Hawkesbury Valley accommodation from AU$85

Stretching from the Hawkesbury River into the lush valley and to the highlands at the feet of the Blue Mountains, more than half of the Hawkesbury region is national park. Dotted across it there are 17 quaint towns and villages and the winding waters of five rivers. You may be surprised to discover that here you’ll also find one of the earliest colonial settlements in Australia – Windsor, which was the third settlement in 1794 and the first centre of The Hawkesbury.

Trace these colonial footsteps with a heritage tour, or pick up a Heritage Trails map so you can guide your friends or family past all the gorgeous and graceful heritage buildings yourself. If you’d rather a one-stop shop, the Australiana Pioneer Village packs a punch of local history. A NSW Heritage Listed site in itself, the 27-acre village is made all the more colourful by the local blacksmith, old colonial musicians and the damper camp complete with billy tea. After that, take the leisurely boat cruise on the Hawkesbury River from historic Windsor to see what the early pioneers first glimpsed from their voyages up the river (or just because it’s pretty!).

For more pretty things – because let’s be honest, we all love to look – check in at the many galleries, antique and craft stalls throughout the region. Craft and food markets are a regular thing in these parts – over 15 per cent of the state’s fruit and vegetables come from The Hawkesbury. There’s even a Hawkesbury Farm Gate Trail tour around the area to eat your way through. But when there are food trails, of course one also thinks of wine. Consider yourself lucky because wineries also call these beautiful lands home. And when there’s wine, one wants cheese. There’s plenty of that too!

Getting around The Hawkesbury is stress-free and there are many scenic drives to wind you past the best bits. Getting here is just as easy! There are numerous routes along main roads leading from the Sydney CBD and surrounding suburbs. It’s also just half an hour north of Penrith. With the beautiful Hawkesbury region home to many historic towns, panoramic views, wine and cheese offerings and fresh produce to take home, wot’s not to love? Browse our range of Hawkesbury accommodation options today.