Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Mountains and just a 45-minute drive from Sydney CBD, the Hawkesbury River makes its way through the beautiful town of Windsor, gently winding and meandering through some of the region’s best national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.
When it comes to things to do in Hawkesbury Valley, you are literally spoiled for choice. From wilderness walks to culture-filled museums and fruit picking to cider tastings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For those looking for Hawkesbury accommodation that places you within easy reach of the best activities and attractions, Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley is the perfect choice for exploring the Hawkesbury and beyond in comfort and style.
To help you plan the perfect weekend getaway, here are five of the best things to do near the Hawkesbury River when staying at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley.
Wollemi National Park
Serving up breathtaking scenery and dramatic views, Wollemi National Park is the perfect place to disconnect from the modern world and get back to nature. Not only is Wollemi NSW’s largest declared wilderness area, but it’s also home to a wealth of fun activities ranging from biking and hiking to kayaking and canoeing. Forming part of the internationally renowned Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, make your way into a magical world of wilderness escapes near Windsor, NSW.
One of the most popular activities visitors to the region enjoy is wild hiking, spending the day wandering alongside the meandering Hawkesbury river and around the many walking trails. Be sure to visit Lithgow when in the area, taking in the ruins and grabbing a coffee before heading back to your exploration. Open throughout the year, it’s best explored during the spring and summer months where the canopy provides ample shade.
Fruit Picking at Pine Crest Orchard
Located just 30-minutes from Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley between the Blue Mountains National Park and Wollemi National Park is the beautiful Pine Crest Orchard. Spend an enjoyable afternoon picking cherries, apples, pears, peaches, plums, berries and nuts with gorgeous views over the region, surrounded by the best rural vistas imaginable. If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do, this is the activity for you.
Entry into Pine Crest Orchard is free, and you only pay for what you pick. Cherry season kick starts the next ‘pick your own fruit session’ in November, opening its gates every weekend (weather permitting). A firm favourite with both locals and visitors alike, 40 years in the industry has enabled the orchard to establish itself as one of the best in the Hawkesbury Valley.
Vale Of Avoca Lookout
Another must-visit near the Hawkesbury River is the lookout point at the Vale of Avoca. Soak up uninterrupted views of impressive gorges, tree-covered cliffs and beautiful bushland in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Located near the town of Richmond and less than a 30-minute drive from Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, there’s nowhere better for a memory-making picnic.
Take advantage of the natural sandstone rock platforms 250m above the Wild Grose River, the perfect place to throw down your picnic blanket and enjoy a little alfresco dining with spectacular views. If arriving in the early morning, why not enjoy a walk along the riverside on the 5km walking track accessed near the Waterboard fire trail. During the hot summer months, the gentle waters of the river offer the perfect way to cool off from the heat of the day.
Cider Tasting at the Hillbilly Cider Shed
While the Hunter Valley is known for its award-winning wines, the Hawkesbury serves up award-winning cider. Home to some of the best conditions for growing a wide variety of apples, pears and stone fruits – get ready to sample traditional and fruit ciders fresh from the press. One of the best places to sample local sips while enjoying beautiful views is the Hillbilly Cider Shed in Bilpin.
With locally-grown fruit, Hillbilly Cider is the only cider producer to use the Julie apple for its drinks, creating both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Order yourself a fresh woodfired pizza fresh from the oven and sip on award-winning tipples straight out of the barrel on the lawn. Open from Monday to Thursday from 10am to 4pm and Friday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, enjoy the true taste of the Hawkesbury with wines, beers and ciders on offer.
Hawkesbury Regional Museum
With a number of permanent and semi-permanent exhibitions that explore the social history of the Hawkesbury Valley region, step back in time and gain insights into how the Hawkesbury of today came to be at the Hawkesbury Regional Museum. Exhibitions include the ever-popular Paradise Lost, which takes a closer look at the Cattai Paradise Gardens and its lifesize fibreglass dinosaurs, a giant shoe house, boat rides and waterslides; along with the Cavewalk and the Enchanted Forest exhibitions.
The audio-led Historical Walks shares geo-located stories at precise locations along the Hawkesbury River between Sackville and Yarramundi. Explore 11 stories covering flood, farming, geology, sustainability, colonial contact and the Dharug people – streamed directly from your smartphone.
From convicts and colonials to the Dharug and Darkinjung people, enjoy an afternoon of exploring thought provoking exhibits and collections, as well as archeological collections and curiosities collected over the years. Open from 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Monday, admission is free. Better still, the Hawkesbury Museum is located just a short 20-minute walk or 4-minute drive from Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley.
Hawkesbury River Accommodation
With more than 100 stylish, comfortable and contemporary rooms and suites to choose between, Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley is the perfect place for a weekend stay in the Hawkesbury region. Fall asleep in beds so comfy, you’ll want to hit the snooze button in the morning before waking up to a walk-in rain shower. Then head on down to breakfast in the Gazebo Restaurant, where chefs cook your food exactly as you like.
Indulge at Villa Thalgo, with a wide variety of spa treatments available, relax in the indoor heated pool, workout in the fitness centre and reconnect in the on-site bars and restaurants. Whether you’re staying the night or making a week of it, the friendly team can help you plan a memorable stay, with many of the best things to do near the Hawkesbury River within easy reach.
Book a stay at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley.