Windsor

Windsor is a picturesque meeting place and the gateway to the Hawkesbury. Settled in 1791, it is the third-oldest place of British settlement on the Australian mainland. A feature is Thompson Square, the oldest public square in Australia surrounded by Georgian buildings including the Macquarie Arms Hotel (1794). There is pedestrian mall lined with historic buildings, close by you will find our regional museum and regional gallery. The township offers eclectic stores and cafés as well as Sunday markets. Visit historic St Matthews Anglican Church (1817), designed by the famous ex-convict Colonial Architect Francis Greenway, - 'The Cathedral of the Hawkesbury'. It remains an enduring aesthetic and architectural statement within the Hawkesbury. The graveyard is one of the first three in the country ordered by Macquarie in 1810, making it older than the church. There are First Fleeter burials and famous Australians like John Tebbutt (astronomer) and William Cox (explorer, first road builder over the Blue Mountains, 1815), making a visit here very interesting.

Slow the pace right down and bring a picnic, (electric barbecues are available for public use) or meander along the riverbank on the Great River Walk from Windsor Bridge to Deerubbin Park, listening to birdsong. It is also a great place to walk the dog (in November the jacarandas are glorious). Additionally, there is a public viewing platform that overhangs the river on the Great River Walk enabling superior views of the river, mountains and surrounds. There is a non motorised boat launching ramp in Macquarie Park suitable for kayaks and canoes. Walkers and picnickers are encouraged to visit Governor Phillip Park too with its riverside path, shelters, tables, electric barbecues, toilets, ample parking and grassed areas. This park boasts a water play area and is fully fenced. There is a public boat ramp in this park.

Grab your camera and try an evening shot from Windsor Bridge with the sun setting over the Blue Mountains and the river in the foreground.  Check out our intagram page for inspiration.

Planning a visit to historic Windsor? Be sure to check out our What's On page before you arrive.  It's the best place to find the latest information on upcoming market dates, special events and seasonal activities happening throughout the year.

Windsor has a railway station, which is part of the metropolitan system, and this suits walking groups wanting to explore heritage-laden Windsor town without the hassle of driving. Also available are self-guided walking tour brochures to benefit such outings. They can be picked up from the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre and they can also be found online.

On the outskirts of Windsor the Hawkesbury Race Club is located at nearby Clarendon and horse race meetings are always fun here. There is a railway station at Clarendon for those without cars or those preferring not to drive.  Nearby is the Hawkesbury Showground home to many events throughout the year.

Windsor Country Golf Club is located in historic Windsor. It is an 18 hole Championship Course. The clubhouse enjoys panoramic views of the Blue Mountains.