The team at the Hawkesbury Visitor Centre receive many enquiries about family friendly ways to enjoy the area, and we think a little history combined with an enjoyable riverside walk is perfect.  So for a fun day out put on your walking shoes and let’s get to it…

We suggest you start at The Terrace at Windsor.  All up the walk can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours depending on your stops.  Enjoy the outlook of the Hawkesbury River from the scenic viewing platform, you will see Macquarie Park directly across the river.  Start off by heading north along the park footpath towards the new Windsor Bridge.  There you can step back in time and discover some history of the area.  Take the opportunity to read the heritage signs that have been recently installed.

Ascend the concrete stairs and appreciate the legacy of the historic buildings facing Thompson’s Square. The large private residence known as ‘The Doctors House’ has a commanding presence on the corner.  As you continue keep a look out for the flood marker located on the wall between historic Macquarie Arms Hotel and Howe House.

At the top of the Square learn about the traditional owners of the land – the Darug people.  Scan the QR code located on the information pillars and watch the Welcome to Country video.

Enjoy a walk on the wide pathway that takes you across the bridge enjoying the unobstructed view of the Hawkesbury River as you cross. It’s hard to believe the bridge went under water in the 2021 and 2022 floods.

On the western side a walkway leads down to another viewing platform that was created from the original bridge.  If the kids have any energy left pop over to Macquarie Park as there’s a playground and open green space to enjoy.  Plus as an added bonus it’s a top spot to buy yourself a yummy seafood lunch.

You can walk down to the river’s edge and splash your toes and play on the sand– but we don’t recommend swimming as this part of the river is known for it’s strong currents.

When you return to The Terrace if you still have some energy then begin The Great River Walk.  It is an easy short walk heading south-west – it’s paved pathway lazily meanders along the banks of the river.

As you continue you will find there is plenty of grassy spots for the kids to run and play, and there is a small exercise area too plus some bench seats to stop and take a break.

Continue across ‘The Luke Worsley Bridge’ – this small bridge crosses over Rickabys Creek into Deerubbin Park – it was named in honour of a young local soldier who was killed in Afghanistan in 2007.

The wide space of Deerubbin Park is a great spot to kick the footy with the kids or fly a kite.  Deerubbin Park is on the towns edge and is boarded by Cornwallis Road – this area is known as the ‘Lowlands’ and is where you will find many turf farms. Return the way you came back along the pathway – take note on your right as you will be able to see the dome of historic St Matthews Church peaking out from the tree tops. It is the oldest Anglican Church in Australia.

Good bits

Dog friendly – keep them on lead, paved/concrete for easy walking, free parking along The Terrace, lots of spots to enjoy a picnic, close to Cafés and shops in Windsor Mall.

Bad bits

Parking limits apply in carparks and on many streets so watch how long you stay to avoid a ticket – it’s easy to lose track of time. Can be super busy on Sundays when the popular Windsor Craft Markets are on, no fencing near the river edge.