Granville sits on the traditional land of the Burramattagal people of the Darug clan and is today known for its strong Lebanese community which is proudly on display through the myriad of restaurants and stores along the main street.
An easy train trip on the Parramatta line, Granville station is located right in the heart of this historical suburb. Make sure to pause atop the pedestrian bridge over the train station, from here you enjoy a terrific view of the area.
To the north are high-rise residential apartments which tower over the town centre on the south. This is an area that has gone through great change over the last decade, with new property developments and city centre growth.
The first place to stop is local favourite El Sweetie on South Street. This is a large Lebanese sweets and desserts store with spacious dine in seating.
Order a coffee and get comfortable over a plate of fresh baklava and a Lebanese favourite Znood El Sit – a phyllo roll filled with sugar and cream. For those with even more of a sweet tooth, try a refreshing Lebanese fruit cocktail.
After your decadent coffee stop, you’ll certainly be ready for a walk around Granville. Start by heading towards William Street and then south along Blaxcell Street. You’ll notice the many different dwellings of Granville varying from red brick apartments to modern residential complexes.
Head down towards the corner of Redfern Street in South Granville. Here you will find the heritage-listed Crest Theatre building. Considered culturally significant as one of very few 1940s-built cinemas in Australia, this Art Deco building was constructed by Hoyts and used for screening films until 1963. It is now used as a function hall, but the exterior remains distinctly in the style of a Palace Cinema.
Take the scenic route back to the town centre. Pass by the TAFE on The Avenue and then along Hutchinson Street where you’ll find the stunning St Marks Anglican Church, an 1882-built sandstone church with beautiful stained-glass windows.
Another heritage building you’ll pass is the Granville Town Hall overlooking the main street on Carlton Street. Constructed in 1888, it is one of only two intact Victorian Free Classical government buildings in Western Sydney.
Head back to South Street to find yourself a bite for lunch. The famous charcoal chicken from the original El Jannah, known all around Sydney for their juicy chicken and garlic sauce.
If you are driving, you can also head to La Rouche Lebanese Restaurant on Excelsior Street for local-favourite authentic Lebanese food, boasting out-of-this-world falafels. We couldn’t recommend them more!
Whatever you choose, take your lunch and enjoy it at The Granville Centre.
This state-of-the-art space was opened in 2020 and contains beautiful gardens, a new playground, library, multi-sports area, and community spaces.
Granville is a great example of the high-quality developments that are occurring all throughout Western Sydney bringing excellent facilities to be used by people of all ages.
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