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Recharge and replenish in the Hawkesbury

Kayaking, Hawkesbury RiverCredit: Destination NSW

#feelnewsydney

Recharge and replenish in the Hawkesbury

Kayaking, Hawkesbury River Credit: Destination NSW

#feelnewsydney

Hashtags #feelnewsydney

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.

#feelnewsydney

Shields Orchard, Bilpin Credit: Destination NSW

Young girls enjoying a day of apple picking at Shields Orchard, Bilpin.

#feelnewsydney

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.

#feelnewsydney

Hawkesbury River Credit: Destination NSW

Hawkesbury River. This is the high res copy of this image.

#feelnewsydney

Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain Credit: Destination NSW

Woman relaxing in the bath with views at Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain.

#feelnew #feelnsw

Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain Credit: Destination NSW

Woman relaxing in the bath with views at Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain.

#feelnew #feelnsw

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