Mayoral Column – Penrith is the place to be and visit

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

While the cooler weather has arrived and the days are shorter, there is more than ever to do and experience in our vibrant City. One of the best parts of being Mayor is meeting people who say they genuinely love where they live or tell me that they had a great time visiting Penrith.

It’s something that we can all be proud of and should continue to celebrate. This winter, I encourage you to venture out and explore - try a new café, walking track or an activity because there are options for everyone.

If you’re a foodie, there are delicious venues to choose from across the City that suit a range of budgets. For those looking to have some fun with friends or family, there are many indoor and outdoor activities available – from escape rooms to obstacle courses.

There are slower paced, cultural experiences to enjoy too, like exploring museums or visiting Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery. The Joan also has a real mix of shows and performances coming up – you can check those out at thejoan.com.au.

Penrith City Council knows that our community is doing it tough. That’s why we are always looking at ways to support residents by offering free or low-cost experiences.

Every Wednesday this month, Lunchtime Tunes is on in City Park – relax in the open, green space and listen to live music for free. Our Penrith City Libraries have an exciting lineup of events over the coming months that include the chance to meet and hear from bestselling authors. Tickets cost $5 and you can register online at penrith.city/events.

Council is proud to welcome 1.64 million visitors to Penrith annually – this showcases our beautiful City and contributes to the local economy by supporting our businesses and nightlife, with fantastic accommodation options available.

The new airport opening later this year is obviously a catalyst for growth and an influx of visitors. We are welcoming people and encouraging them to discover what we love about Penrith. All of this is highlighted in our Penrith Visitor Guide, available at visitpenrith.com.au.

Cr Todd Carney
Mayor of Penrith

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 17 June 2026.