Wondering where to go on your next romantic getaways near Sydney? Yearning for tranquil riverways, secluded picnic spots, lush national parks and soft, misty sunrises?
Hawkesbury Valley has all of this and more!
Those who love the outdoors will enjoy the many Hawkesbury attractions. From bushwalks to viewpoints and everything in between, Hawkesbury Valley has it all.
Make the most of your time on the stunning Hawkesbury River by exploring and discovering all it has to offer.
Just a hop, skip and a jump away from Sydney CBD, tucked away in an area of outstanding natural beauty is the Hawkesbury River.
Check out the best Hawkesbury attractions on your romantic getaways near Sydney. We’ve compiled a list of romantic things to do in Hawkesbury Valley on your next weekend escape.
1. Navua Reserve
Imagine you and your loved one enjoying a romantic picnic on Hawkesbury River. You’re surrounded by lush green trees, gently flowing waters, and a crescendo; nature’s most beautiful native bird songs.
At Navua Reserve, enjoy a leisurely and romantic bush walk, with an array of trails suitable for all ability levels. Bring your swimwear and cool off from the heat in the shallow and clean waters on the river banks.
Take advantage of the facilities and enjoy a good old Aussie BBQ on your romantic getaways near Sydney. If you are travelling with your four-legged fur baby, there’s an off-leash dog park where they can run and run until their hearts content.
To up the romance on your getaway, head to Navua Reserve in the late afternoon. Watch the sunset over the horizon as it casts bronzed amber hues and creates a river of gold. It’s the perfect time and place to enjoy a glass of bubbles together on your romantic getaways near Sydney.
2. Yellomundee Regional Park
When it comes to things to do in Hawkesbury Valley, Yellomundee Regional Park is an absolute must. Situated near the blue mountains, it is filled with leisurely walking trails and mesmerising views from various lookout points.
Enjoy a romantic picnic with a view to match! Yellow rock lookout offers a place to kick back, relax and soak in the sights. It’s one of the best Hawkesbury attractions, boasting some of the best views in the area. As is common with most of the national and regional parks, barbecue facilities are available for those who want to enjoy a little alfresco cooking. So remember to pack the snags and tongs on your next adventure.
Spend some time walking hand-in-hand along the river’s edge before taking on the challenge of hiking to the many vantage points. Clear sunny skies, warm and gentle breezes and views to die for make this the perfect place for a romantic activity in Hawkesbury Valley.
3. Picnic with panoramic views at Bellbird Lookout
Okay, so you may have noticed that there’s a bit of a theme going on here. Romantic getaways and family picnics are a staple of Hawkesbury Valley. When you have so many breathtaking sights, it’s hard not to see them all. Bellbird Lookout Walk is an easy 2km hike with many breathtaking viewpoints. It’s the perfect escape for the whole family and one of the best Hawkesbury attractions.
The walk starts at the car park located at the end of Binna Burra Road. You can also park at the top by Lamington Tea House to enjoy a cup of tea at the end of your hike. The track is well-maintained and well-shaded; perfect even during the warmer summer months.
Catch glimpses of Egg Rock (Kurraragin), Turtle Rock and Ships Stern as you make your way downhill. Add just four kilometres to the hike and you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning views the Koolanbilba and Yangahla Lookouts. Take plenty of water and snacks with you and enjoy a picnic at Bellbird Clearing.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go all the way to the base of the Ballanjui falls. The falls are always very beautiful, however, they’re best seen during the wet season.
4. Enjoy some local sips
If you’re on the hunt for the best local sips, visit one of the local wineries in Hawkesbury Valley. Located on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, Tizzana Winery has a range of wines available for tasting at their cellar door.
Right next to Tizzana, you’ll find the Jubilee Vineyard Estate. There you’ll have the opportunity to taste a selection of the finest reds and whites. Make sure you try the Sauvignon Blanc from grapes grown in orange with a light, but crisp taste.
To the west, you’ll find the Bull Ridge Estate Winery and a few miles to the east you’ll come across the Talai Estate Winery. Treat yourself and your partner to a wood-fired pizza and a glass of Pinot Noir on your romantic getaways near Sydney.
5. Saddle up on horseback at Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre
Head over to Hawkesbury Valley equestrian centre, a family run business providing outdoor adventures. You can ride one of their horses or bring your own. Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre caters to various disciplines and riding levels.
Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre offers private as well as group riding lessons, suitable for the whole family. You can also learn more about working cattle by joining one of their cattle working events, such as Beginner Cattle Clinics and Campdrafting Clinics.
If you’re looking for something a little bit more special discover Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre. Here you can even meet world-famous four-legged beauties that have worked on some of the biggest movies in the world!
6. Scheyville National Park – Migrant Heritage Walk
Step into the past with this short walk. It’s perfect for visitors who want to learn more about the local area of Hawkesbury Valley. This breathtaking trail takes you back through the fascinating history of Scheyville. Discover the Scheyville Camp Precinct on your day out in Hawkesbury Valley.
Between 1949 and 1664, thousands of migrants passed through the settlement. Scheyville offered those people a glimpse of a new life in Australia. You can see what they did by exploring local structures and buildings, such as the Dreadnought dining hall and dormitory buildings.
Several unique bird species reside here, so remember to take your binoculars with you. If you make it to the park and want to engage a bit more with the area’s wildlife, you should definitely give the Longneck walking track a go. Over 140 species of birds have been recorded at the park. Expect to see ducks, grebes, spoonbills and cormorants. Visit Scheyville National Park’s Migrant Heritage Walk, it’s one of the best things to do in Hawkesbury Valley.
7. Kurrajong Village
Want to dive a little deeper into the local area’s art and history? Then you should definitely pay Kurrajong Village a visit. There’s plenty of colonial architecture and local galleries to visit. The radio museum is another Hawkesbury attraction for tourists.
There’s a large number of creeks and rivers running through Kurrajong. This helps increase the fertility of the surrounding land, making it ideal for food production. Kurrajong is known for its orchards and farming community, so make sure you check out the farm gate stalls.
If that’s not enough to persuade you to visit Hawkesbury Valley… There are many Kurrajong cafes and restaurants boasting breathtaking views of Sydney City and the Harbour Bridge. If you’d rather spend some quality time with your family or partner, you could pack a picnic and head to Memorial Park. There’s plenty of room to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.
8. Hanna Park
This charming country park is the perfect place for a gentle walk or a family fishing adventure. If you’re willing to try something a bit more extreme, you can take your canoe or kayak for a paddle here too.
Hanna Park offers visitors many sheltered areas which are perfect for picnics. With electric barbecues and other outdoor activities nearby, what more could you want? Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your own food, as there are many shops close by.
Enjoy the local Hanna Park skatepark, it’s one of the best things to do in Hawkesbury Valley for kids. It’s a great skatepark which offers the perfect opportunity to burn off some calories. You can also take advantage of the large open space to enjoy a fun game of football or cricket with your family.
9. Pugh’s Lagoon
Pugh’s Lagoon boasts grassy banks and mature trees. It’s the perfect recreation space to enjoy a family picnic or try a little finishing. Pugh’s lagoon is a wetland, meaning that it is home to many plant and bird species.
Children will definitely love the flock of ducks who gather to inspect incoming visitors. The park also offers barbecue facilities to make your picnic experience even more comfortable and memorable.
10. Streeton Lookout
Located at scenic Freemans Reach in Hawkesbury, this lookout attracts many locals and visitors — and for a good reason! Beautiful views of the Hawkesbury River and Richmond lowlands are bound to make for an unforgettable experience.
Streeton Lookout is part of the Hawkesbury Artists Trail. Plus, it’s only a short distance from the place where Sir Arthur Streeton painted The Purple Noon’s Transparent Might in 1896.
Relax and let go in a peaceful and beautiful environment. Shelters, barbecues and toilets are also available here; perfect for a family day out or for a romantic getaway with your partner! Enjoy the best things to do in Hawkesbury Valley on your family vacation or romantic getaways near Sydney!