Plan your visit to Penrith
The Ultimate Guide for the 2025 Australian Dragon Boat Championships
Penrith is not just home to the Panthers – it's the place to be for the 2025 Australian Dragon Boat Championships! Whether you’re here to race, support your team, or simply soak in the excitement, this guide is packed with things to do, see, and experience. From adrenaline-fueled activities to riverside dining, Penrith offers something for everyone during the championship week!
Things to Do: Explore, Adventure, and Discover
Penrith is a destination with something for everyone. As you’re here to compete and celebrate your passion for Dragon Boating, why not take some time to explore the great variety of activities we have to offer?
- Adrenaline Rush: When you’re not on the water, why not fuel your competitive spirit with more action? Try your hand at iFLY Indoor Skydiving for a thrilling experience or test your aim at ThrowAxe. Penrith has plenty of ways to keep your energy levels up! Find more activities here.
- Riverside Relaxation: After a long day of races, enjoy some downtime by taking in the views from the Rock Lookout to admire the breathtaking scenery. Make time to unwind on the Great River Walk, where you can take in the beautiful scenery along the Nepean River. Start (or finish) your walk at the Yandhai Nepean Crossing and enjoy a range of snacks and coffee as you take in the serenity of the river. These spots are perfect for unwinding and getting into the spirit of Penrith's vibrant outdoor lifestyle, find more here
- A Glimpse of History: Visit the Museum of Fire, where you can explore the history of firefighting and technology – perfect for anyone interested in engineering and innovation. Discover more about the arts, culture, and heritage Penrith has to offer here.
Eat and Enjoy: Fuel Your Passion and Curiosity
Penrith’s food scene is as diverse as it is delicious, offering a range of eateries to refuel after a busy day of competition. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or celebrating a big win, we’ve got something for every taste.
- Breakfast of Champions: Start your day right with a hearty breakfast at one of Penrith’s top cafes, perfect for athletes who need to fuel up before hitting the water. Cafés like Café Fred, Henri Marc and Nutrition Station serve up everything from high-energy smoothies to protein-packed meals to power you through your day of competition. Check out the full list of cafes here.
- Post-Race Feast: Sticking close to Penrith CBD, you’ll find a range of places to head for lunch and dinner, with Mr Watkin’s, Elton Chong, and High Street Depot nestled closely together on High Street. Find more lunch and dinner options here.
- Riverside Dining: For a scenic dining experience, head to Emu Hall or Laughin’ Boy, both in the Yandhai Dining Precinct and offering fantastic views and mouthwatering dishes. There’s also The East Bank to check out, with eight wonderful dining options.
- Casual Dining: Prefer something laid-back? Check out Panthers or Saints for a range of options to enjoy a meal with a great atmosphere – perfect for winding down after a day of action-packed events.
Stay Social
Penrith is buzzing with activity year-round, and you’ll want to stay connected with everything that’s happening during your visit.
- Keep up with the latest updates, events, and more by following Visit Penrith on Facebook and Instagram. Stay up to date on everything from local events to hidden gems around town!
- Sign up for our newsletter to get all the insider tips, local highlights, and special promotions delivered straight to your inbox.
We can’t wait to see you at the 2025 Australian Dragon Boat Championships and look forward to showing you everything Penrith has to offer. Whether you're here to compete, cheer on your team, or explore, there's no better place to be.
