ATTRACTIONS TENNYSON NSW

The Hawkesbury Valley is one of the oldest Australian settlements and first explored by Governor Phillip in 1789. The Hawkesbury racing pioneers fashioned a race course from 200 acres of virgin bush land in 1865 which led to the first race meeting being conducted on the course in 1871. This racecourse has been in continuous use for over 135 years. The beauty of the race track, set to the backdrop of the Blue Mountains and the grandstand showcasing the scenic panorama of the Grose Valley, is a true testament of foresight of the racing pioneers.

Kurrajong Radio Museum takes visitors on a nostalgic trip through The Golden Years of Radio. There are hundreds of radios on display covering the domestic, armed services, professional, commercial and hobby fields. There are interactive displays and demonstrations, along with their own radio station and broadcast studio. You can even have a go at sending a Morse Code message or check out the radio station control room. Be prepared to be entertained! The display is the fruits of many years of collecting, now fully organised and operating. Ian willingly shares his knowledge in demonstrations and various anecdotes which add to the character of the visit. Do you remember sitting on the floor in front of the radio listening to your favourite serials? Did the Radio Licence Inspector ever call? Maybe to you, radio means music. There is more about radio here than you could possibly imagine. Cameras are most welcome!

Enniskillen Orchard is situated in the picturesque Grose Valley, just over an hour from the Sydney city centre and a simple ten minute deviation from Bells Line of Road. It offers visitors to the Hawkesbury District a unique and unforgettable rural experience. As founding members of Hawkesbury Harvest, John and Trish Maguire are committed to retaining the rural business and way of life by encouraging visitors to take part in and savour Enniskillen Orchard’s offering. A perfect destination for tour groups, a family day trip or to pop in for a cappuccino and your fruit and veggies, Enniskillen Orchard caters to all guests. Bring a picnic and cook your own barbecue or purchase some light refreshments from the café. Alternatively, sample local fruits before you purchase, tour the herb garden or simply take in the view.

Purple Noon Gallery is set in the Hawkesbury region at the foot of the blue mountains. The gallery opened in November 2006 and has steadily developed into one of the finest galleries in regional New South Wales and Western Sydney with regular exhibitions and a permanent collection of both local art and sculpture, with a strong focus on artwork from leading, emerging, and Indigenous artists from around Australia. The building was purpose built and has a special ambience that is warm and inviting and perfect for displaying a wide collection of fine artwork. The sparrow-picked sandstone walls, old timbers, leadlight windows and corrugated iron compliment each other to create a building that is aesthetically pleasing and perfect for displaying beautiful artwork. The gallery represents exciting new and established artists from the Hawkesbury region and around Australia. An extensive exhibition program is held each year featuring both solo and mixed shows.

Situated in the beautiful Hawkesbury Highlands, Trafalgar B and B is ninety minutes from Sydney - perfect for a mini break or a longer stay to explore the region. Trafalgar Bed and Breakfast is a gracious Georgian style home set on ten acres, one of which is purely dedicated to a lush and tranquil garden. Guests enjoy the entire top floor of the building for accommodation. Three generously proportioned and beautifully appointed guest rooms sleep six to seven people in cosy comfort. Trafalgar is suitable for small groups and families and is ideal for pre-wedding preparations and post wedding accommodation. Breakfast is served in the dining room or outside in the garden. Lunch or dinner can be provided by arrangement. In addition, they now have a cottage with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Annies Cottage is fully self-contained, air-conditioned and sits behind the beautiful camellia hedge. ...

Orchids Out West comprises beautiful displays put on by the local orchid societies such as Blacktown City, Blue Mountains and Penrith District and Hawkesbury District Orchid Societies. There are lots of orchids for sale from vendors from around Australia. The fair has a great selection of plants to be purchased to enhance your orchid collection, and always something new. Every year the displays improve in quality and are always very colourful thanks to the wonderful collection of orchids of all generas such as cattleyas, paphiopedilums and cymbidiums, just to name a few. It is worth the drive to the beautiful Hawkesbury district and then maybe further up into the Blue Mountains. Make it a great day out and smell the flowers! Plenty of free parking with Clarendon Railway Station nearby. BBQ and light refreshments available...

YvonneWest Fine Art Studio/Gallery is an art studio but also a Gallery full of paintings and it can be open for visitors by appointment at a mutually agreed time and date. Also being a member of the Hawkesbury Artist and Artisan Trail they are open on the last weekend of August each year for public viewing. In August this year it will occur on the 24th and 25th of the month. ...

Hawkesbury Showground is a premier showground and event facility for large scale shows, trade exhibitions, expos and events conveniently located in Sydney's north west. Ideally situated adjacent to Clarendon railway station and directly opposite Hawkesbury Racecourse. The Showground has fully tailored commercial and exhibitor pavilion options, dedicated equestrian areas, livestock and stabling facilities, 750 seat grandstand, 300 metres by 100 metres main arena, plus on-site camping facilities. A major event held at the Showground is the annual Hawkesbury Show which is held usually three weeks after Easter. The annual Show has something to suit all ages. ...

The Hawkesbury Valley is one of the oldest Australian settlements and first explored by Governor Phillip in 1789. The Hawkesbury racing pioneers fashioned a race course from 200 acres of virgin bush land in 1865 which led to the first race meeting being conducted on the course in 1871. This racecourse has been in continuous use for over 135 years. The beauty of the race track, set to the backdrop of the Blue Mountains and the grandstand showcasing the scenic panorama of the Grose Valley, is a true testament of foresight of the racing pioneers. ...

The views from the Vale of Avoca are breathtaking. 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. The 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 road which can be slippery after rain – return the way you came. This lookout is unfenced, so please take care and stay back from cliff edges and ensure children are supervised....

Come and discover the magnificent Hawkesbury River on Sydney's doorstep. The country atmosphere at the historic towns of Windsor, Richmond and St Albans, and the quaint rural settlements of Kurrajong, Bilpin, Lower Portland, Ebenezer, Pitt Town, Colo and Wisemans Ferry make up this picturesque area. Visit local markets and galleries, spend time boating, swimming or camping beside this mighty 120 kilometre river cradled by six magnificent National Parks . Enjoy a wine at a historic winery, head out on one of the fascinating heritage trails or visit one of the numerous orchards and pick your own fresh fruit to take home with you. There is so much on offer! Several annual events are held on the Hawkesbury River,...

Richmond is sited at the beginning of the scenic Bells Line of Road, a popular tourist drive providing access to the Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Park. Richmond's town centre hosts a magnificent park and many of its historic buildings are still in use today. Grab a free Heritage Walking booklet from the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre (open seven days a week). Richmond is also home to Western Sydney University, polo fields and eclectic shops. If you drive to the end of town and through an arbour of trees, Pughs Lagoon will be revealed; an idyllic spot for picnics, fishing and watching black swans and a wonderful array of bird life. Experience fine food and wine at one of Richmond's excellent restaurants or cafes. Pop into the Saturday Good Food Markets in the centre of town. While you are in the area come and see the Richmond Air Base from the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre and watch planes from the cafe while children are entertained in the playground....

Hanna Park is a charming country park located along the Hawkesbury River. The perfect riverside spot where you can enjoy a gentle walk, take time out for a little fishing or if you are feeling active take your canoe or kayak for a paddle. Hanna Park is perfect for picnics as it has shelters, electric barbecues and public toilets. Don’t worry if you aren’t prepared for a picnic as there are shops close-by too. There also is a great skatepark – the perfect place for the kids to burn off some energy. Families can take advantage of the large open space for a fun game of football or cricket. Every December the Hanna Park Carols are held and this is a great family event with thanks to the great community supporters and sponsors, so keep your eye out for the date in December. In the warmer months you may be fortunate when visiting to witness someone’s special day as the park can be used for weddings and naming days. Bookings for events are necessary, if you are interested contact Hawkesbury Council’s Customer Service. ...

Want the best spot to view the RAAF planes in action? Ham Common is a wonderful 2.5 kilometre long walk/cycle way a stones throw away from the Richmond RAAF Base. There is even a skate park for keen scooters and skateboarders. Another great feature for families is the fully fenced children’s playground. It is a popular spot for plane spotting and there are toilets close by. If you enjoy exercising try out the different equipment located along the pathway. The path is both wheelchair and pram friendly. Its a great place for all ages to ride their bikes along. To make the most of your day you will find picnic shelters and electric barbecues too. If you don’t want to bring a picnic there is a café located next door to the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre. Pop into the centre for free information on local attractions and it's open seven days a week. Dogs on leash are welcome. ...

The Richmond Lowlands are located in the picturesque Hawkesbury Region. It is the perfect place if you are looking for a beautiful rural spot for your next bike ride. When cycling through the Lowlands you will gain insight into the local agriculture and history of the Hawkesbury area. You will pass several polo fields, turf farms and orange orchards. When you finally cycle up Cornwallis Road and onto Greenway Crescent and you can also stop and discover the historic St Matthews Church which was designed in 1840. Cycling is a great family activity for all to enjoy. If this sounds like your type of cycling adventure you can find further details on this route and others in the Hawkesbury by purchasing the locally produced guide – ‘Best Cycle Rides Around - The Hawkesbury’. The booklets are AUD6 and available for sale at the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre, 328 Hawkesbury Valley Way, Richmond or at the Hawkesbury Regional Museum, 6 Baker Street, Windsor....