Discover The Hawkesbury

Saturday

9.30am Leaving Windsor you will enjoy a 45 minute drive on a country road as you follow the winding route to Wisemans Ferry.   Stop along the way at Hawkins Lookout - this a picture-perfect spot enjoy the views of the Hawkesbury River in the valley below.

Continue Wisemans Ferry where you will find The Ferry Artist Gallery, the gallery is a community run venue where talented local artists exhibit and sell their makings. There is a wide range of media including painting, ceramics, jewellery, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, metal art, photography, and glassware on display.

10.30 am Head to Wisemans Ferry Park which is located on the Hawkesbury River and is adjacent to the ferry.  Wisemans Ferry is named after Solomon Wiseman who settled there after receiving a land grant from Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1817.  He was responsible for the first ferry service in 1827, which served the farmers and settlers of the district. He is also the inspiration for ‘The Secret River’, a novel written by his great-great-great granddaughter Kate Grenville.

11.00am   Enjoy an early lunch at the historic Wisemans Inn Hotel, the original grand old residence of Solomon Wiseman, built in 1826. Made from convict hand-hewed Sydney basin sandstone and cooked oyster shells which form part of the mortar of the original sandstone walls. It's believed to be haunted so take care!

1.30 pm Arrive at Freemans Reach (after a 50 minute return drive) and enjoy the current exhibition at Purple Noon Gallery.  It is a contemporary art gallery that supports the work of established artists, whilst also providing a nurturing environment for fresh talent. Gallery director Dr Robyn Williams carefully curates the constantly changing program of exhibitions. The gallery is only a short walk from Streeton Lookout – enjoy it’s view across the Hawkesbury River to Sydney. Streeton’s well known painting “The Purple Noon’s Transparent Might” was painted here in 1896.

2.30pm 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.

6.00pm Take the opportunity to visit The Church Bar and enjoy a unique restaurant in the heart of Windsor.  The Church Bar is located in a heritage building which dates back to 1869.  Enjoy it's arched windows and high ceilings, indulge in a cocktail (or two) and you may time it right to enjoy a live music act in the courtyard. When it's time to get a good night’s rest the choice is yours – choose from luxury accommodation, comfortable motels, houseboats, caravan parks, character filled B&Bs or tent sites - we have it all.  Whatever your budget you will find accommodation in the Hawkesbury that's right for you.   See our comprehensive accommodation list here.