Hawkesbury River winding through lush Australian countryside

Day Trip from WSA

Hawkesbury Valley

Historic river towns and Australia's oldest settlements

From WSA

45-60 min

Duration

Full day

Best for

History buffs, Nature lovers, Couples

The Hawkesbury is one of Australia's oldest settled regions outside of Sydney Cove. Windsor and Richmond have colonial architecture dating to the 1800s, and the river itself — the Dyarubbin — is genuinely beautiful. Less crowded than the Blue Mountains, more authentically Australian.

Highlights

→Windsor — oldest surviving inn in Australia (1815)
→Thompson Square Windsor — colonial heritage
→Hawkesbury River kayaking and river cruises
→Nepean Belle paddlewheeler
→Self-guided audio walks along the Dyarubbin
→Kurrajong Heights lookout

Where to Eat

The Dining Room at The Sebel Windsor
Settlers Arms Inn

Where to Stay

The Sebel Windsor

Getting There

Drive via Richmond Road or Windsor Road from Penrith.

Full transport guide from WSA →

Best Time to Go

Autumn and spring. River mist in the mornings is beautiful.

Book a Day Tour

Guided tours include transport, so you don't need a car.

See tours

via Viator (affiliate link)

Rent a Car from WSA

Driving yourself gives you flexibility — especially for places like the Hunter Valley and Southern Highlands.

Compare car rentals

Booking note

Nepean Belle cruises book out on weekends — book ahead.