Looking to escape the pace of the city? the Hawkesbury Valley is abundant with pristine rivers, untouched heritage wilderness and historic towns such as Windsor, Richmond, Kurrajong and St Albans.

The Hawkesbury Gateway boasts the natural beauty of the Hills and the Hawkesbury River. Just a moderate drive away from Sydney it's the ideal location for a serene getaway.

Antique and craft shops nestle amongst boutique galleries where you can chat with the artist at work in the historically rich hamlets of Galston and Dural.

The hamlets form the centre of the Hawkesbury's very own market garden with abundant fruit orchards and nurseries. Roadside stalls offering luscious fruit, vegetables and flowers operate in the warmer months.

Please your greenthumbs further in The Hills district, which is considered to be the Bonsai capital of Australia. And while it is the site of the country's first rebellion in 1804, nowadays it'is a cosmopolitan centre with a smorgasbord of quality restaurants and cafes to be enjoyed.

The Hawkesbury River meanders through Brooklyn where you can tour an oyster farm, to picturesque Wiseman's Ferry where you can try water-skiing. Spend days exploring the Hawkesbury Gateway from your own luxury houseboat or hide-away in a B&B and you're sure to return home with your energies replenished.

Hawkesbury Gateway Highlights....

• Experience convict heritage on the Great North Road
• Join the Riverboat Postman from Brooklyn to deliver the mail to nearby islands.
• Drift down the river via kayak or canoe.
• Relax in the Cumberland State Forest or in one of the surrounding National Parks.
• Hike through Berowra Valley Regional Park and Galston Gorge.
• View the koalas and other native Australian animals at the Koala Park Sanctuary.
• Enjoy the views and sound of nature whilst lunching at Cottage Point or at tranquil Berowra Waters.

A little over an hour by road or train, 55km north west of Sydney, you'll find the historic Windsor Township. Set on a high bank of the magnificent Haweksbury River, at the foot of the Blue Mountains and surrounding National Parks.

In 1810 Governor Lachlan Macquarie established the township of Windsor which was previously known as 'Green Hills'. Windsor, as a river port, became the lifeline of the early Sydney settlement as the colony's granary. Now, 200 years later, the pioneering spirit of our early settlers, and thousands of years of Dharug Aboriginal history can be experienced throughout the Hawkesbury Valley.

Visit the Hawkesbury Museum of local history and its RAAF display, or many other places of historic significance.

Destination Guides

• Sydney
• Northern Rivers
• North Coast
• The Hunter
• Central Coast
• Hawkesbury Valley
• Blue Mountains
• Central NSW
• South Coast
• Capital Country
• Snowy Mountains
• The Murray
• Riverina
• New England North West
• Outback NSW

Where to Eat

Maxwell’s Table

Shop 1, 36 Riverview Street, NorthRichmond Modern Australian cuisine with anextensive wine list and great ruralviews! Very popular with both locals and visitors so bookings are recommended.
Ph: 02 4571 1328

Must See Must Do

Twilight Kayak Winery Tour

Paddle up the Hawkesbury River ending up at a winery for a gourmet feast. What could be better?
Ph: 02 4575 4095

Tizzana Winery

A touch of Tuscany on the banks of the Hawkesbury River. With its own vineyard and olive grove, Tizzana cellardoor is open weekends and public holidays.
Ph: 02 4579 1150

Farm Gate Trail

Jump in the car, pick up a map from the Visitors Centre then start your own personal fresh food tour! Contact the Hawkesbury Valley Visitor Centre.
Ph: 02 4588 5895

Artists Trail

Walk in the steps of the Masters along the Hawkesbury Artist’s Trail. View the landscapes from where they were originally painted and compare then to now. Contact the Hawkesbury Valley Visitor Centre.
Ph: 02 4588 5895