Tucked just off the historic Bells Line of Road, this park is a great spot to relax or gather with friends and family. The peaceful green space is perfect for a picnic or a quick stop while travelling through the area. Recently upgraded play equipment keeps the kids entertained, while the open lawns provide plenty of room to stretch the legs with a game of tip or kick a ball around.
The park also features several shelters with picnic tables and barbecue facilities, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the day.
Bell Bird Hill Lookout is a spectacular scenic stop located on Bell's Line of Road, just 3.5 kilometres northwest of Kurrajong.
Sitting 450 metres above sea level, the lookout offers panoramic views across the Sydney Basin, with distant views of Sydney city visible on clear days. It's the perfect place to take a break and soak up the scenery before heading on to Mount Tomah or Bilpin.
Facing east and northeast, the viewing platform provides photographers with uninterrupted vistas and is particularly breathtaking at sunrise. The tranquil bushland setting is enhanced by the distinctive calls of bellbirds, often heard among the trees that cover the hillside below.
By night, the lookout transforms into an excellent vantage point for capturing city lights and star-filled skies. With ample parking and public amenities available, Bell Bird Hill Lookout is an easy and rewarding stop for visitors exploring the region.
Tall shady trees, wide open grassy spaces and peaceful bushwalks are just some of the reasons to visit McMahons Park.
The park also features a grass running track, perfect for budding athletes looking to practise their skills or simply enjoy a casual run.
Playground facilities are conveniently located close to sheltered picnic areas, complete with tables and BBQs, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed family outing. Toilet facilities are also nearby for added convenience.
Tucked away at the end of a quiet street, the park offers a peaceful escape while still being just moments from the charming village of Kurrajong.
Kurrajong Memorial Reserve sits in the heart of the quintessential village of Kurrajong.
It's a wonderful spot for families with young children thanks to its modern play ground, while also offering plenty of open green space for anyone wanting to relax and unwind. With picnic tables, toilet facilities, a car park and nearby shops, it's an easy and convenient place to spend some time. If you end up lingering longer than planned, the local cafés are close by for takeaway treats, or you can plan ahead and pick up supplies for a picnic on the way.
The monument honouring servicemen and women adds a meaningful touch to the reserve.
A much-loved local park, Kurrajong Memorial Reserve also comes alive during community events throughout the year.
Explore 10 hectares of cool climate plants at Wildwood Garden in the heart of Bilpin in Sydney's Blue Mountains. Enjoy seasonal colour with blossom trees, camellias, roses, wisteria, bulbs and perennials in late winter and spring and vibrant autumn foliage right through autumn. This is a wild garden with tall trees, a magnificent waterfall and lake, winding paths and many native birds.
Picnic on the lawn beside the lake or enjoy coffee or a meal in the cafe and browse for plants in the boutique nursery and find unusual gifts and decorations in their gift shop.
Wildwood welcomes groups (bookings recommended) and has a special area for groups to gather for lunch or a talk. Special tours can also be arranged in their people mover.
Please check website for opening times throughout the year.
You have headed for a drive to the village of Kurrajong, whilst in the area you need to take a ten-minute drive to enjoy the breathtaking views from the Vale of Avoca.
Situated 300 metres above the Grose River Gorge this lookout gives you rugged, views into the contorted gorges of the Devils Wilderness and beyond to the upper Blue Mountains. This lookout is on a sandstone outcrop and is unfenced, so care is needed. The river you can hear below is the wild Grose River and is 56 kilometres in length starting at Mt Victoria in the upper Blue Mountains.
To access Vale of Avoca Lookout head to the end of Cabbage Tree Road, Grose Vale. The last few kilometres are dirt roads which can be slippery after rain – return the way you came. This is an easy two-hour return (approximately five kilometres) walk. A guided map for this walk is included in the Best Bushwalks Around the Hawkesbury Volume 2 available to purchase at the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre.
This lookout is unfenced, so please take care and stay back from cliff edges and ensure children are supervised. This walk will give you a sense of remoteness as you descend steeply into the narrow-sided river valley.
Nutwood Farm is a chestnut and walnut farm at Mount Irvine in the Blue Mountains.
They have about 220 trees (mainly chestnut trees, with some walnut trees) on a picturesque 50-acre property.
During the nut-picking season, they open their farmgate and invite you to enjoy this special farm experience with family and friends. Entry is free, and there is no need to book.
They are open for five to six weekends during March and April each year.
Their weekend opening hours may vary during the season, which runs from early/mid March to mid/late April.
Keep an eye out here and on their Facebook and Instagram accounts for updates on seasonal opening and closing dates. You can also sign up here for an email alert when they open for the season.
Perched 250m above the wild Grose River, Vale of Avoca lookout is only 15mins drive from Richmond or Kurrajong but feels worlds away. Soak in the wild landscapes of the Lower Grose Valley on the 140m walk from the carpark to the lookout.
From the unfenced sandstone rock platforms admire the natural amphitheatre of forest-clad mountains plunging into deep, v-shaped gorges. The round hump of Mount Hay, near Katoomba, can be seen in the distance.
Bring a picnic, meditate, indulge your inner artist, or spot the local wildlife, wedge-tailed eagles are common here. You might glimpse the rare glossy black cockatoo, or even a koala.
The lookout is also home to many uncommon plants, including the native cranberry and critically endangered scrub turpentine. One of the world's rarest species of heath, sparse heath, grows below the lookout and by the Grose River. Look for its cream, tubular bell-shaped flowers from April to June.
To make a day of it, enjoy a bushwalk to the Grose River, via nearby Waterboard fire trail. Allow 3 hours for the 5km return walk. In spring and summer, you can cool off in the pristine river, or try your...
Greater Blue Mountains drive – The Mounts is like a tasting plate of this iconic NSW mountain range. The high altitude scenic driving and cycling route allows you to sample some of the Blue Mountain’s best lookouts, forests, waterfalls, gardens and picnic areas. While the drive is about an hour, take as long as you like to explore the winding back roads through various towns and natural environments.
Along the way you’ll have the chance to stop off at Mount Tomah Botanic Garden, see the heathlands of Mount Banks and picnic at Pierces Pass near Walls lookout. You can explore the heritage gardens and temperate rainforests of Mount Wilson and Mount Irvine.
Bring a picnic lunch with you or take advantage of the local cafes and restaurants along the way. If you’re a keen cyclist or touring by 4WD, you can complete the circuit across Bowens Creek. Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching.
Peel Park, located in North Richmond, is a dynamic and family-friendly green space bordered by the scenic Redbank Creek—a popular spot for gentle bushwalks and nature exploration. During the summer months, the oval often comes alive with local cricket games.
The park offers even more features for visitors of all ages. Younger children can enjoy a fully fenced playground, while older kids have plenty to explore beyond this area. Even adults can get in on the fun, especially with the flying fox proving to be a hit across all ages.
Don't forget to bring along your bikes, scooters, or skateboards—the new skate park is a highlight for thrill-seekers. Basketball enthusiasts can shoot some hoops or enjoy a friendly match at the court.
Peel Park is also dog-friendly, featuring a designated fenced off-leash area where pets can run freely and safely.
Ideal for picnics and gatherings, the park includes sheltered areas, public toilets, and wheelchair-accessible pathways, making it a welcoming space for everyone.
Navua Reserve is one of the Hawkesbury's most popular reserves, offering a wide variety of activities for nature lovers and families. It's an ideal spot for a picnic, with barbecue facilities and picnic tables available, or you can bring your own picnic blanket and relax in the surrounds. The reserve features child-friendly bushwalking tracks and visitors can also enjoy canoeing, kayaking, or even trying their hand at fishing. Horses are welcome at the reserve, and you may even spot them cooling off in the water with their owners.
The reserve also includes an off-leash dog park, making it perfect for bringing along your furry friends to burn off some energy and socialise. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the abundant birdlife, so be sure to bring your camera for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife. You can pick up a Birds in the Area photo guide brochure from the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre, or request a copy by phone, and tick off species as you explore. For added convenience, toilet facilities are also available at the reserve.
At 1,000 metres above sea level, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah is the highest Botanic Garden in the southern hemisphere and is the only Botanic Garden in Australia located in a UNESCO World Heritage Area. The Garden displays a spectacular cool climate collection of the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, with thousands of plants from the southern hemisphere and around the world.
Located in the Blue Mountains just 90 minutes from Sydney, you can discover the different areas of the Garden on pathways designed for wandering, exploring and engaging with these tranquil spaces. Featuring many rare species including the Wollemi pine, enjoy seasonal colour, basalt cap forests, remnant rainforest and stunning panoramic views.
Facilities include the visitors centre, accessible amenities, cafe, conference/venue hire, picnic areas, free guided tours, bus parking, workshops and events. Entry is free to the Garden.
Hanna Park is a picturesque riverside reserve nestled along the banks of the Hawkesbury River. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely walk, cast a line, or launch a canoe or kayak for a relaxing paddle on the water.
The park is ideal for picnics, with shaded shelters, electric barbecues and public amenities available on site. If you've come unprepared, a variety of nearby cafés and shops offer delicious takeaway options to enjoy in the beautiful outdoor setting.
Families and visitors alike are drawn to the park's popular skatepark and expansive open green space, roughly the size of a football field, providing plenty of room for recreation and relaxation.
In November, Hanna Park becomes a local favourite as the jacaranda trees burst into vibrant purple bloom, creating a spectacular backdrop along the river.
During the warmer months, you may also find the park hosting weddings, naming ceremonies and other special celebrations. As a sought-after event venue, bookings are required for organised gatherings. For further information, contact Hawkesbury City Council's Customer Service team.
Yarramundi Reserve is a scenic natural reserve located at the convergence of the Grose and Hawkesbury-Nepean Rivers.
The reserve provides excellent opportunities for kayaking and canoeing on calm waters, while birdwatchers can enjoy spotting some of the more than 90 bird species recorded in the area. With spacious picnic areas and beautiful river views.
For those who prefer to explore on land, Yarramundi Reserve features walking trails and opportunities to observe native wildlife in their natural habitat. Fishing is another popular activity, with several locations throughout the reserve offering great spots to cast a line. Horse riders can enjoy access to the northern section of the reserve, which includes a sandy beach and a track circling the North Lagoon.
Access is via Springwood Road, Yarramundi. The main entrance and parking area are located on the northern side of the road, with a smaller access point available on the southern side.
Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre is a family owned and operated horse riding centre located in Yarramundi, at the foothill of the Blue Mountains.
Grahame & Renee Ware are passionate equine professionals, having competed and trained in many different disciplines over their years in the horse industry.
For more information please visit the website, or find them on Facebook.
Visitors can discover the stories behind the people, places and events that have helped shape NSW - where the history happened. A Blue Plaque visit offers more than sightseeing. It creates a direct connection between place and story, turning everyday locations into places of discovery. Each plaque reveals a unique piece of history, encouraging visitors to explore local areas from a new perspective and uncover stories they may never have known.
This blue plaque commemorates Margaret Catchpole who was a servant, a thief, and an engaging correspondent who became a folk legend.
Visit the blue plaque at Durham Bowes, 22 Inalls Lane, Richmond NSW 2753 and scan the QR code there to learn more.
Pugh's Lagoon, located within Smith Park in the historic town of Richmond, is a peaceful wetland sanctuary and an ideal spot to relax and enjoy nature. Surrounded by mature trees and grassy banks, the picturesque lagoon offers a tranquil setting for picnics, fishing, birdwatching, or simply taking in the scenery.
Recognised as an important ecological wetland, Pugh's Lagoon provides habitat for a variety of native plant and bird species. Keep an eye out for ducks, swamphens, swans, and many other waterbirds that frequent the lagoon throughout the year. Bird enthusiasts can visit the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre, opposite the RAAF Base, to purchase a copy of Wetland Birds of the Sydney Region to help identify the species they encounter.
The park is well equipped with ample parking, barbecue facilities, and public toilets, making it a comfortable destination for families and visitors looking to spend time outdoors.
Pugh's Lagoon is also a popular stop on the Hawkesbury Artists Trail, inspiring artists with its natural beauty and ever-changing wetland landscape. Whether you're sketching, painting, photographing the scenery, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk, Smith Park offers a welcoming retreat for nature lovers, artists, and visitors alike.
The Richmond Lowlands, set in the scenic Hawkesbury Region, offers a perfect rural escape for your next bike ride. As you cycle through this peaceful landscape, you'll get a glimpse into the agricultural heritage and local history of the Hawkesbury.
Cycling is a wonderful activity for all to enjoy. For suggested routes check out 'Best Cycle Rides Around - The Hawkesbury' - a locally produced guide.
The booklets are available for sale at the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre on Hawkesbury Valley Way, Richmond, or the Hawkesbury Regional Museum on Baker Street, Windsor.
Empowering art classes are a beautiful way to get creative with someone you love or to spark creativity on your own. Make memories and take home something to hang on your wall.
Create in a nurturing, safe space where the journey is encouraged above the end result.
Be brave and feel encouraged to experiment without fear of failure.
Have fun. Get messy. Learn something new.
These art classes are for kids, adults, couples, friends and families. They are for absolute beginners and up and use a multitude of art supplies, we don't just stick to one!
Your class can be tailored to you or choose from five different classes:
Whimsical Faces - I will teach you how to draw a face then you can give them their own personality.
Forage and Paint - is inspired by nature. We will forage for plants in the garden and use them in the first layer of our artwork.
Oil pastel image transfer - Bring a photo of yourself, your pet, a memory, your favourite animal or a picture you like.
Abstract landscape - learn to use assorted art supplies to create your landscape.
Art journalling - relax with a guided meditation and use a prompt to come up with your own intuitive artwork
Come and visit the art gallery by appointment too!
Stop to stretch your legs at Hawkesbury lookout. You’ll find it conveniently located on Hawkesbury Road at Hawkesbury Heights – one of the Blue Mountains’ smallest towns.
This grassy lookout is bordered by tall trees and is an excellent spot to pull over on your drive from the Hawkesbury to the Blue Mountains. Relax on one of the seats in front of the view and look out over the Nepean River and across the Cumberland Plain.
Bring a packed lunch with you – there are some picnic tables right near the lookout. It’s a dog-friendly park aswell, so bring him along, but please remember to keep him on a leash.
Richmond Park, located on Windsor Street, is a beautiful green space with deep historic roots. Once the town's original market square, it now features a heritage pavilion overlooking the oval.
Every Saturday from 8am to 1pm, the Richmond Good Food Market is on in the park, showcasing the Hawkesbury's finest local produce. Be sure to check our website for up-to-date market dates.
Shaded by established trees, Richmond Park also offers a spacious playground, picnic tables, and park benches. Just a short stroll away is Richmond's main street, where you'll find a variety of cafés and eateries with takeaway options to enjoy in the park.
Nestled in the picturesque surrounds of Freemans Reach, Streeton Lookout and Reserve is a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking stunning views across the Hawkesbury River and Richmond lowlands.
Streeton Lookout forms part of the Hawkesbury Artists Trail located just a short distance from the site where renowned Australian artist Sir Arthur Streeton painted his iconic 1896 landscape, The Purple Noon's Transparent Might.
The reserve is a perfect place to unwind or enjoy a relaxed picnic, with facilities including shelters, barbeques, and public toilets. It's not uncommon to see artists capturing the beauty of the landscape with their brushes or sketchpads.
For further details about this picturesque location feel free to contact the local Visitor Information Centre.
The Norman Lindsay Gallery is the former home of the illustrious artist and author, Norman Lindsay (1879-1969) and enjoy a day of art and gardens in a historic Blue Mountains location.
Nestled in the heart of Faulconbridge, Dharug and Gundungurra Country, is a beautiful sandstone cottage that was once the home of Australian artist and writer Norman Lindsay, his wife Rose and their family.
Once the home of artist and writer Norman Lindsay (1879-1969) his wife Rose and their family. the sandstone cottage and extensive grounds, is now a gallery operated by the National Trust
displaying the artist's impressive practice including watercolours, oils, etchings and ship models.
Perfect for a sunny afternoon stroll, the grounds are dotted with Lindsay's sculptures and
fountains and changing exhibitions ensure that no two visits are the same. Wander the lovely heritage gardens to the famous bush pool and take a short scenic bushwalk with views of the Grose Valley to round out a great day out in the Blue Mountains.
Their guided tours offer exclusive access to Lindsay's painting and etching studios. Hear stories on Lindsay's life and career from personable and knowledgeable volunteer guides.
The Norman Lindsay Gallery is the venue for many special events such as life drawing summer schools, workshops for children, Jazz in the Garden, Vintage Fair, Spring Groove & Christmas shopping experience.
Located on the south side of Wollangambe River, Serendipity Canyon is also known as 'Why Don't We Do It In The Road? Canyon' after the Beatles song of that name.
This challenging canyon takes about 7 hours to complete, with a total walk in and out of 7km.
To get through Serendipity Canyon, you'll need to do multiple abseils, including a long one of 20m. This technical canyon also features jumps, scrambles, short swims, and a lengthy (45-minute) creek walk. Since you'll spend time in the cold waters of Wollangambe River, it's best to try this canyon in the warmer months of summer.
Access to Serendipity Canyon starts at the Mount Wilson Fire Station, on the fire trail behind the station.
