Suburb Guide: Gledswood Hills

7th February 2019

See our guide to Gledswood Hills in Sydney's south west. From where to eat to where to shop.

A famous bakery, convict-built homesteads and a stunning winery: this flourishing Sydney neighbourhood has plenty to offer.

Lush trees, grand estates and buzzing local eateries: Gledswood Hills, set within rolling countryside in Sydney’s south west, is a hidden gem among the area’s trees. Home to a rich pastoral heritage, it was here Governor Macarthur’s family chose to make their prized home, and planted Australia’s first crops.

But while the history makes this area culturally significant, it’s the future of this community that’s really exciting. Here, a few of its highlights.

1. Mezzapica Pasticceria

For decades, people have flocked from all over Sydney to queue outside Leichhardt’s famous Mezzapica bakery – but this year, the pasticceria opened their first ever outpost in Gledswood Hills. Step up to the glossy, white tiled counter and order some of their wildly popular cannoli – maybe with a cup of Toby’s Estate coffee – and enjoy the close-knit sense of local comraderie, Italian-style. “There’s a real sense of community here,” confirms Mezzapica manager Maurice Portelli, whose great-uncle, Angelo Mezzapica opened the first store in 1952. “Everyone is really welcoming and quick to lend a hand, which is not something you can find everywhere anymore.”

mezzapica.com.au

1 Gregory Hills Drive
Gledswood Hills, NSW 2557
(02) 4648 3641

2. Gledswood Homestead and Winery

The area’s sprawling namesake, Gledswood Homestead and Winery is “a beautiful piece of Australian history,” according to property managing director Nadene Clarke. Built in 1810 by convicts, the 113-acre property is a multipurpose venue with gardens, a cellar door and vineyards. You can come at any time between 9am and 5pm for a look, or book ahead to join one of the property’s many events: wine tastings, high teas, history tours, family days and live concerts. Consider bringing your camera, too; it’s so beautiful here that it’s become a highly popular wedding venue. “A peaceful oasis in our bustling, growing neighbourhood,” says Nadene.

gledswood.com.au

900 Camden Valley Way
Gledswood Hills, NSW 2557
(02) 9606 5111

3. Country Club Gledswood Hills

If you love a brasserie meal, a glass of vino and a fun place to kick back and watch live entertainment, Country Club Gledswood Hill is for you. This child-friendly club offers a kids’ games room and a range of casual dining options including a cafe, brasserie and chargrill BBQ. Wests Group Macarthur CEO Tony Mathew says, “We understand the need for more venues dedicated to providing family and kid-friendly areas, affordable dining options and unique member offerings. Our development plans aim to provide such services, coupled with communal dining areas with private booths, lounge areas and privacy screens in a comfortable environment.”

countryclubgh.com.au

91 The Hermitage Way
Gledswood Hills, NSW 2557
(02) 9606 5301

4. Blue Agave Mexican Cantina

Couples and families alike flock to the upmarket tables at new Mexican cantina, Blue Agave – with good reason. Owners Karen and Wayne Carrett, who’ve lived in the area for more than 30 years, have spent almost as long importing Mexican foods to Australian shores, so they know their way around a plate of fajitas. “We knew it was time to open when we looked at the variety of restaurants around here: the local palate has really developed in recent years,” says Wayne. Don’t miss their churros with affogato and Café Patron (a good quality chocolate tequila). “It’s very popular,” he confirms. Olé!

blueagavemexican.com.au

3/13 Rodeo Road
Gregory Hills, NSW 2557
(02) 4601 1914

5. Enzo’s Cucina Gregory Hills

Industrial-chic trattoria Enzo’s is one of seven Enzo’s Cucina restaurants in the area. Started by local Enzo Marturano – who still oversees operations – the Gregory Hills location is managed on a day-to-day basis by long-time family friends (and fellow Italianos), Michael and Steve Cattarossi. Michael and Steve – who are brothers – can be seen welcoming guests and cooking up a storm in the giant open kitchen here, consistently pulling in hungry families at lunch and dinner for huge, slurpable pastas and enduringly popular pizzas. Fittingly, Enzo says he wants diners to feel like “part of the family”. Expect wide arms and wider smiles.

enzoscucina.com.au/gregory-hills
Unit 17 1 Gregory Hills Drive
Gledswood Hills, NSW 2557
(02) 4647 6388

6. Australian Botanic Garden and Plant Bank

Bask in Australian nature at the Australian Botanic Garden. Showcasing close to 2000 native Australian plants, the garden is part of the Royal Botanic Garden and Domain Trust and home to the Australian PlantBank, a major scientific research and conservation centre for NSW Flora. Set over 416 hectares, the spectacular grounds also feature numerous sculptures and are a popular event venue. A year-round calendar of events is available through the website.

australianbotanicgarden.com.au
Narellan Road
Mount Annan, NSW 2567
(02) 4634 7900

 

To find out more about CREST by Gledswood Hills click here.

Mirvac acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters of Australia, and we offer our respect to their Elders past and present.  

Artwork: ‘Reimagining Country’, created by Riki Salam (Mualgal, Kaurareg, Kuku Yalanji) of We are 27 Creative.