Discover The Hawkesbury

Saturday

8am The Hawkesbury is known for it’s beautiful world heritage locations, majestic rivers and national parks.  One of our favourite shorter walks is at the Colo River Lookout and Morans Rock. Leaving Windsor, cross the Hawkesbury River, travel through Wilberforce and make your way along the historic Putty Road, you will find the turn just before the Colo River bridge.  All the details can be found here.

Noon After all that exercise we bet you are hungry!  Many of our local hotel establishments have histories dating back well over 200 years. The Hawkesbury Visitor Centre has a Heritage Pub Trail outlining the amazing historic pubs that are located in the Hawkesbury.  A popular example is the Australian Hotel in McGraths Hill which was established in 1891, recently refurbished it offers a modern Australian menu with delicious pub classics - no matter which spot you choose a delicious lunch is sorted!

1.30pm Make your way back to Windsor, enjoy free entry to the Hawkesbury Regional Museum, here you can see things you won’t find anywhere else that showcase the Hawkesbury region, not to mention that uniquely Hawkesbury creation, the Flabbit!  The museum closes at 4pm.  Take the opportunity to take a self guided walk through historic Windsor using the Heritage Highlights booklet available FREE from the Museum volunteers, explore the river foreshore or stroll across the bridge and take in the majestic view of the mighty Hawkesbury River.

3.00pm Drop in at the Visitor Information Centre (located across from the RAAF base) to collect a local map for directions to tomorrows adventures.  The friendly team will be pleased to assist, the centre closes at 4pm.

What a day! Whew… time to get a good night’s rest. A comprehensive listing of accommodation available can be found here.

Sunday

8am Take time to visit historic Pitt Town for breakfast – only a 10 minute drive from Windsor the staff at the Homeground Cafe are up early ready to spoil you – they open at 7am!  Get along and enjoy one of your favourite dishes or maybe try something new? With fresh produce featuring so prominently it's no surprise that there is an excellent selection of cafés in the Hawkesbury.

10.30am It’s time to take a walk on the wild side at the Wild Cat Conservation Centre in Wilberforce.  The conservation centre is the only place in Australia you can view the amazing Clouded Leopard, Cheetahs, Servals and Caracals all within the one personalised tour. On the tour you can join the experienced staff on the savanna to observe the wild cats. Experience the thrill as the cats show off their natural behaviours only metres away from you, walking, running or investigating the savanna, showcasing what makes these animals so special. A once in a lifetime experience! Bookings are essential.

12.30pm Historic Windsor plays host to weekly craft markets in the George Street Mall, wander about and enjoy the many stalls and unique shops that line the precinct. You will find a wide range of gifts and delights.  Do you have the appetite for a sweet treat? The Windsor Ice Cream Café will have your favourite flavour for sure, for something new indulge your sweet tooth in the ‘mix and match’ flavours at Delicious Deserts.  Finally stock up on your international candy favourites at Lollies N Stuff before you go.

2.00pm A 20 minute drive takes you to the majestic Vale of Avoca where you will discover the wild landscape of the Grose Valley. A five kilometre bushwalk circuit provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Australian bush. One of the highlights of this spectacular area is the unfenced sandstone rock platforms which provide outstanding views over the Grose Valley.