Petersham Blog

Spend An Inner West Weekend Your Way

With work consuming most of the week, it’s important to find different ways to spend weekends. Whether you’re looking for leisure or adventure, Sydney’s Inner West offers activities aplenty. Here are some ideas to enjoy the perfect Inner West weekend in your own backyard.

Unwind With A Leisurely Picnic

With plenty of green spaces and favourable weather conditions throughout the year, a picnic is a great way to spend an Inner West weekend. Petersham Park has a good play area for kids and houses the Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre. There are shady trees, barbeque facilities, quiet areas and a playground for kids. Pioneers Memorial Park in Leichhardt has grassy areas, walking paths and a children’s playground for picnickers to enjoy. Steel Park in Marrickville offers barbeque facilities, covered seating areas, a water play park (summer only) and a children’s playground.

Enjoy A Relaxed Swim

There’s no need to battle through gridlocked traffic to enjoy a swim with several options in the Inner West. Chiswick Baths is an enclosed swimming area along the Parramatta River. Make sure you check whether the water is safe for swimming before heading there. You can do this on the Beachwatch web page of the NSW Government. Dawn Fraser Baths is the oldest Australian pool. This tidal saltwater pool in Balmain is rich in history and is the perfect place to cool off. The salt-water pool at the Cabarita Swimming Centre in Concord is heated to a comfortable 26 degrees. It provides another great option for Inner West residents to enjoy a dip. The open-air pool at the Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre in Petersham Park has been redeveloped and offers a pool for toddlers, a splash deck and a 25-metre lap pool. Free barbeque areas are also available for those who wish to spend a whole day here.

Take In Cultural Gems

The Inner West is home to many of Sydney’s cultural gems. From art galleries and museums to studios and theatres, you’ll find your Inner West weekend packed. Showcasing high-calibre exhibitions regularly, Aritiste in Camperdown is a must visit for art lovers. Factory 49 is a non-profit space that offers exposure to budding artists. Chrissie Cotter Gallery in Camperdown hosts several art exhibitions and cultural events worth visiting. Enmore Theatre in Newtown is the oldest live theatre in Sydney. Check it out for music and comedy acts from local and international artists. Factory Theatre in Marrickville also has music, dance and comedy performances worth checking out.

Stay Active On A Walking Or Cycling Trail

The Inner West has plenty of cycling and walking trails in the area. The Tom Uren Trail is a 2-hour walk starting in Thorton Park. This 2.3km long trail has some steep inclines and is a good way to explore Balmain. A 7km path for walkers and cyclists, The Bay Run traverses the Iron Cove Bay shores. It remains one of the most popular activities for Inner West residents thanks to its waterfront setting. Walking tours in Balmain and Leichhardt are also excellent ways to explore the history of the region.

With so many activities, you’ll enjoy the perfect Inner West weekend without endless traffic jams and long commutes.