School holidays are made for big adventures, spontaneous road trips and discovering new ways to keep the kids entertained. Trade the daily routine for fresh country air, wide-open spaces and plenty of room to roam. Think happy kids, tired legs and screens forgotten for the day.

If you're looking for an easy family getaway without venturing too far from home, the Hawkesbury has you covered. Just an hour from Sydney, this beautiful region offers the perfect blend of country charm, outdoor adventure and family-friendly fun. While it's ideal for a day trip, with so much to see and do, why not make a holiday of it? Picture early nights for the kids, relaxing evenings for the grown-ups and quality time together surrounded by nature.

From scenic parks and playgrounds to bushwalking trails, seasonal fruit picking and hands-on farm experiences, the Hawkesbury is packed with activities for all ages. Families can enjoy paintball, go-karting, ten-pin bowling, mini golf, sweet treats, a trip to the movies, or a leisurely wander through the region's charming towns and villages. Browse local markets, discover hidden gems and create lasting memories together during the school holidays.

Check out the "What’s On" page to discover events and activities during your stay, there’s always plenty of school holiday fun to go around, with something for everyone and lots of ways to burn off that “school’s out” energy.

A school holiday favourite, the Australiana Pioneer Village is open Wednesdays, Sundays and selected public holidays. This historic collection of working buildings makes for an unforgettable family adventure. Even better, kids will love the miniature train and hayride trailer, all aboard!

When it comes to staying a little longer, there’s a wide range of accommodation options across the Hawkesbury to suit every family. Choose from B&Bs, farm stays, country cottages, guesthouses, motels, hotels, caravanning, camping or even houseboats. Whatever you choose, you’re in for a memorable experience. Discover all Hawkesbury accommodation options.

Many accommodation providers are also pet friendly, so your furry companions don’t have to miss out. These properties are marked with a paw icon on the accommodation listings on the Discover the Hawkesbury website, but it’s always best to check directly with each operator for details. You’ll also find pet-friendly dining spots, plus plenty of on-leash parks and walking areas across the region.

For more information about visiting with pets, contact the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre or download the pet-friendly Hawkesbury flyer.

A farm stay is a classic family‑friendly choice and for good reason. What could be better than giving the kids a taste of farm life, meeting animals up close, and enjoying wide‑open spaces to explore? In the Hawkesbury, you get the best of both worlds: an authentic country experience plus easy access to cafés, shops, heritage pubs, cellar doors, cider sheds, and even fruit‑picking adventures. While the kids are busy enjoying farm fun, you won’t have to miss out on those creature comforts you love.

Madison’s Mountain Retreat Kurrajong Heights offers an Alpaca farm stay with self-contained cottages. There’s plenty of open space for kids to enjoy a cubby house, indoor pool, tennis court, ride their bikes, egg collecting and feeding the alpacas and goats.  Hot tip... If you can't stay the night you can book still their Alpaca experience separately.

Dido’s Place East Kurrajong, is a spacious 4 bedroom bushland retreat set on 9 acres to explore.  With plenty of outdoor activities to keep the kids entertained including table tennis, cricket, footgolf, trampoline, archery, croquet, construction zone, sensory fairy garden and a telescope to gaze at the stars.

Eden Farm Escape Bilpin is a dog friendly option offering self-contained cabins on 90 acres of countryside. Guests can explore bike trails, book a horse ride, play the oversized chess game, collect eggs and meet the animals – alpacas, cows, donkeys, goats, pig and sheep.

Bilpin Country Lodge is a pet friendly country house / farm stay that sleeps up to 20, making it ideally for multiple or larger families. Activities include a trampoline, basketball, pool table, table tennis, bushwalking and hands on animal experiences.

If caravanning or camping is more your style, the Hawkesbury offers a range of family friendly options on offer, great for the whole family. Discover our camping and holiday park options here.

Prefer time on the water? Able Hawkesbury River Houseboats at Wiseman’s Ferry offers a range of houseboats for your unique family stay. It’s the perfect way to trade the city pace for life on the river.

If a resort style stay is more your family's style, be sure to check out the school holiday events and accommodation packages at the Crown Plaza Hawkesbury Valley.

Don’t wait too long to plan your escape, the Hawkesbury is ready to welcome you.

For more information visit the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre where the team can give you personalised advice to help you enjoy your family stay or explore the Discover the Hawkesbury website for more accommodation ideas, dining and attractions.

There’s plenty of inspiration to help you plan your next Hawkesbury school holiday adventure—whether it’s this break or the next.

We’ll see you soon!