The fastest growing area of Australia is shaking off its stigma as a mere suburban stronghold with hotels, wildlife parks and arts centres driving the tourist surge.

The total overnight visitors to Western Sydney grew by 48 per cent in the last five years including an eight per cent rise from last year, according to new research from Destination NSW.

Visitors to the area stayed more than 14.7 million nights in the region last year which accounts for a 13 per cent rise.

Destination NSW chief executive officer, Sandra Chipchase, said the number of domestic and international overnight visitors to Western Sydney reached 2.3 million for the year ending June 2014.

“More than half of the domestic and international overnight visitors to Western Sydney travelled to see friends and relatives and it’s this market segment that’s really driven the overall growth in visitor numbers in that region, increasing by 59 per cent in the past five years,” Ms Chipchase said.

“Western Sydney is a fascinating place for visitors to explore with a rich colonial heritage, major attractions, great events and multicultural foodie hot-spots.”

Blacktown’s Skyline Drive In is one of Western Sydney’s biggest tourist attractions.

The drive in’s general manager, Trudi Manning, said their customers include locals, day trippers from outside of metropolitan Sydney, as well as international guests.

“We have people coming from Wollongong who come at school holidays, the Sydney area, Newcastle and tourists from America,” Ms Manning said.

“It’s about a whole experience with a retro feel with a lot of movies.

“Usually people come and go to Eastern Creek or go to Wet ‘n’ Wild or are there for a conference.

“I’ve lived in the area for a long time and there are lots of different cultures and people who are getting out there and experiencing them all.”

Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au