Our pick of the best riverside picnic spots

The Hawkesbury River runs for 120km from Yarramundi, through North Richmond, Windsor, Wilberforce, Ebenezer, Sackville, Lower Portland to Wisemans Ferry finally reaching the sea near Brooklyn.  Luckily this means we have a great selection of parks and reserves beside the river for a family picnic.

Picking our favourite spots was a hard exercise as everyone in the office seemed to have a special local haunt - however we've gone for the picnic spots where you've got plenty of space to social distance and good facilities to make your day a great one.

For a comprehensive list of all parks and reserves in the Hawkesbury check out the details here.

Here's a list of our top 5 riverside picnic spots.  They aren't in any particular order so why don't you try them all and decide for yourself.

1. Governor Phillip Park, Windsor

This park is close to the centre of Windsor and is a good all-rounder for a family picnic.  It has a popular playground (with waterplay), lots of shady options for the picnic rug as well as a good pathway that runs along the river bank.  There's plenty of space to kick the footy around and grassy spots to settle into.  Come November this is one of the best places to see outstanding jacarandas.

At the end of the park is a public boat ramp with plenty of parking.  If you are here in the late afternoon it's a perfect spot to watch the sun setting across the Hawkesbury.

2. Hanna Park, North Richmond

Close to the centre of North Richmond, Hanna Park has got lots of trees along the river bank and a big grassy area to throw the frisbee around.  There is a skate park and a wharf to fish from (or launch your canoe in the warmer months).  Make sure you walk along the pathway underneath the North Richmond Bridge to see the crossing from a different perspective - there is a small kids playground on the southern side once you go under the bridge.  The park has public toilets and BBQ's as well as a few tables and chairs.

3. Macquarie Park, Windsor

This park is opposite the township of Windsor on the western side of the river and was originally part of an historic farm.  There is plenty of parking and you can get right down to the river itself on a huge sandy bank.  For the canoeist there is a launching pathway and wharf down from the carpark to the river.  The park has a large playground and a cafe where you can pick up a cold or hot drink and food.  Toilets are available.

4. Wisemans Ferry Park, Wisemans Ferry

This is a very popular and well known park  where the vehicular ferry crosses the Hawkesbury River at Wisemans Ferry. The Park’s features include walking tracks, barbecues, seating and tables, children’s playground, public toilets and there is also a kiosk on site which sells light meals, drinks and ice creams.

5. Cattai Farm Picnic Area, Cattai National Park, Cattai

Best spot to see kangaroos, birdwatch and plenty of space at this small but interesting National Park.  Home to the historic Cattai Farm house and its outbuildings.  An $8 per car admission fee applies. The park has areas to fish from (licence required) and plenty of covered picnic areas.  Big groups can book some of the larger sites on 02 4580 2700.  This place would also be ideal for older kids who want to muck around on their bikes - it's fairly quiet and the cars move around slowly.  For more information and to check the status of this park visit NPWS Cattai page.