No matter when you’re visiting, there’s always something to do in Hawkesbury Valley. Whether it’s fruit picking or wine tasting, the Hawkesbury certainly has it all.
It’s impossible to experience everything that the region has to offer in a single day, so if you’re wanting to explore every nook and cranny, you’ll need overnight accommodation. Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley offers one of the most luxurious places to stay in the area, with over 100 contemporary suites to choose from.
Keep reading to find out what’s on Hawkesbury in Autumn and how you can be a part of it all!
Fruit Picking
Fruit picking is a popular activity with families here in Hawkesbury. Visit the region’s best farms and handpick your own delicious fruit for the perfect family day out!
By only paying what you pick for, you’re able to bring your own basket and collect as much fruit as you want. Bear in mind that some exotic fruit (e.g. kumquats) may cost more.
It’s important to remember to wear protective footwear (in case it gets muddy after a rainy day) and don’t forget to bring your own scissors with you!
Needless to say, pick-your-own farms make for a perfect picnic setting. After a full day of picking fruit, you may want to relax for a while and enjoy Hawkesbury’s natural wonders. If you’re looking for some quality local produce, then you’d be delighted to know that most farms make and sell their very own homemade jam!
The Ford family has been running their pick-your-own orchard for more than 16 years. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with your family while picking your own fruit from a wide selection of mandarins, oranges, lemons, limes, and kumquats.
Just a few minutes north, you’ll come across the Watkins pick-your-own orchard. The Watkins Orchard has been a family-owned operation for more than 150 years. Their Imperial mandarins and Japanese citrus are considered the best in the area.
At the Anderson Farm, you’ll find plenty of Emperor, Imperial and Hickson Mandarins. Set on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, this farm makes for the perfect spot to go fruit picking on a breezy autumn day. Later in the season, you may even get a chance to pick your own Seville oranges.
The land in Katheel Groves Farm has been cultivated by the Floyd Family for more than 90 years. It is now owned by the third generation of Floyds and produces amazing eureka lemons. The farm is opening to the public for the very first time this year.
The Shields family-based orchard is known for its exquisite apples. The family has been offering a pick-your-own service since 1992. While you’re there, head over to Hillbilly Cider Shed to sample award-winning releases not available anywhere else!
The Bilpin Fruit Bowl is the only farm in NSW where you can pick your own veggies and fruit! Pick up peaches, apples, and strawberries in a chemical-free area. As far as veggies are concerned, you’ll find broccoli, beans, cabbage, and corn, depending on the season. The iconic Bilpin Fruit Bowl store is open seven days a week, however, fruit and veggie picking is only available on weekends.
Located behind the Bilpin school, the Pines Crest Orchard farm offers a pick-your-own service with apples (Tydemans, Akane, followed by the Gala and Jonothan varieties), raspberries and blackberries that are all waiting to be picked! Walnut and chestnut picking is also available from April.
If you’re feeling more adventurous and are up to the challenge, you could travel to the beautiful Kootootonga Farm, situated on 60 hectares at scenic Mt Irvine. Pick your own chestnuts and walnuts in a beautiful, serene setting. Entrance is free and buckets and bags are provided upon entry.
Local Produce
Hawkesbury Valley has been producing fruit and vegetables for more than 200 years. It’s also home to some of the best red and white wines in the country, so if you’re visiting, you need to make time to visit its world-renowned wineries and distilleries.
Hillbilly Cider Shed at Shields Orchard
This 50-year old orchard produces award-winning apple cider made with whole crushed mountain apples. Spend a morning hand-picking fruit and then head to the shed to try out their unique cider made from a new apple variety named Julie.
Sweet Julie’s distinctive flavour has become a local favourite. Combine that with the beautiful views and helpful staff, and you have an unforgettable drinking experience that will keep bringing you back!
Ironbark Distillery
Ironbark has won several awards over the years and was even a contender for the best traditional gin in the world in 2017. This renowned distillery is run by a local couple who make two dry gins, two moonshines, a vodka and a chai spirit. They use locally-sourced produce and water to make their spirits and all products are bottled by hand!
The couple received their cellar door license in 2017, offering locals and visitors the chance to taste their award-winning gin directly from the source. This distillery stands out as one of the best in Hawkesbury and the world!
Krinklewood Vineyard
This local Vineyard is all about local organic produce. Undeniably one of the most beautiful wineries in the region, Krinklewood Vineyard defines the ultimate wine-tasting experience.
Krinklewood’s gorgeous location offers relaxing moments with the Wollombi Brook and Brokenback Range providing a spectacular backdrop; the perfect setting to enjoy a glass of the locally-produced Gypsy Sparkling Shiraz.
Children will have a blast watching the beautiful peacocks bob around in the gardens. Krinklewood is well worth a visit if you find yourself close to the Broke area.
Cooks Co-Op At Tizzana Winery
Tizzana Winery has a wine-making history that dates back to the late 19th century. Tizanna specialises in dry reds and fortified wine, but you’ll find more than 12 varieties at its cellar door. Tizzana’s cellar door is open all throughout the year, with different wines available depending on the season.
This autumn, Tizzana Winery is partnering with Cooks Co-Op, offering locals and visitors the opportunity to taste exotic food along with the best wines that the region has to offer.
Food is served every Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. You’ll have the chance to experience different food cuisines from all over the world, including Thai, Middle Eastern, and Italian. Tickets are selling out fast so make sure you book soon!
Goose on the Loose
If you find yourself at the Richmond Good Food Market on a Saturday morning, you should definitely be on the lookout for Adrian Greygoose’s salami stall.
This award-winning salami success story began a little more than five years ago here in Hawkesbury. Mr Greygoose’s business has grown fast, but he still rents the same stall at the local Richmond Good Food Market every Saturday.
Goose on the Loose now stocks more than 40 different types of salami and Mettwurst, all Australian made using all-Australian produce. Make your way to the Richmond Good Food Market and try it for yourself.
A Romantic Getaway in NSW
With its magnificent sights and unparalleled beauty, Hawkesbury Valley makes for one of the most popular romantic getaway NSW destinations. It all starts here, at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley.
Located centrally in the heart of the historic town of Windsor, Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley offers the best Hawkesbury River accommodation in the region. Relax and luxuriate in a stress-free environment. Enjoy award-winning hospitality when you plan your romantic getaway with us.
Villa Thalgo Day Spa
This fully-equipped spa is located on-site here at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley. Escape from the stress and pressures of everyday life and treat yourself to a complete spa experience like no other.
With more than forty years of skincare expertise, Thalgo Spa promises to take you on a unique massaging journey tailored just for you; a cleansing process that will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. Whether you’re visiting with a partner or a friend, Thalgo Spa comes equipped with everything you need to treat both body and mind.
Your journey in Hawkesbury Valley begins today! Book with us now to enjoy everything Australia’s favourite wine region has to offer!