Historic towns and villages dot the banks of the Hawkesbury River, a picturesque waterway that links rural New South Wales with Sydney. The UNESCO-protected national parks border the river and immerse visitors in a wonderland of rugged mountains, soaring pine trees and Aboriginal cultural heritage sites.

The charming riverside town of Windsor is one of the oldest colonial settlements in Australia and features beautiful heritage architecture. Stop by the Hawkesbury Regional Museum to find out more about the rich narrative of the area.

A cruise along the Hawkesbury River showcases the waterway through a different lens. Renting a houseboat is a great way to relax, unwind and take in the scenery. You can also enjoy watching the sunset over the river with a glass of local Shiraz.

There are plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy along the Hawkesbury River, from bushwalking and mountain biking to kayaking and fishing. Scenic drives wind through the hinterland and immerse you in the beauty of rural New South Wales.

Getting there

The Hawkesbury River stretches for 120 kilometres from Yarramundi to Broken Bay. Several bridges cross the Hawkesbury River and make it easy to explore the region by car. Windsor is a one-hour drive from Sydney CBD and Sydney International Airport.