See

liverpool creative

Right at the heart of this conveyor belt of creativity, true to its name in energising the region, is the award-winning Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre (CPAC).

Originally built in 1951 to supplement winter power shortages, Casula Powerhouse was decommissioned in the 1970s before being reborn decades later as one of Sydney’s most iconic arts destinations.

Besides its obvious unique architectural appeal, CPAC’s biggest strength comes from the incredibly diverse Liverpool region – itself powering the facility across a jam-packed season of visual arts, theatre, multimedia, film, music, festivals and so much more. From the jaw-droppingly cavernous events lobby that is the Turbine Hall to a purpose-built 320-seat theatre, artists’ residence, studios and six gallery spaces across multiple levels, this truly is a centre for the arts.

The sheer variety of events at CPAC is testament to Liverpool’s vibrant ‘patchwork quilt’ of ethnicities, orientations and interests. A shared space where seniors matinees and ceramics workshops rub shoulders with prized art shows and curated films from South America or Palestine. Where a youth orchestra is followed by a public choir session, an over-40s dance party or an electronica event. And where there is room in the calendar for both an Irish and Iraqi festival! CPAC’s enthusiasm is matched by audiences who flock to the destination (via Powerhouse Road – quite possibly the world’s longest cul-de-sac – or by catching a train to the Casula station right next door). Behind the CPAC you can find two old water tanks with legal graffiti status, giving an outlet for artists to canvas their work. Sometimes they come just for the food (it’s that good) at the licensed on-site Bellbird Café & Dining. Head chef Federico serves up a locally-sourced fusion menu that isn’t afraid to change daily depending on what he picks from the kitchen garden right outside.

Whether it’s local flavours on a plate or in art form, this is a must-visit Liverpool location truly owned by the community. The turbines may be long gone, but CPAC continues to burn bright!

CASULA POWERHOUSE ARTS CENTRE 1 Powerhouse Road, Casula (Entry via Shepherd Street Liverpool) Opening hours: Monday to Friday - 9:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday and Sunday - 9:00am to 4:00pm. Closed public holidays. BELLBIRD DINING & BAR Opening hours: Monday to Sunday - 9:00am to 3:00pm. Closed public holidays. casulapowerhouse.com

liverpool Learn

Casula Powerhouse was originally built with four shorter chimneys. However, after complaints from nearby residents that their washing was getting soiled by smoke, they were replaced by a much higher 250-foot high single stack.

RAILWAY STREET

OF THIS WORLD art

liverpool Learn

Did you know that almost HALF of Liverpool’s population is aged under 30? That’s a lot of youthful creative energy and big ideas bubbling to the surface for all ages to enjoy!

Keen to find examples of art and sculpture during your stay in Liverpool? Well, you’ll LOVE the fact that we wear our art on our sleeves – on full display and ready to discover!

First stop on any art pilgrimage between November and August 2020 should be the Liverpool Sculpture Walk in Casula Parklands, neighbouring Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre – where a selection of works from the previous Sculpture by the Sea event (held each October in Bondi) make their home along this pleasant riverside setting about a 20-minute stroll (or 2-minute drive) from the CBD.

Not that you need to leave the grid streets of Liverpool’s heart to discover creative gems for yourself.

On almost every corner there is a chance to size up a sculpture – ranging from the abstract realism of townfounder Governor Macquarie on Macquarie Street to the bafflingly blocky animal forms in the gardens around historic St Luke’s Anglican Church. No location is spared the creative treatment!

And if wall art is more your cup of tea, then order that tea to go, because you’ll have a lot of walking to do. Here in Liverpool, we don’t just paint the town red – we bring the entire rainbow to the party. And quite the party it is too, with everything from laneway tributes to the late Prince and Kobe Bryant to multistorey building murals, brought to life by some of the country’s most talented artists.

Life’s too short for bland, beige and boring. If you love art, you’ll love Liverpool!

Run Room to

Our parks and reserves are a great way for you to get your recreation fix or simply connect with nature. Explore this selection of highlights from across the region:

Bents Basin This gem of a waterhole on the Nepean River is 30 minutes west of the Liverpool CBD, at the foot of Sydney’s rain-catching ranges. Ideal for camping, picnics or relaxing under a gum tree!

Chipping Norton Lake A beautiful stretch of parks, playgrounds, jogging/cycle tracks and beaches along the southern side of a lake that’s popular for waterskiing, jetskiing, fishing, paddleboarding and kayaking.

Lieutenant Cantello Reserve If your four-legged friend is with you, this park has its own fenced off-leash training area. You’ll also discover vast grassy open spaces and a riverside nature walk.

Georges River Enjoy reserves either side of the river as it runs through the region via lakes and even a historic weir. Popular for waterskiing, boating and fishing.

Wattle Grove Lake A pleasant suburban man-made lake which includes outdoor exercise equipment, modern playgrounds and a shared path around the edge.

Casula Parklands Wedged between river and rail, this delightful stretch includes a brand new outdoor ninja training course and adventure playground, the Liverpool Sculpture Walk and off-leash dog areas for best friends large and small!

western sydney airport. shaping the future

Discover how Sydney’s new airport will help shape the future of Liverpool and Western Sydney at the Western Sydney International Airport Experience Centre.

Through a series of interactive stop overs, learn about the region and its people, and understand the opportunities that will come from Australia’s first smart airport.

Be immersed in the future of air travel in Sydney as you step into the airport control room and arrive at your final destination, the airport site. Here, you will have a clear view of the future airfield and be able to see Western Sydney International come to life over time. It’s the beginning of a new era. Western Sydney International Airport invites you to join us on this journey.

WESTERN SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT EXPERIENCE CENTRE 100 Eaton Road, Luddenham

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday - 10:00am to 4:00pm, Saturday and Sunday - 9:00am to 4:00pm. Admission is free. To enquire about group bookings, please contact info@wsaco.com.au

westernsydney.com.au/your-airport/experience-centre

EXPERIENCE CENTRE

Holsworthy Barracks is part of a 22,000 hectare training area that has been in active use since World War I. It includes an artillery range and its own military airport –all still in use today.

PRECISION WITH military

Behind every great army is an equally great team of engineers and law enforcers – showcased behind the gates of Holsworthy Barracks in two special interest museums now open to the public.

First stop is the Australian Army Museum of Military Engineering – paying homage to a century of ‘sappers’ – the Royal Australian Engineers. It’s here you’ll find an impressive display of vehicles, equipment and memorabilia organised by timeline and key engineering disciplines – all embodying the spirit of 'first in, last out' in peacetime and war. Archiving and restoration is also done on site, with the collection growing every year. The smaller Museum of Military Police offers a curated collection that dates back even further to the Boer War of 1899 and showcases the uniforms, tools of the trade (e.g. portable typewriters for issuing fines) and the hit-and-miss MP motorcycle design over the decades! There’s even a tribute to the four-legged enforcers of the law.

Both museums are open to the public Tuesdays & Thursdays and on the first weekend of the month. Phone (02) 8782 8822 to arrange your own visit – please allow 72 hours’ notice.