowers and more along the 6.4km loop between the M4 Bridge and the Yandhai Nepean Crossing (the orange footbridge). The Great River Walk takes about two hours but is best when you take your time and pause to take in the scenery or let little ones run free at a playground.
LUNCH – Penrith Regional Gallery, River Rd, Emu Plains
Grab a drink and a bite to eat from the seasonal menu and relax in the heritage gardens before browsing the latest exhibition in the gallery. The former home of sculptor Gerald Lewers and painter Margo Lewers displays a series of annual dynamic exhibitions and hosts events and education programs.
ACTIVITY – Museum of Fire, Museum Ave
Explore the drama and danger of firefighting and learn about the history of fighting fires at the largest Museum of Fire in Australia. Home to an impressive collection of firefighting vehicles and memorabilia, the museum has one of the largest fire collections in the world. There’s also a children's play and activities area, regular sensory friendly sessions, and fire engine rides on Tuesday and Friday.
Open daily. Admission cost applies.
AFTERNOON TEA – Underground Coffee Roasters, Castlereagh Rd, Penrith
Hidden in an unsuspecting lot off the busy Castlereagh Road, coffee is served from a vintage 1970s Citroen H-Van in an industrial-style café. Enter under the roller door.
- Closed Sunday
Check in to your accommodation at Mercure Penrith
DINNER – Osso, Penrith Panthers Leagues Club
A gate-to-plate steak specialist, Osso blends a New York–inspired steakhouse atmosphere and award-winning wine list with produce sourced from Australia’s finest paddocks and farms.
NIGHTCAP – Dom’s Cocktail Lounge, Penrith Panthers Leagues Club
Prohibition-era décor sets the Gatsbyesque scene with gold-leaf walls and gigantic birdcage where live acts perform while you sip old fashioned cocktail classics served with a fresh take. There’s modern flavour combos and the bar is stocked with small-batch artisan spirits.
Alternatively, have quiet one at The Lobby Bar within Mercure Penrith
DAY 2
BREAKFAST – Kelly's Bar + Restaurant, Penrith Panthers complex
Fuel up for the day ahead with a continental room service brekky or indulge in a full buffet breakfast in the restaurant from 6.30am Monday to Friday and 7am weekends.
ACTIVITY – Scenic World, Violet St, Katoomba
Experience jaw-dropping World Heritage-listed views – including the famous Three Sisters – on the steepest passenger railway in the world, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and steepest aerial cable car and one of Australia's longest elevated rainforest boardwalks.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
LUNCH – Café Lurline, Lurline St, Katoomba
Known for its warm hospitality and seasonal menus, this charming eatery is a fav with locals, who love its unique fusion of cuisines with global influences.
ACTIVITY – Norman Lindsay Gallery, Norman Lindsay Crescent, Faulconbridge
You’ve heard of The Magic Pudding and its beloved characters. But did you know that its beloved Australian author was controversial in his day? Learn all about it by wandering around his former home and bush-flanked gardens. Along the way you’ll see Lindsay’s sculptures, sketches and glimpse his renowned bohemian lifestyle.
- Caution: the red room contains risqué nude paintings.
AFTERNOON TEA – Ballimino’s, Ross St, Glenbrook
Pop into this family-owned venue for coffee – or something stronger, and cake to tide you over.
ACTIVITY – The Rock Lookout
Take a short scenic drive south along Mulgoa Road to the picturesque Mulgoa Valley. A short walk from Fairlight Road, there’s sweeping views of the Nepean River at The Rock Lookout. Pose for photos like visitors have done for more than 200 years. There’s also a longer 2.5km track winding through swampy heath and eucalyptus forest to Riley's Mountain.
- Note: The lookout is unfenced so be careful
DINNER – Marcel Bar & Bistro, Pullman Sydney Penrith
Located within Pullman Sydney Penrith, Marcel Bar & Bistro offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience, perfect for dinner after a day exploring Penrith. The menu showcases seasonal ingredients and modern Australian flavours, complemented by a curated wine list and signature cocktails. With its warm, contemporary atmosphere, Marcel is an inviting space to unwind and enjoy great food in good company.