Southern Cross Regional
Join us for REEFSCAPEâ„ presented by Haas on 7 - 9 March 2025!
7 - 9 March 2025
Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre
30 Herbert St
Cambridge Park NSW 2747
The event is free and open to spectators from the general public - tickets are not required.
All students, mentors, staff and volunteers accessing the pits and the playing field must adhere to the PPE Policy (see below). Spectators observing from the stands are not required to have PPE.
Accessibility
The Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre is a wheelchair-accessible venue with disabled parking, accessible change rooms, ramp access and ambulant toilets onsite. Braille signage is located throughout the facility. For more information on venue accessibility, please visit the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre website below.
Food
There will be a selection of food trucks available onsite.
Sydney Discovery Day
Looking for an opportunity to explore Sydney after the Southern Cross Regional with the robotics friends you made over the weekend? FIRST Australia is hosting a Sydney Discovery Day covering some of Australia's iconic landmarks on Monday 10th March. Tickets are $85 per person and can be booked individually or in bulk. Find out more below!
On-Site Parking
The event is located in Cambridge Park, which is closest to the districts of Penrith and Parramatta in Sydney. The venue is easily accessible by road and has free parking onsite so arrival by bus or car is recommended.
Public Transport
Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre is a 5 minute drive or 2km walk from Werrington and Kingswood train stations.
The closest bus stop to the Sports Centre is William St near Francis St, which is a 10 minute bus journey from Penrith Station and is serviced by the 780 bus approximately every 20 minutes.
Transport NSW often completes trackwork on weekends and public transport timetables may be changed in the weeks leading up to the event. Please plan ahead to avoid delays due to altered public transport timetables. Up-to-date information, a trip planner and route maps can be found on the Transport NSW website.
There are a number of hotels in the Penrith region that are a short drive away from the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre. Below are a few recommended options to suit teams.
Nearby hotels
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Pullman Sydney Penrith: Located near a number of restaurants and offers room service- 15 minute drive to venue.
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Mercure Penrith: Popular for groups and located near a number of restaurants - 15 minute drive to venue.
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Astina Suites, Penrith: Located near Penrith High Street with many restaurants - 10 minute drive to venue.
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Littomore Suites, Kingswood: Popular with groups - 10 minute drive to venue.
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Quest Penrith: Located across the road from train station - 10 minute drive to venue.
Budget hotels
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Value Suites Penrith: Apartments and studios for groups - 15 minute drive to venue.
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St Marys Park View Motel: Located near grocery store - 10 minute drive to venue.
For those spectating the event from the stands, PPE will not be required.
For ANY person entering the pits or playing field area, PPE MUST be worn. There are no exceptions to this rule.
PPE for the Southern Cross Regional are identified as 'safety goggles' and 'closed-toe footwear.' All persons must be wearing safety glasses at all times in the pits and at the playing field. For those with prescription eyewear, side shields or 'over the glasses' safety goggles can be worn. Closed-toe footwear is also required at all times in the pits and playing field.
PPE will NOT be provided to teams and guests at the venue by FIRST Australia, Macquarie University or venue staff. Please be certain that your teams and guests have access to PPE at all times prior to entering the event. Otherwise, FIRST Australia, Macquarie University and/or venue staff and volunteers are authorised to refuse entry.
As the Southern Cross Regional is an FRC event, volunteers must register via the international FIRST Inspires volunteer management system. Access the dashboard via the link below or visit our 'Become a Volunteer' page for more information.
All volunteers over the age of 18 are required to have a volunteer Working with Children Check in accordance with the FIRST Youth Protection Policy.
Plan your visit to Penrith: the ultimate guide for FIRST Robotics Competition
Penrith is more than just a place on the map (or the home of the Panthers!)- it's a hub of excitement and discovery!
Whether you're here for the FIRST Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regional or simply exploring, we've put together a list of things to see, do and experience in our vibrant community. So, gear up and make the most of your stay in Penrith!
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 robotics, why not take some time to explore the great variety of activities we have to offer?
Adrenaline Rush: When you're not competing, fuel your excitement at iFly Indoor Skydiving, or keep the competition going at ThrowAxe. Check out more adrenaline-pumping activities 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.
Nature Calls: Need a break from the action? Reconnect with nature at the Rock Lookout for stunning panoramic views, or 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. There are so many more activities to enjoy in the great outdoors in Penrith: find out more here.
Eat and Enjoy: Fuel Your Passion and Creativity
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 with a delicious breakfast or brunch at one of Penrith's long list of cafés- Café Fred, Café at Lewers, Henri Marc or Paddles, just to name a few. You can find everything from locally-sourced meals to international flavours. We'll make sure you have the energy you need to make the most of the competition. Check out the full list of cafés here.
Lunch and Dinner (or maybe 'Linner'): 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 the Visit Penrith 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 FIRST Robotics Competition Southern Cross Regional 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.
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