While the region lacks the sandy shores of Bondi or Balgowlah or the architectural grandeur of the CBD,as one of Australia’s most multicultural regions,nothing matches its authenticity.
![Multicultural mix:a celebration of Indian Independence Day in Nurragingy Reserve.](https://static.ffx.io/images/$width_300%2C$height_150/t_crop_auto/t_sharpen%2Cq_auto%2Cf_auto/baa4fdd6a011d49d9b9f077001bc299a729a3734)
Multicultural mix:a celebration of Indian Independence Day in Nurragingy Reserve.Nick Moir
Here,the variety of restaurants gives you a home-like feel and tastes that resonate with the community,many of whom stand with pride in representing the vibrancy of their cultural backgrounds. And so,why shouldn’t I?
Here’s a local lens on the suburb I’m proud to call home.
What does summer mean to you?
Making an entire day excursion to the beach,starting with a much-needed iced coffee to brace for the drive ahead and likely parking drama. The journey home is often rewarded with a frozen coke,which hits the spot after a day in the sun.
![Up close and personal:koalas at Featherdale Wildlife Park.](https://static.ffx.io/images/$width_300%2C$height_150/t_crop_auto/t_sharpen%2Cq_auto%2Cf_auto/71e3d10c203782af6328c5839a9629be173c28ee)
Up close and personal:koalas at Featherdale Wildlife Park.Louise Kennerley
Best cafe?As one of Blacktown’s recent additions,top-tier coffee and friendly faces have quickly won my heart – and bank account.
Best restaurant?,conveniently located across the road from the Apollo,has arguably the best birria tacos in town as the constant queue indicates. The corn ribs are also a must-try.
Best beach,park,or pool? is at the heart of my many memories growing up,from feeding the ducks with my sisters with Lebanese bread (which I now realise is a no-no) to taking my formal photos at the picturesque Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens.
![Movie under the stars at the Skyline Drive-in.](https://static.ffx.io/images/$width_300%2C$height_150/t_crop_auto/t_sharpen%2Cq_auto%2Cf_auto/6cb6018cd948f9652b788e3db79cb65c24b81a0b)
Movie under the stars at the Skyline Drive-in.Supplied
First place you take visitors?I remember taking my cousins to when they arrived in Sydney for a wedding – and they loved it. It’s a unique experience to get up close and feed some of the local wildlife,from kangaroos and koalas to penguins.
![Channelling Grease at the retro diner.](https://static.ffx.io/images/$width_300%2C$height_150/t_crop_auto/t_sharpen%2Cq_auto%2Cf_auto/a9425b8b75a73bfef58047d40cde4a6cedd8824d)
Channelling Grease at the retro diner.Supplied
Perfect night out in your suburb?When Sydney’s weather serves us right,the is a perfect spot for a night out. As one of Australia’s few remaining drive-in cinemas,it’s easy to channel myself into a scene fromGrease every time I step into its retro-styled diner.
What would make your suburb better?While the day trip to the beach allows for some unmatched car jams – I think most people in the west would agree that they wish there was a much closer beach.
Best secret spot in your suburb?Pemulwuy Lookout offers a nice panoramic glimpse of the surrounding regions and CBD – and makes for a good Instagram story. Closer to home for me is Woodcroft’s Lake,where the sunsets across the backdrop of swans and surrounding greenery kept me sane during my regular pandemic strolls.
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