The Hawkesbury region has been devastated by the recent floods at the end of March.  So many of our local communities, businesses, farms and roads have been seriously impacted and it will take a months to recover.  Sadly the floods have also played havoc with many of our popular parks and reserves along the river.  Our beautiful river is not what it used to be but we know eventually things will change.

This Easter weekend is usually a really popular time to get out and about but its best to avoid the following parks and reserves.  Many of these are still in the process of getting assessed and cleaned up.  Also some contain dangerous collapsing riverbanks and water that is polluted.

Avoid: Macquarie Park, Howe Park, Governor Philip Park - Windsor, Pughs Lagoon - Richmond, Hana Park - North Richmond, Yarramundi and Navua Reserves - Yarramundi/Grose Vale, Upper Colo Reserve and Colo Park - Colo.

We understand that this will throw a spanner in many Easter plans but community safety is the priority of the local authorities.

Parks for an Easter Outing

If you want to get out and about at Easter there are still some lovely parks for picnics that have avoided the damaging floodwaters.

These are our picks for a nice Easter outing with the family close to Richmond or Windsor - and you'll be supporting the local businesses that rely on visitors.

• McQuade Park, Windsor (space to kick the footy around, playground, shady and historic monuments)
• Peel Park, North Richmond (new playgrounds and walking tracks along Redbank Creek, fenced dog park)
• Ham Common, Richmond (exercise equipment, playground, BBQ's)
• Richmond Park, Richmond (playground, markets on Saturday)
• Streeton Lookout, Freemans Reach (great views towards Richmond, quiet)

And if you are heading west over the Hawkesbury River remember Bells Line of Road is closed at Mt Tomah because of a landslide but you can still access the fabulous fruit picking and cider at Bilpin, explore the quaint village at Kurrajong and support all those local businesses that rely on visitors west of the river.  Plus you might discover a new park in the foothills and mountains that you didn't know about.

Our picks for a picnic or day out west of the river:

• Kurrajong Memorial Park, Kurrajong (great new kids playground, in the centre of Kurrajong village)
• Bellbird Hill Reserve, Kurrajong Heights (fantastic views back over Sydney)
• Bowen Mountain Reserve, Bowen Mountain (quiet, peaceful reserve with lovely old trees, BBQ's)

Want more specific local information?  Call the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre on (02) 4560 4620 or find us at 328 Hawkesbury Valley Way, Richmond.  We will be open Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday 9am to 3pm.