Windsor

Windsor, a historic town on the Hawkesbury River, offers a delightful blend of colonial heritage, riverfront charm, and a relaxed country atmosphere. Just an hour's drive northwest of Sydney, it's an easy day trip or a perfect stop on a self-drive itinerary through the Hawkesbury region. Wander its main street lined with sandstone buildings, browse antiques shops, and soak up the stories of Australia's early settlement.

Highlights & What to See

• Windsor Bridge – A historic timber-truss bridge spanning the Hawkesbury, offering great photo opportunities and a link to the town's past.
• St Matthew's Anglican Church – Designed by Francis Greenway, this convict-built church (1822) is a masterpiece of Georgian architecture and one of Australia's oldest.
• Hawkesbury Regional Museum – Housed in a former school, it tells the story of the region's Indigenous Dharug people, early European settlers, and the river's importance.
• Macquarie Arms Hotel – Australia's oldest continuously licensed pub (1815), perfect for a cold beer and a meal with character.
• Governor Phillip Park – A riverside park with picnic spots, a playground, and views of the river; ideal for a relaxing break.
• Windsor Antiques & Collectables – The main street is dotted with antique shops and galleries, great for treasure hunters.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find 3–4 hours sufficient to explore Windsor's historic core, visit the church and museum, and enjoy a meal or coffee. If you want to add a river walk or picnic, allow half a day. Windsor also works well as a lunch stop on a longer drive through the Hawkesbury region.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Richmond – Just 10 minutes away, another historic Hawkesbury town with a vibrant main street and the Hawkesbury Racecourse.
• Hawkesbury River – Extend your trip with a cruise or kayak on the river; scenic and peaceful.
• Blue Mountains National Park – About 40 minutes west, offering dramatic bushwalks, lookouts, and the iconic Three Sisters.
• Wisemans Ferry – A scenic 30-minute drive north along the river, with historic pubs and a car ferry crossing.
• Kurrajong – A charming village at the foot of the Blue Mountains, known for its fruit orchards and cosy cafés.

Please check official sources for current details.