Hawkesbury Region

Flowing through sandstone gorges and past fertile river flats, the Hawkesbury Region is the historic heart of rural New South Wales, yet it sits barely an hour north-west of Sydney. This is a landscape of wide, tea-coloured rivers, World Heritage-listed national parks, and storybook villages where the pace of life is measured by the tide. Here you'll find Australia's oldest inland settlement, a thriving local food scene, and some of the most dramatic scenic drives in the state.

Highlights & What to See

• River Cruises from Windsor or Wisemans Ferry – Drift past sandstone cliffs and historic farms on a riverboat; keep an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles and goannas sunning on the banks.
• Wisemans Ferry – Australia's oldest continuously operating cable ferry; cross the river for a pub lunch at the Settlers Arms Inn (circa 1826) and explore the convict-built Great North Road.
• Hawkesbury Harvest Trail – A self-drive route through roadside stalls, pick-your-own berry farms, and farm gates selling everything from honey to heirloom tomatoes. Don't miss the seasonal feijoas and chestnuts.
• Dharug National Park – Walk through towering eucalypts to the Finchley Trig lookout for sweeping views of the river valley; the park protects significant Aboriginal sites.
• Historic Towns: Windsor, Richmond & Wilberforce – Windsor's Georgian terraces and the Macquarie Arms Hotel (1815) are a step back in time; Richmond's Saturday markets are a local institution.
• Kurrajong & Bilpin – The gateway to the Blue Mountains, these apple-growing villages offer farm gate cideries, cosy cafes, and the Bilpin Fruit Bowl for fresh pies.

Suggested Time to Spend

With a car, you can cover the highlights in a full day, but the region rewards a relaxed weekend. Spend day one exploring Windsor and the river towns, then take the scenic drive via Wisemans Ferry and the Putty Road. On day two, head up to Kurrajong and Bilpin for orchard walks and bushwalks. The region also works beautifully as a slow stopover on a drive between Sydney and the Hunter Valley.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Blue Mountains National Park – The Hawkesbury's western edge meets the Blue Mountains; combine a river cruise with a visit to the Three Sisters at Katoomba.
• Central Coast – Head east to the beaches of Terrigal and Avoca, and the vast Bouddi National Park coastal walk.
• Hunter Valley – Continue north via the Putty Road for wine tasting in Pokolbin, just over an hour's drive.
• Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – South of the river, this park offers Aboriginal rock art and stunning Broken Bay views.

Please check official sources for current details.