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Cultures Intertwined: A Drive Through Wetherill to Bonnyrigg
Highlights
- Explore Wetherill Park's bustling commerce, experiencing the vibrant pulse of local industry and community life.
- Visit Prairiewood's family-friendly attractions, enjoying the aquatic fun at Aquatopia and the lively atmosphere of Fairfield Showground.
- Breathe in the aromas of global cuisines in St Johns Park, where diverse cultures and rich histories intertwine.
- Discover Bonnyrigg's colonial-era Bonnyrigg House, surrounded by a vibrant mix of cultures and community spirit.
Journey through Sydney’s western suburbs – Wetherill Park, Prairiewood, St Johns Park, and Bonnyrigg – where industry, migration, and multicultural heritage converge.
Start in Wetherill Park, a powerhouse of local commerce and industry, then make your way to Prairiewood, home to family-friendly attractions like the Fairfield Showground and the aquatic fun of Aquatopia. In St Johns Park, the scent of global cuisines drifts through leafy streets lined with diverse places of worship – a suburb with deep farming roots and a proud migrant history. Then, step into Bonnyrigg, where the colonial-era Bonnyrigg House nods to the past, now surrounded by a vibrant mix of cultures, temples, and community life.
Together, these interconnected suburbs offer visitors a rich blend of history, culture, and modern Western Sydney living.
Itinerary highlights
Mingyue Lay Buddhist Temple
One of the largest Chinese Buddhist temples in the southern hemisphere, the Mingyue Lay Temple has come a long way since its beginnings in 1982 as a small fibro building, which now serves as a cafeteria.
Today, the Mingyue Lay Buddhist Temple spans approximately 16,000 square meters. Its development dates back to 1985 – the year of Yi Chon in the Chinese lunar calendar – when a group of Chinese descendants, who had arrived as refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, began planning its construction.
As its name suggests, the Mingyue Lay Buddhist Temple is run primarily by laypeople rather than monks or nuns. The temple features four main halls that serve as an ecumenical celebration of Buddhism, Taoism, and Zen. The buildings, which face east, are designed in the style of 12th-century Chinese architecture.
Croatian Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas Tavelic
The medieval castle-like wall and twin towers surrounding the Croatian Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas Tavelic, symbolise the Croatian people’s historical resistance to invading Turkish forces and their steadfast defence of the Catholic faith. Croatian migration to Australia dates back to the gold rushes of the mid-1880s.
The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas Tavelic, a Croatian Franciscan friar who was martyred in Jerusalem in 1391 and canonised in 1970 as the first Croatian saint. Over the years, the church has served as a unifying force, particularly during periods of political diversity within the Croatian community in Sydney.
More than just a place of worship, the Croatian Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas Tavelic in Saint John’s Park, stands as a cornerstone of the Croatian community in Sydney – preserving faith, culture and identity while offering vital spiritual and social support.
Fairfield Markets – Showgrounds
Fairfield Showground is best known as the home of the Fairfield Markets, which have been attracting thousands of shoppers every weekend since the 1970s. These markets are the largest in Sydney’s west and proudly carry the motto “Friendly Family Fun”, a promise they proudly live up to.
Every Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM, up to 600 undercover stalls offer an incredible variety of goods, including children’s toys, clothing, sporting gear, jewellery, household items, car accessories, workshop tools, pool supplies, groceries, and fresh fruit and vegetables. While adults hunt for bargains, kids can burn off energy on the jumping castle, carnival rides, merry-go-round, or pony rides.
When it’s time for a break, visitors can enjoy a wide range of delicious food options, from mouth-watering kebabs and burgers to Asian delicacies, ice creams, donuts, cold drinks, and coffee.
Aquatopia
Aquatopia Water Park at Prairiewood Leisure Centre offers a splash-filled day of fun for all ages, with a wide range of attractions and facilities designed to thrill.
Cool off on Sydney’s tallest thrill slides (10 and 20 metres high), brave the brand-new 55-metre Wave Pool, or test your skills on the Wave Rider bodyboard simulator. Younger visitors will love the toddler splash pool and the multi-level adventure aqua tower.
Families looking for an affordable day out will find something for everyone—from relaxing in the cabanas to racing friends on the new 20-metre triple-lane slide or plunging down the free-fall drop.
Cabanas are available for hire and include covered picnic seating, ceiling fans, block-out blinds, a small fridge, barbecue access, and nearby grassed areas to unwind.
Wat Phrayortkeo Dhammayanaram Lao Buddhist Temple
According to tradition, the eyes of Buddha should always face the northeast. For this reason, the main entry of Wat Prayortkeo Dhammayanaram is on the east at the back of the temple, rather than facing the road. Consecrated in 1993, the building emulates the traditional architectural style of the “Golden City temple” in Laos. Lao-born people began arriving in Australia in 1975, mainly as refugees.
The Wat Phrayortkeo Temple enters the stream of practice in the Theravada tradition. The temple is a Buddhist centre offering a peaceful refuge and environment for self-awareness. This temple was set up by the Lao community who came to Australia as refugees in early 1976 after the Communists took over Laos. The Lao Community and the lay people set up a centre. Once every month, especially during the full moon day, there is a Buddhist ceremony of Alms-giving. It is a time when all Buddhists and non-Buddhists are welcome to take part. If you want a glimpse of our Lao culture, art, customs and traditions, why not pay a visit to the Temple.
Assyrian Genocide Memorial Statue
The monument commemorates the victims of the Assyrian genocide, perpetrated by the Ottoman (Turkish) government during World War I, and the Simele Massacre carried out by the Iraqi army in 1933.
The hand featured on the monument represents those who dedicated their lives to creating a better and safer world. Draped in the Assyrian flag, it symbolises the survival, spiritual rebirth, and unity of the Assyrian people. Figures of young children gather at the base, signifying faith in the next generation to carry the torch for the future of the Assyrian nation. The hand holds a globe to call for recognition of the Assyrian genocide. The Lamassu (a winged bull from Assyrian mythology) is also present, serving as a guardian figure to ward off evil spirits.
The monument stands 4.5 metres tall and contains three tonnes of steel and 15 tonnes of concrete. Its construction and installation were proposed and fully funded by the Assyrian Universal Alliance – Australian Chapter.
It is estimated that up to 750,000 Assyrians were killed by the Ottoman Empire during World War 1.
The monument’s dedication date holds special significance, as it coincides with Assyrian Martyrs Day, observed by Assyrians worldwide.
Aboriginal Elders Garden
The planting of trees indigenous to Fairfield in the Elders Garden was completed during NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) week in 2006. The garden has seating and shade, a perfect spot to stop and rest.
Tour details
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Go Drivin – Sydney
Go Drivin, your gateway to exploring the country’s landscapes, histories, and cultures. At Go Drivin, every journey is an immersive experience designed to connect you with each destination. Their hands-free, self-guided trips allow you to explore iconic locations such as Mosman, Luna Park, Milsons Point, and Balmoral Beach with ease.
Discover the natural beauty of Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell, Cronulla, and the Royal National Park. Delve into the rich histories of Sutherland, Woronora, and Lucas Heights. Experience the serene landscapes of Ku-ring-gai, West Head, and Pittwater. Bask in the coastal charm of Palm Beach, Bondi, and Manly. Their trips also take you through the bustling vibes of Darlinghurst, Paddington, Centennial Park, Woolloomooloo, Rushcutters Bay, and Double Bay. Explore the Blue Mountains, Vaucluse, Watsons Bay, South Head, and The Gap.
They make every day tour or road trip an adventure, helping you uncover and learn new things about each place. With their experiential self-drive journeys, you’ll traverse the landscapes with less anxiety and more enthusiasm, creating unforgettable memories. It feels like having your own personal tour guide with their free app and website.
Transform your travels into an engaging narrative, where every stop is an opportunity to embrace the adventure. Because at Go Drivin, it’s not just about visiting a place, it’s about connecting with its soul and experiencing the journey of a lifetime.
Memberships
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