Windsor

Things to do

Windsor offers a unique insight into Australia's past. There are 21 colonial buildings still standing, discover the story behind them and learn about the important role the town played in the fledgling colony with the self-guided Windsor Heritage Walk.

A woman walking by a two-storey heritage building, Windsor

Windsor Mall, Windsor

It takes in Thompson Square, one of Australia’s finest examples of a Georgian town square. You also have St Matthew’s Anglican Church and the Windsor Court House, both designed by the famous colonial architect Francis Greenway, who arrived in the colony in 1814 as a convict.

Thompson Square, Windsor

If you prefer to have a guide show you the way and entertain you with anecdotes, join Hawkesbury Valley Heritage Tours or the Hawkesbury Sightseeing Tours. As well as colonial heritage in the Hawkesbury Regional Museum you'll discover the rich indigenous cultural heritage of the local Darug Aboriginal people.

Hawkesbury Regional Gallery in Windsor, Sydney North

Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Windsor

Windsor boasts a vibrant arts scene. The Hawkesbury Regional Gallery has captivating exhibitions and a wonderful collection, including works by famous artists such as Arthur Boyd, Norman Lindsay and Ben Quilty. The Sydney Blues and Roots Festival in October is a big drawcard.

Set on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor activities. If you don't like the sound of motors, hop on the Hawkesbury Paddlewheeler or hire a kayak from Hawkesbury Kayaks. You can also go fishing, waterskiing and wakeboarding on the river.

The Hawkesbury Paddlewheeler on the scenic Hawkesbury River in Windsor

The Hawkesbury Paddlewheeler, Windsor

Eat & drink

Windsor is home to one of Australia’s oldest pubs, the Macquarie Arms Hotel. Built in 1815, on orders from then-Governor Lachlan Macquarie, it's the oldest building in Thompson Square, named after wealthy emancipist Andrew Thompson, a policeman, farmer and businessman.

Small group enjoying a shed lunch at the Cooks Co-Op in Sackville

Cooks Co-Op, Sackville

Harvest Farm Gate Trail showcases the area's best produce, including gourmet goat’s cheese and native ingredients. Have lunch at The Cooks Shed, which is all about local produce. There are also three vineyards dotted along the Hawkesbury which offer tastings at their cellar doors.

Getting there

Windsor may feel like it's a world away from the cosmopolitan buzz of the CBD, yet it's only 50 minutes’ drive northwest of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Accommodation options range from houseboats for a memorable stay, or if you get seasick there's the waterside Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley.