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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

Satisfy your cravings for farm-fresh produce and gourmet eats, outdoor adventures and all-inclusive 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 villages, flourishing orchards, heritage trails, mountains and national parks, and, of course, the meandering Hawkesbury River. Or, ease into a leisurely exploration of the history-steeped towns of Windsor and Richmond, the mountain villages of Kurrajong and Bilpin, and the riverside hamlet of Wisemans Ferry.

Taste the country goodness 

Connect with local producers and talented chefs as you indulge in the Hawkesbury’s bountiful harvest at roadside stalls, riverside sheds and historic cottage restaurants. Relish your newfound confidence in the kitchen after learning from some of the best in the business in cooking classes at acclaimed Bondi chef Sean Moran’s Bilpin Springs Farm. Surrender to indulgence with an intimate homestay in the farm’s main house on the Bells Line of Road in Bilpin, or count your blessings if your visit coincides with one of the occasional bespoke culinary events. 

Savour atmospheric fine dining in the foothills of the Blue Mountains at Lochiel House, an 1825 cottage in Kurrajong Heights, feasting on regional produce in the beautiful courtyard garden or by the open fire indoors.  

Make a memorable 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, or sample wines at Tizzana Winery

Recharge with real-fruit ice-cream and apple pies at Tutti Fruitti in Kurrajong Heights. The roadside landmark, a 40-minute drive from Windsor, has been a favourite stop on the foodie trail for around two decades. Or, treat yourself to an afternoon cocktail or a curated spirit tasting flight at Karu Distillery's recently opened onsite bar - House of Spirits.

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

Cooks Co-op, Sackville Credit: Destination NSW

Woman enjoying scenic views across the Hawkesbury River from the Cooks Co-Op lookout, Sackville.

#feelnewsydney

Cooks Co-op, Sackville Credit: Destination NSW

Woman enjoying scenic views across the Hawkesbury River from the Cooks Co-Op lookout, Sackville.

#feelnewsydney

Wonder at a bygone era 

Recreate a lost world of river cruising on The Hawkesbury Paddlewheeler, which harks back to the 1800s, when sailing ships and steamboats navigated the waterway. 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

Gain fascinating insights into harsher times on the Old Great North Road, one of just 11 Australian Convict Sites on 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

Indulge your sense of adventure as you swing, leap, climb and fly among the eucalyptus trees on the 10 courses, 110 challenges and nearly 20 zip lines at Trees Adventure Grose River 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

Revitalise with a longer stay 

Restore your energy levels for another day exploring the region with a history-filled stay at The Chapel – Ebenezer by James Rose Unique Accommodation, nestled in the beautiful gardens of a historic farmhouse estate.

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. 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. Share an adventure with your extended family or friends at Hawkesbury River Kayaks’s four-bedroom Riverbend Cottage, which you can only reached by kayak. 

Or rejuvenate and recharge at 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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