Discover Western Sydney

West is best for letting adventure and discovery take the lead.

Western Sydney is a vibrant hub of culture, creativity, nature and history that stretches from Parramatta and Penrith to Sydney Olympic Park and into the horizon as far as the Blue Mountains.

Flying into Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) brings you closer to Sydney's Western suburbs as well as the stunning explorable wilderness. By car, Penrith is just 25 minutes away, Parramatta 30 minutes, and it's only 60 minutes from the iconic Three Sisters. WSI is undoubtedly the gateway to some of the best that Western Sydney has to offer.

About our flights to Sydney

Air New Zealand flies non-stop to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

From November 2026*, Air New Zealand will also start non-stop flights from Auckland to Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) three times per week, giving you more choice for your plans in Sydney and Greater NSW. The flight time is around 3 hours and 35 minutes.

You can choose the way you fly on all our flights to Australia.

Compare Sydney's two airports

Location

Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD)

Near Sydney CBD (Mascot)

Western Sydney International (WSI)

Greater Sydney


Non-stop flights from (Air NZ)

Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD)

Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown

Western Sydney International (WSI)

Auckland


Flight frequency

Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD)

Auckland / Wellington / Christchurch: Daily
Queenstown: 5 times per week (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun)

Western Sydney International (WSI)

3 times per week from 26 October 2026* (Mon/Wed/Fri)


Cabin options¹

Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD)

Economy
(selected services also offer Premium Economy & Business Premier™)

Western Sydney International (WSI)

Economy only


Distance to Sydney CBD

Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD)

Approx. 20-30 minutes

Western Sydney International (WSI)

Approx. 60 minutes


Lounge service

Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD)

Available (Air NZ & Partner)

Western Sydney International (WSI)

Details to be confirmed²


Best for travellers

Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD)

Visiting Sydney CBD, Eastern suburbs or inner city

Western Sydney International (WSI)

Visiting Western Sydney, Blue Mountains, Nepean River or Greater NSW


Ideal if you...

Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD)

Need fast access to the CBD or central Sydney

Western Sydney International (WSI)

Want to be closer to Western Sydney or are travelling beyond Sydney


Airport information

Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD)

https://www.sydneyairport.com.au

Western Sydney International (WSI)

https://www.wsiairport.com.au


* Subject to Government Approvals.

1. Cabin availability varies by route and aircraft. Please check your flight details when booking.
2. Lounge access (including any lounge pass purchase options) at WSI will be confirmed closer to launch.

Planning your trip

Western Sydney International (WSI) is ideal if you're

  • Visiting family or friends in Parramatta, Penrith, Blacktown, Liverpool, Campbelltown or surrounding Western Sydney suburbs.
  • Heading to the Blue Mountains (30 minutes from WSI).
  • Planning to explore Western Sydney Parklands, the Hawkesbury region or the Greater Blue Mountains area.
  • Collecting a rental car to drive to regional NSW (the airport connects directly to major motorways heading west, north and south).

For the latest transport options, visit the official Western Sydney International (WSI) website.

Things to see and do in Western Sydney

The pulse of Western Sydney

Parramatta is the commercial heart of Western Sydney and considered Sydney's second CBD. Here you will find a vibrant multicultural food and arts scene, plus sports fans can support their team at CommBank Stadium. Parramatta also boasts plenty of natural beauty, thanks to its riverside location. You can even cruise down the Parramatta River to Circular Quay.

Feel the thrill

Penrith is where you will find a mix of history, art and the outdoors in this action-packed Western Sydney suburb. Enjoy a line-up of great eateries, cultural treasures at museums and galleries, and extreme thrills like skydiving, whitewater rafting and wakeboarding. Sports fans can also see rugby league, rugby union or soccer games on at Penrith Stadium.

Adventure for the whole family

Western Sydney offers family fun experiences where you can flex your adventurous spirit at Treetops Adventure with their Tree Ropes Courses. Fly like a superhero with indoor skydiving at iFLY Downunder. Or explore Sydney's largest museum at Powerhouse Parramatta.

Four wonderful experiences from Western Sydney

1. Eat around the world in one suburb

Parramatta's dining scene reflects Western Sydney's extraordinary diversity. Start with Filipino breakfast at Kanto, share Lebanese mezze at Byblos, try South Indian dosa at Amma's, then finish with gelato from Rivareno Gelato at Parramatta Square. It's world travel on a plate.

2. Explore World Heritage listed Parramatta Park

Home to the Burramattagal, Parramatta Park's ancient cultural landscape has provided food, shelter and resources for close to 40,000 years. Today you can explore 85 hectares of lawns and gardens, historic monuments, outdoor event spaces and sporting and leisure facilities.

3. Glide over the Nepean River

The Nepean River offers something for everyone. Paddle through serene waters by kayak with views of the rugged Nepean Gorge, or get your adrenaline fix at Cables Wake Park for wakeboarding and waterskiing with the Blue Mountains as your backdrop. First-timers get expert instruction, experienced riders can tackle the ramps and everyone can refuel at the riverside cafe afterwards.

4. Walk the Three Sisters at sunset

In the Blue Mountains, the Three Sisters rock formation glows golden as the sun drops behind the Jamison Valley. Take the short walk to Echo Point lookout or, for a fuller experience, descend the Giant Stairway – 900 steps that wind past the Three Sisters and down into the ancient rainforest below.

Air New Zealand international travel icon.

Travelling via Western Sydney International (WSI)

Visit the official Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) website for the latest airport and transport information to plan your arrival.

Keep exploring Sydney

Blue Mountains image courtesy of Filippo Rivetti; Parramatta River image courtesy of Destination New South Wales; Sydney Harbour image courtesy of Destination NSW; Sculpture by the sea, Tamarama Beach, Bondi, image courtesy of Destination NSW; Bondi Icebergs Club image courtesy of Destination NSW.; Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk image courtesy of Destination NSW.; Scenic World Blue Mountains image courtesy of Destination NSW