Learn how to fly or if you prefer the back seat, take a scenic plane or chopper tour

The big picture

Where is Georges Hall you say? Well it’s a modest little suburb situated in the South-West of Sydney that runs along the banks of the Georges River. Although a predominantly residential suburb offering a gorgeous river-side lifestyle, the river and nearby Bankstown Airport provide for some unique experiences, great places for picnickers and sports fanatics. What’s even cooler is that access to all the attractions is located on or just off the main road, the well known Henry Lawson Drive.

Georges Hall is probably not a suburb you’d travel to just for a visit but if you’re passing by or you’ve made plans here, we would recommend spending some time having a look around. The best way to get to Georges Hall is by car. There are buses that travel within the suburb however there isn’t a train station near enough.

Find out more about the history of Georges Hall here.

Be bored no more

That breeze is going to test your skills!

Within only a few kilometres along the Henry Lawson Drive, you can find yourself teeing up for that perfect shot, hooning your remote control car around a purpose built track, dining or picnicking by the river, or taking flight to the skies above. If you’re after a day out on the green the George River Golf Course is a great course to get your swing on. It is a well-maintained handsome space with above average amenities including a decent size pro shop and clubhouse. They have a driving range that is in need of an upgrade but it’s still usable.

One of the first places you’ll pass heading from Lansvale down the Henry Lawson Drive is the RC Racing Track on your left. It’s easy to miss so keep your eyes open for a dirt track. There aren’t too many tracks like this around Sydney and this place does get busy on weekends during the more pleasant months weather wise but it’s a great place for big kids and their kids to thrash toys around safely.

Are you a grunter on court?

The Coleman Park Tennis Centre located across from Rabaul Road Boat Ramp which we’ll go into next, has decent quality courts and a fair few of them if you feel like taking a smash at it. The folks here are pretty friendly and helpful and there is plenty of parking available out front.

A wee bit phalic but nice to know it’s there to mount after a jet-ski ride

Boating and jet-skiing are popular pass-times here with a variety of easily accessible boat ramps including the recently upgraded Rabaul Road Boat Ramp and jetty. Unfortunately, there aren’t any boat hire facilities in the area.  The RMS website has all the information you’ll need to know though if you have your own water baby, in terms of maps, restrictions, no-go zones and general waterway rules.

Ride the river wild, great space for a boat

Before we get too chilled out though let’s get you flying high. This may not be your ticket to the ‘mile high club’ (or it might be…) but you’ll certainly get a rush of something, be it fear or exhilaration! Bankstown Airport the fourth busiest airport in Australia, has now ridiculously claimed its own suburb name ‘Bankstown Aerodrome’ but essentially it’s in Georges Hall. The Georges Hall Golf Course backs on to the airport giving players a great view of the plane and helicopter traffic but more importantly you wave them goodbye as you lift off for one of a number of scenic tours across Sydney or you can live the dream and take control of the stick. There are a number of flight schools and companies specialising in joyride’s operating out of Bankstown Airport. Here are just a handful:

Sydney Aviators – A flight school offering qualifications in all licence classes, including trial flights.

Basair Aviation College – Specialises in training commercial pilots.

Australian Aerobatic Academy – Can either teach you to loop-the-loop like a crazy or take you on a loop-the-loop joyride like a crazy.

There are heaps of helicopter flight schools and joyride’s available as well. Just google ‘helicopter/plane flight’ + ‘Bankstown’ and choose your weapon! If you’re a bit of a nerd and enjoy a spot of aviation history the airport is home to the Australian Aviation Museum and you can check it out for a small fee.

There are some great spots for avid aviation photographers as well. The spot we chose for our headline image was out the back of Bunnings just off Milperra Road. From this vantage point you can plane and chopper spot to your hearts content.

Lake Gillawarna – Naw! A local favourite

Now that you’ve had the opportunity to go a bit loco, it’s time to settle the nerves a little with a stroll along the river’s edge. The parklands here in Georges Hall are heaving on the weekends filled with picnickers taking advantage of the picturesque riverside venues that are fully equipped with all the amenities you need. There are three main draw cards along the Henry Lawson Drive. Garrison Point is known for its pretty beachy river banks, Lake Gillawarna for its duckies and innocent romance and Flinders Slopes.. well, for its slopes but not just any old slopes. When it rains make sure you bring a garbage bag or cardboard box and you’ll have a tobogganing fun-filled day! There are also bike and walking tracks that run from the top of the Henry Lawson Drive in Lansvale right down to Milperra. It’s great for cyclists who enjoy some hills.

Eat, drink and be merry

Oh we do like to dine beside the riverside, oh we do like to dine beside the river…

There isn’t a heap of options for good grub here but certainly more than we expected. Your best bet for a good eat is either at the Rabaul Road Boat Ramp where you’ll find a few upmarket eateries like the Aquarius Seafood Restaurant which might be a little pricy for the area but seems to get okay reviews, Adagio’s Cafe and Nahm Thai Cuisine which also doesn’t do too bad with ratings or further up the road and just after Bankstown Airport you’ll find some of the fast food chains to fill the gap.

Hot tips

Don’t be fooled by the locals attempt at humourous trickery, there ARE sharks in there.

So that’s a wrap folks for Georges Hall. If you’re passing through or in the area give it a whirl. It is a nice little spot that is ignored by the masses as it’s surrounded by suburbs with much greater public profiles. It’s treated like a transit lounge but it truly is an oasis in the midst of all that bustles. In our opinion it is completely underrated so help our new pal Georges Hall out and offer it some affection.

Nearby

Bankstown, Chipping Norton, Lansvale, Villawood

Location Map

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