Feast on farm-fresh produce and gourmet eats, thrill to outdoor adventures and cosy up at bucolic retreats in the historic Hawkesbury region of New South Wales, less than an hour’s drive northwest of Sydney.
Spend your days seeking out quaint mountain villages like Kurrajong and Bilpin, flourishing orchards, heritage trails and national parks. Feel a sense of freedom in the foothills of the Blue Mountains as you explore the history-steeped towns of Windsor and Richmond, the riverside hamlet of Wisemans Ferry, and, of course, the meandering Hawkesbury River.
Taste the country goodness
Connect with local producers and talented chefs as you indulge in the Hawkesbury’s bountiful harvest at roadside stalls and historic cottage restaurants. Savour atmospheric fine dining in the foothills of the Blue Mountains at Lochiel House, an 1825 cottage in Kurrajong Heights. Feast on regional produce in the beautiful courtyard garden or by the open fire indoors.
Make a game of gathering your own bounty of produce on the Hawkesbury Harvest Farm Gate Trail. Imagine you’re a farmer for an afternoon and pluck crisp apples, peaches and nectarines straight from the branches on pick-your-own fruit adventures in the region’s many orchards, or simply stock up at farmgate stalls. Reward yourself for your efforts with cider tastings at Bilpin Cider or Hillbilly Cider in Bilpin.
Recharge with real-fruit ice-cream and apple pies at Tutti Fruitti in Kurrajong Heights. The roadside landmark has been a favourite stop on the foodie trail for around two decades. Then drive down the Bells Line of Road to try some craft ales with unusual combinations of flavours at Gypsy Fox Brewing Co in North Richmond (open Friday to Sunday), or sample wines and pick up olives, jams and barrel-aged vinegar at Tizzana Winery in Ebenezer.
Shields Orchard, Bilpin Credit: Destination NSW
Young girls enjoying a day of apple picking at Shields Orchard, Bilpin.
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Shields Orchard, Bilpin Credit: Destination NSW
Young girls enjoying a day of apple picking at Shields Orchard, Bilpin.
Fishing, Wisemans Ferry Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying an afternoon of fishing on the Hawkesbury River, Wisemans Ferry.
Fishing, Wisemans Ferry Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying an afternoon of fishing on the Hawkesbury River, Wisemans Ferry.
Wonder at a bygone era
Revel in a sense of discovery as the river’s inlets and small beaches reveal themselves from the vantage point of a kayak from Hawkesbury River Kayaks. Or take the wheel of one of Able Hawkesbury River Houseboats’ roomy craft – some sleeping up to 12 guests – and pilot your way along the Hawkesbury River from Wisemans Ferry.
Gain fascinating insights into harsher times on the Old Great North Road, one of just 11 Australian Convict Siteson the UNESCO World Heritage List. Let your imagination roam free as you learn, via the Convict Road app, about the hardships of the convict workers who carved out the road as you hike the 9km trail overlooking the Hawkesbury River in the rugged bushland of Dharug National Park.
Relish the looks on your children’s faces as they explore the farmyard and all its friendly chooks, cows, sheep and horses on special event days at Rouse Hill Estate, which was established as a family home in the early 1800s.
Revitalise with a longer stay
Rekindle your romance with a luxury getaway at eco-certified Spicers Sangoma Retreat. An idyllic distraction from your busy life, the all-inclusive resort is hidden away in the lower reaches of the Blue Mountains near Richmond. Stretch out in a comfortable suite after a Thalgo spa treatment at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley in Windsor. Or get your grown-up thrills at Blueberry Hills on Comleroy, a children-free boutique retreat with guesthouse rooms and cottages on a blueberry farm at the foothills of the mountains in Kurrajong.
Delight the kids as they hunt for yabbies in the dam, paddle canoes and meet all the farm animals at Bilpin Country Lodge, set on four serene hectares of gardens, farm and bushland just off the Bells Line of Road.
If you’re feeling adventurous, share an idyllic break with your extended family or friends at Hawkesbury River Kayaks’ four-bedroom Riverbend Cottage, which you can only reach by kayak, hire boat or water taxi.
Need to rejuvenate and recharge? Check in to Billabong Retreat at Maraylya, a 20-minute drive east of Windsor. Be nourished with organic whole food and truly unwind with yoga, mindfulness and meditation at this eco-retreat. Supercharge your recovery with a deep sleep in one of the retreat’s deluxe cabins, treehouse ensuite rooms or lodge and cottage rooms with shared bathrooms.
Hawkesbury River Credit: Destination NSW
Hawkesbury River. This is the high res copy of this image.
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Hawkesbury River Credit: Destination NSW
Hawkesbury River. This is the high res copy of this image.
Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain Credit: Destination NSW
Woman relaxing in the bath with views at Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain.
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Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain Credit: Destination NSW
Woman relaxing in the bath with views at Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain.
More Inspirational Stories
Corker Trail, Barrington Coast NSWCredit: Catherine Boyd and Destination Barrington Coast
Hiking in Barrington Tops National Park.
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Wander through primordial rainforest in Barrington Tops National Park and you’ll be transported to a distant time when Australia was part of the Gondwana super-continent. It’s just one perspective-changing experience waiting for you in the Barrington Tops region, around a three-hour drive north of Sydney. Immerse in this incredible national park before meandering around nearby country towns and seeking out the boutique wineries dotted across the surrounding expanses of lush farmland.
Bliss out in a bushwalker’s paradise
Step back millions of years in time when you walk into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest of Barrington Tops National Park. Feel spoilt for choice of a network of short, easy walks as well as plenty of steep mountain treks as you begin to explore this incredible national park, which straddles more than 76,000 hectares of mountainous terrain.
Ease into a day of bushwalking through the eastern section of the park by tackling the Gloucester Tops circuit, which connects the snow-gum woodland of the Gloucester Falls walking track to the River walking track’s sub-alpine woodland and the temperate rainforest and beech groves of the Antarctic Beech Forest walking track.
Stretch your legs on the one-hour walking loop around the Polblue Swamp in the northern section of the park, or tackle the riverside Blue Gum loop trail starting from the Williams River picnic area. For beginners, the short walking track to the Thunderbolts lookout takes in panoramic views.
Up for a more challenging hike? Prepare for high-octane adventure when you follow the 20km, two-day Corker Trail as it winds through woodlands, rainforest and Antarctic beech in the central section of the park.
Whichever section of the park you explore, you’ll find an incredible diversity of wildlife. Spot kangaroos and wallabies on the grass flats, platypuses in the rivers, koalas and possums in thick woods and valleys and brush turkeys and lyrebirds in the rainforest. Pack your lunch and enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s many scenic spots, including Gloucester Falls, Honeysuckle, Jerusalem Creek or Polblue Falls, keeping an eye out for some furry friends.
Get on your bike
Feel the gravel crunch under your tyres as you take in stunning scenery on a guided mountain-bike tour of Barrington Tops National Park with Aussie Bike or Hike. You’ll be transported from Gloucester town deep into the national park for an unforgettable day ride covering a distance of 50 to 60km along dirt roads, passing through rainforest, rugged bushland and open countryside as you cycle back toward town.
If you prefer your mountain-biking to feature frenetic bursts of downhill action, head to Barrington Bike Park, around 30 minutes from Gloucester at the foothills of the national park. Here you’ll plunge around 370 metres in elevation through rainforest trails dotted with twisted vines and mossy rocks on your way down to the banks of the Barrington River. Then hop on the bike park’s shuttle and relax as you’re chauffeured up to the top of the hill to do it all over again.
Gloucester Tops, Barrington Tops National Park Credit: Destination Barrington Coast
Two women hiking the Gloucester Tops circuit in Barrington Tops National Park
Gloucester Tops, Barrington Tops National Park Credit: Destination Barrington Coast
Two women hiking the Gloucester Tops circuit in Barrington Tops National Park
Thunderbolts Way, Gloucester Credit: Destination NSW
Car taking the scenic drive along Thunderbolts Way on the Barrington Coast.
Thunderbolts Way, Gloucester Credit: Destination NSW
Car taking the scenic drive along Thunderbolts Way on the Barrington Coast.
Soak up history in quaint country towns
Refuel between forays into Barrington Tops Nationals Park by exploring the nearby towns of Dungog and Gloucester. Amble down Dungog’s wide main street to find historic buildings such as the Dungog Museum, housed within the former School of Arts (1898), and the Spanish Mission-style James Theatre. Pick up some cheese and house-smoked ham for a picnic at Westwood Dungog Providores, linger over a delicious lunch at one of the smart cafés lining the main street, or wash down a craft ale with a burger at Tinshed Brewery.
In Gloucester, stuff your backpack with fresh sandwiches and classic country-style treats from Hebby’s Bakery before enjoying easy access to multiple entrances to the national park. Reward yourself for your bushwalking efforts by visiting cellar doors such as Villa d’Esta Vineyard, Mograni Creek Estate, Faulls Ridge Winery and Gloucester River Wines, and sample seasonal produce at the Gloucester Farmers Market, held on the second Saturday of the month.
Between Gloucester and the Pacific Highway, stop in the picturesque village of Stroud to see its convict-era buildings dating back to the 1820s and 1830s. Follow the Heritage Walk to see preserved buildings such as the Post Office (1884) and Court House (1876), before feasting on everything from banh mi to falafel at the vegan-friendly Billy T Cafe.
You can also sample some seriously crisp verdelho at Gap Hill Wines, between Gloucester and Stroud, or try the hand-crafted gin at The Farmer’s Wife Distillery in Allworth, between Stroud and the Pacific Highway.
Rest up for a big day in the mountains
Pitch a tent or set up your caravan or camper site at one of the camping grounds throughout Barrington Tops Nationals Park and you’ll enjoy easy access to 4WD trails, fishing, mountain biking, walking and more.
Cosy up mere minutes from the national park at Roseleigh Cottage, a restored settlers’ home just outside the Gloucester River entrance in the eastern section, or soak in the seclusion at Bluegums Cabins, near the Jerusalem Creek trailhead in the southern section of the park.
For something a little more luxurious, book a stay at the beautifully appointed, eco-friendly The Ridge Gloucester, just outside of Gloucester town. Settle into one of the Ridge’s Eco-Cabins for the perfect romantic getaway surrounded by nature, or take over the five-bedroom House with your extended family or closest friends.
Check into Narraweema Guesthouse in the heart of Gloucester to laze in heritage style before exploring the national park – take advantage of the luxe offerings at this boutique guesthouse and order a picnic hamper or a cheese platter for your lunch in the mountains.
Dungog's surrounding areas, Dungog Credit: Destination NSW
Alpacas in the scenic countryside surrounding Dungog.
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Dungog's surrounding areas, Dungog Credit: Destination NSW
Alpacas in the scenic countryside surrounding Dungog.
The Steps Barrington, Barrington Coast Credit: The Steps Barrington Facebook:@TheStepsBarrington Instagram: @the_steps_barrington
Father and son enjoying a canoeing experience along the Barrington River at The Steps Barrington.
The Steps Barrington, Barrington Coast Credit: The Steps Barrington Facebook:@TheStepsBarrington Instagram: @the_steps_barrington
Father and son enjoying a canoeing experience along the Barrington River at The Steps Barrington.