After driving north west of Sydney for only one hour the traveller crosses the Hawkesbury River at North Richmond, passes through the last traffic light and begins rising towards the Highlands above. Immediately it feels like a different world. Farms, orchards, gardens and peaceful country lanes thread through the beautiful native bushland of the Blue Mountains. The first of the Highlands many fine restaurants welcome the visitor at Kurmond. Use of fresh local produce reflects the history of the Hawkesbury district as the food bowl of Sydney. Good soil and climate have kept |
View from Garden Restaurant, Mount Tomah Botanic Garden
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most of the agricultural land intact. Cattle, alpacas, stud horses and goats graze in the paddocks. Nestled in the foothills is the pretty village of Kurrajong. It has all the basics the visitor needs, including a chemist and Post Office plus quality shopping with galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, gifts, antiques, and views - but still no traffic lights. |
Continue climbing up Bellbird Hill and listen to that distinctive sound of Australia, the ring of the bellbird.
Hundreds of species of Australian birds are prolific in the area. Stay overnight in one of the luxurious B&Bs and you will wake to
the glorious sounds of rozellas, king parrots, magpies, wattle birds, kookaburras and many others. Pamper yourself with a massage in
front of a log fire, have a spa bath and relax in this peaceful, uncrowded place.
Picnic area at Mount Tomah
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Autumn colour in the Garden |
At Kurrajong Heights look out over the Hawkesbury
Valley to Sydney beyond. Shop for opals, botanic art or dine at an historic
inn, now a "one hat " restaurant.
To the west, Bilpin, the land of the mountain apple. Deep, black soil brought timber getters here to fell the huge
blue gums, turpentines and stringy barks that still grow in vast numbers protected by the World Heritage, Wollemi and Blue Mountains
National Parks. There are various walks into these Parks, many with spectacular views, all with the quiet beauty of true wilderness.
See if you can find the Wollemi Pine. Orchardists found the cooler winters perfect for apples and stone fruit. Shop at roadside
stalls for free tasting of seasonal fruit or fresh fruit icecream and apple pies. Or, be a farmer for an hour and "
Pick-Your-Own". Arts and food markets, pottery, theatre and a popular tavern add to rural charm.
After Bilpin up to Mount Tomah. Here sits the magnificent cool climate Botanic Garden with fabulous views often seen through low cloud. The gardens of the Highlands are famous for their brilliant autumn colour. Beyond is one of Australia's best drives through rugged wilderness. The afternoon light on the cliffs of the Grose Valley are awe inspiring. Then to the open gardens of Mount Wilson and the famous Zig Zag steam railway. Or follow the Grand Circular Drive to the Three Sisters and the other attractions of Katoomba and Leura.
The Hawkesbury Highlands is an undiscovered treasure. A rural paradise where the country meets the Blue Mountains.
But it's so close to Sydney you can easily find out for yourself.
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Breathtaking view of the
Hawkesbury Highlands
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Hawkesbury Area Map 
