Kurrajong & Bilpin

Nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains, the twin villages of Kurrajong and Bilpin offer a serene escape into the Hawkesbury region’s apple-orchard heartland. This is a place where country roads wind through rolling hills, roadside stalls overflow with fresh produce, and the air smells of woodsmoke and cider. A favourite weekend retreat for Sydneysiders, it’s also a perfect stop for self-drive travellers exploring the Hunter Valley wine country or the Blue Mountains.

Highlights & What to See

• Bilpin Cider & Fruit Picking: Sample artisanal ciders and juices at Bilpin Cider Company, or visit orchards like Pine Crest Orchard for seasonal fruit picking (apples, peaches, chestnuts).
• Kurrajong Village: Browse antique shops, boutique galleries, and the Kurrajong Museum, which tells the story of the area’s pioneering past.
• Bilpin Fruit Bowl: A legendary roadside stop for homemade pies, jams, and fresh-pressed apple juice – grab a pie for the road.
• Gardens of Stone National Park: Just north, this lesser-known park features pagoda rock formations, deep canyons, and excellent bushwalking away from crowds.
• Kurrajong Common Reserve: A peaceful riverside spot for a picnic or a short walk along the Hawkesbury River.

Suggested Time to Spend

You can easily explore the highlights of Kurrajong and Bilpin in a half-day – perfect for a leisurely morning or afternoon detour. If you’re keen on fruit picking or a longer bushwalk, allow a full day. Many travellers combine it with a stop on the way to or from the Blue Mountains, or as a rural lunch break on a Hunter Valley road trip.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Blue Mountains National Park – just a 30-minute drive south, offering iconic lookouts and bushwalks.
• Hawkesbury River & Wisemans Ferry – scenic river cruises and historic ferry crossings.
• Richmond & Windsor – historic towns with Georgian architecture and the Hawkesbury Regional Museum.
• Hunter Valley Wine Country – a 90-minute drive north, perfect for extending your trip with wine tasting.
• Zoo & Wildlife Parks – Featherdale Wildlife Park and Sydney Zoo are within an hour’s drive.

Please check official sources for current details.