Hawkesbury Attractions

Attractions in Historic Windsor

Far from the heavily trafficked path of Hawkesbury Valley Way, formerly Richmond Road, historic Windsor is a bit of a secret. Many know of the Sunday Mall Markets, but few venture out into Windsor’s neighbourhoods. Historic Windsor opens its charm to those willing to walk. Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a bottle of water are a must for the wise explorer. For an easy thirty minute walk in a charming and historic neighbourhood of Windsor, please pick up a copy of the print Historic Windsor Guide. You’ll find copies in most cafés and shops on The Mall.

Regional Gallery

In addition to listing a few well-known historical attractions (along with a brief description), we have crafted a short, easy walk in a charming George Street neighbourhood on the north side of Bridge Street, the main division of Windsor. You can also drop by the Hawkesbury Regional Museum on Baker Street for further information. Now you are ready to search out the relics of Macquarie’s Windsor, and when you need a rest, a café or a pub is always nearby.

» Heritage Sites & Activities

Macquarie’s Arms Hotel

Address: 99 George Street, Windsor
Phone: 02 4577 2206

Ask locals about heritage and they immediately talk to you about “the Macquarie”. In January 1811, Governor Lachlan Macquarie, a visionary leader as well as a thrifty Scotsman, set in motion the construction of the Macquarie Arms without use of government funds. The inn was much needed as there was no house of public reception in Windsor (reported in the Sydney Gazette) (Bowd, 1969, p. 145). He did this by granting a large allotment (of land) in the Square to Richard Fitzgerald on the condition that he immediately build a two-storey ‘large and commodious inn of brick or stone’. (Fitzgerald was a convict who rose above his humble beginnings to hold many responsible positions.)

“Immediately” seems to have been a relative term to Fitzgerald as the inn did not become a reality for another four years. In July 1815, the opening ceremony was performed by Governor Macquarie.

The proximity of the Macquarie Arms to Thompson Square is perhaps no mistaken circumstance. Punishment for a crime was more likely meted out in Thompson Square – a serious crime drew flogging at the whipping post in Thompson Square – for drunkenness, a public punishment of four hours in the stocks (Bowd, 1969). It is rumoured that the good citizens of Windsor would rush into the Macquarie for a shot of rum after witnessing one of the frequent hangings in the square!

Note: a small plaque on the exterior wall marks the 1867 flood of the Hawkesbury when the river rose to the incredible height of 19.3 metres.

Thompson Square

Parallel with Bridge Street, Thompson Square runs from George Street to the low-level stairway near the river at The Terrace. In 1811, Governor Macquarie named the park for Andrew Thompson, a convict Scotsman (d. 1810) who, with his entrepreneurial flair and energy, had won Macquarie’s respect. Each year on the first weekend of December, residents celebrate the naming of Windsor by Governor Macquarie – proclamation Day. A costumed re-enactment of the 1810 event, including the exciting and noisy firing of early artillery, is sponsored by the Windsor Business Group. Under the shade of large trees in the Square families often share a picnic while friends talk over a bottle of wine and musicians – provided by local businesses – continue their entertainment into the late afternoon. One can imagine the scene today would look a lot like a Sunday afternoon of 1810 in Thompson Square.

John Howe House

Address: 7 Thompson Square

This two-storey Georgian building was erected in c.1820 as the home of the Hawkesbury’s chief constable, John Howe.  Its iron balustrading was added during the Victorian period. Howe is credited with the building of the old Wharf (King’s Wharf) at the foot of Bridge Street in 1807.

The Doctor’s House

Address: 9 Thompson Square

Constructed in 1844, the building is a beautiful example of a colonial terrace building.  Take a moment to observe the sandstone verandahs and the mellowed bricks. The brick is reddish, and gives off an almost rosy glow in the late afternoon light. The architectural lines are classic and are still remarkable today. The Doctor’s House, which from 1876 was occupied for a long period by doctors, is still “a Windsor Beauty” overlooking the Hawkesbury River.

Windsor Ghost Tours

Host: Janice Hart
Phone: 02 4575 1421 or m 0408 751 422
Reservations essential.

It’s a warm March evening. Clouds float past the full moon obscuring its bright glow momentarily. Walking quietly with your fellow travellers, your lanterns light the way along a dark footpath. Janice Hart, a longstanding member of the Hawkesbury Historical Society and friend to the ghosts of days long past, guides your journey around Thompson Square’s heritage buildings, old bridges, graveyards and other sites of historic Windsor.

A love of adventure and history, comfortable shoes, a bottle of water and a torch, in the event the moon fails to light the night, are the only necessities. Bookings are essential.

Hawkesbury Regional Museum

Address: 8 Baker Street
Phone: 02 4577 2310
Hours: 10am-4pm Wednesday to Friday,
10am-3pm Saturday and Sunday,
Closed Monday and Tuesday to general public but available to pre-booked groups.

We can’t stop talking about this amazing new museum. The layout, including a small film theatre, has been so well planned that the size of the building is misleading. From exhibition to exhibition, the flow is seamless. Each piece of the permanent exhibition is artistically and beautifully displayed – and the collection of superior artefacts is equal to that of a major historical museum. A chair, a stool, the hull of an old boat, a musical instrument – items from of our past often resemble objects of art. Our favourite exhibition, please be seated with artist Niomi Sands (‘just a few chairs’ of carved translucent soap and crocheted cotton), is remarkable. Make time in your visit to Windsor to spend an hour or so at the Regional Museum.

Windsor Courthouse

Address: Court Street, Windsor
Hours: Restricted hours for public viewing

Built in 1822, this building is still a working courthouse today. When court is not in session, you may enter the historic building, the second in the Hawkesbury designed by Francis Greenway.

The courthouse was built on a knoll overlooking the lowlands most likely to flood. Across the street on the corner of Arndell and Court, stands a building that was once an inn for the Justices, who slept soundly through the night, arose to have a hearty breakfast and walked across the street to mete out punishment, oft times a hanging. A short walk from Arndell to the end of North Street will give you an appreciation of the architectural styles of early Windsor and the Hawkesbury. See page 19 “walk on the wild side”.

Courthouse

Hawkesbury Regional Gallery

Address: Deerubbin Centre (1st Floor) - 300 George Street, off Christie Street
Phone: 02 4560 4441
Hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm (closed Tuesdays and public holidays); Sat–Sun 10 am–3 pm
Email: gallery@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au

The Deerubbin Centre which houses the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery is a recent architectural attraction of Windsor and is situated adjacent to the old convict barracks (converted later to a hospital), which has recently undergone renovation. The prominent steel exterior of Deerubbin stands in marked contrast to the ornate balustrade verandah of the old barracks, a juxtaposition of old and new Windsor. Yet when seen from Macquarie Street, the two adjoining buildings share an architectural strength of straightforward simple lines.

Getting to the Centre is reminiscent of driving in the medieval hill towns of Italy, where land is at a premium. You must drive through a small alley off Christie Street to arrive at the underground parking.

Public art at the Deerubbin is not to be overlooked. The plaque in the main pedestrian entry commemorates the first meeting between Yarramundi, the Indigenous leader and Governor Arthur Phillip. In the courtyard near the cafÈ, Hospital Beds is simultaneously extraordinary and eerie. This public artwork will delight children with its frequent bursts of cool mist.

The Hawkesbury Regional Gallery has become a gathering place for art exhibitions, literary events, film and workshops for children. Disability ramps and lifts from the car park to the gallery level ease entry into its many exhibitions.

Regional Gallery

St Matthew’s Anglican Church

Address: Moses Street and Greenway Crescent, off Richmond Road
Hours: Open to the public daily

St Matthew’s Church Windsor has an illustrious history. Commissioned in 1817 by the powerful and influential Governor Macquarie, it was the architectural masterpiece of famed convict-turned-architect Francis Greenway. Take note of the church windows and the striking church tower. Inside, the dark wood pews and tall stained-glass windows fill the church with colour, creating a surprisingly serene and warm mood.
Surrounding and predating the church is the large Macquarie graveyard. Look for small bronze plaques affixed to the aged headstones of First Fleeters, convicts or freed persons.

St Matthews

Tebbutt’s Observatory

Address: Palmer Street, Windsor

The Observatories, built in 1879 and 1894 by John Tebbutt, housed his telescopes. Here, he discovered many meteorological phenomena and conducted many meteorological measurements. Tebbutt’s Observatory and Tebbutt’s VII is part of the special heritage-listed Hawkesbury property overlooking farmlands dating back to colony days. The pastoral surroundings, the old barns and fences, remind us of Windsor’s early beginnings. For an exceptional gourmet dining experience in the Observatory, refer to Places to Eat section.

Windsor RSL Club

Address: Crn of Argyle and Mileham Streets, Windsor
Phone: 02 4587 6900

Today, the Windsor RSL Club can host wedding parties of two to three hundred guests in a newly reconfigured area that includes a private entrance and terrace. An elegantly decorated anteroom for the bridal party is charming and distinctive. The entire affair can be as formal or as casual as the bride and groom wish – well, as the mums wish.

And for trade show functions, awards nights, fashion shows or school formals, a new executive chef is now onboard whipping up traditional and original menus.

Windsor Mall Craft Market

Address: On George Street, Between Fitzgerald and Baker Streets
Phone: 0418 869 685
Hours: Sundays 9am-4pm

Crafts, music, local produce and the paddlewheel are the staples of the Windsor Markets each Sunday. Sunday is a special day, somewhat like a street party with tall umbrellas and crafts carts lining George Street for two long blocks.

It’s a constant parade of people – shoppers and strollers. Hawkesbury farmers are on hand with corn, strawberries, pumpkin and zucchini. Jams, jellies and honey get a fair display as well. Flavours of ethnic foods fill the air, a didgeridoo performer entrances us and often a charming face painting artist has long queues. The Mall shops, cafÈs and restaurants are always open – it’s a big country market fair.

» Great Things to Do Beyond Historic Windsor

Butterfly Museum Collection

Address: Wilberforce Road, Wilberforce
Phone: 02 4575 1955 or 4575 1265

Butterflies’ antennae are a) feathery, or b) have little knobs on the end? True or false: male butterflies are usually smaller and prettier than the females?

After a visit to the natural history and insect museum just up the road from Windsor in Wilberforce, you’ll have the answers to these and other butterfly trivia. The extensive collection of moths, butterflies and insects is the creation of the late Russell Hodgskin who, in his heyday, was often spotted in pith helmet and armed with a butterfly net.  Hodgskin, an unconventional and beloved local, gathered from across the world tropical specimens with iridescent greens and blues that are incredibly beautiful. We are surprised by the similarity in shape and form of species from across different continents. However, if your primary interest is Australian species, you won’t be disappointed.

Bugs that would set you screaming if they showed up in your sleeping bag are on display in this exceptional collection. Cicadas look like ballerinas clad in pink tutus. Stick insects will make you laugh. Plan an hour or two to take it all in, and save time to shop for butterfly paraphernalia.

Today, the museum, set in the Butterfly Farm and Ski Gardens, is managed by Hodgskin’s sons and daughter-in-law, who share their father’s passion for the region. The rustic indoor-outdoor pavilion along the Hawkesbury River has a capacity for 400, and is often the setting for company picnics, family reunions and church gatherings. A kiosk serving snacks and beverages, large covered picnic areas, a swimming pool, ski gardens and boat ramp are among the recreational amenities offered on the grounds in the Hawkesbury.

Ebenezer Uniting Church & Schoolhouse

Address: Coromandel Road (off Tizzana Road), Ebenezer
Phone: 02 4579 9350
Hours: Daily 10am-3pm

Your time will be well rewarded with a brief stop at the Ebenezer Church on your way to Tizzana Winery. This simple stone structure, with its graveyards and old schoolhouse, is set in a spacious opening above the Hawkesbury River. Its simplicity reflects the architectural style of early churches everywhere – it was the first Presbyterian Church erected in Australia (1809), and is the oldest church still standing. For more detail see The History of Ebenezer Australia’s Oldest Church (1999) by Ted Brill.

In June 2009, the members will celebrate the bicentenary of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church. Over three days, beginning Friday, June 19, there will be displays, historical walks and talks, re-enactments and entertainment. And any church worth its pews will have food! there will be food stalls on Saturday, a barbecue is planned for Sunday, the final day, and of course, the ladies will provide their wonderful Devonshire teas throughout the celebration. For details: 02 4579 9235

Flanking the church is the oldest existing schoolhouse intact today, finding its second life as a gift shop. Church members stock and sell craft items, homemade jams and sauces. With an advance booking, the ladies prepare Devonshire teas or lunch, served in good weather on the charming terrace. But don’t overlook the steep steps up to the schoolmaster’s unadorned quarters.  Imagine life without heat or electricity during the dark winter months.

If time allows, you will find the Swallow Rock Reach Walking Trail to the right of the church parking area. Picnic facilities are available before you start the trail. The walk follows the river for approximately 1200 metres. We recommend good hiking boots, a hat and plenty of water before you set out. The trail is bordered by grasses, so long pants are recommended.

Tizzana Winery

Address: 518 Tizzana Road, Ebenezer
Phone: 02 4579 1150
Hours: Sat-Sun and public holidays 12noon-6pm
Call for Bookings

On the road to Tizzana Winery, a soft November rain falls covering vineyards, waterlily lagoons and surrounding farmlands with a delicate mist. Some 20 minutes from historic Windsor, the country road bends and weaves. Without warning, on the damp hillside above the road, an imposing sandstone structure comes into view; you have been inexplicably transported into the Tuscan region of Italy.

In 1887, the vineyards at Tizzana were planted with imported French and Italian vine cuttings by Italian immigrant Thomas Fiaschi. A physician, Fiaschi had a practice on Thompson Square. The Fiaschi family continued the wine business after Dr Fiaschi’s death in 1927, until 1949. Some years later, the abandoned three-storey building was set on fire by vandals. All that remained was a stone shell. In 1969, restoration was begun by Peter and Carolyn Auld and, today, wine-tasting continues in this beautiful building. On-site group luncheons or dinner functions can be arranged. For a description of the Tizzana 5-star bed and breakfast, refer to the Hawkesbury Accommodation section. This is one setting you won’t want to miss.

Tizzana Windsor Attractions

» Trails and Tours And Walks

Windsor and the Hawkesbury are home to several touring companies. Specialised tours make for a great day visiting patchwork and quilting artists, wineries or, if history is your thing, the oldest landmarks of the area. Or, arrange a wedding event complete with a large coach to “get you to the church on time”.

Hawkesbury SightSeeing Tours

Addres: Wilberforce
Phone: 02 4575 1421, mobile 0408 751 422
Email: Janice@hstours.com.au
(Fully Insured and Accreditated) 

Janice Hart, host of this touring company, offers personalised chauffeured tours for small groups only – in a luxury 4-wheel-drive .

Janice is a local in the Hawkesbury and she shares her love and knowledge in her specialised tours in history, in arts and crafts and in food and wine. She’ll arrange a tour for you to meet the region’s patchwork and quilting artists, cheese makers, and best known vintners. If food soothes the savage beast in you, it’s the Farmgate Trail that offers the finest produce of the Hawkesbury. Half-day or full-day Hawkesbury tours are available – call for fees.

Good AZ Gold Coach Tours

Address: Oakville
Phone: 02 4573 6181; mobile 0408 973 267
Email: info@goodazgoldtours.com.au
(Fully Insured and Accreditated) 

The list of custom-made tours for large groups and clubs offered by Ryan Thomson’s company seems infinite. If you can design it, Good AZ Gold will deliver: boutique wineries, historic, iconic Hawkesbury, FarmGate Trail, garden and gallery, and eco-tours to name just a few. Large, deluxe air-conditioned coaches also make for a great experience of shopping or antique hunting around the Hawkesbury region.
Ryan has several new coaches, seating 24 and up to 68 passengers. They also do general bus charters, parties, race days and corporate transfers. No need to worry about designated drivers.

Caution: Make your reservations early – the Good AZ Gold office literally buzzes with activity. Faxes and phones ring constantly – everyday! Call for fees and specialised tour schedules.

» Spas & Wellness

Villa Thalgo at the Sebel Resort

Address: 61 Hawkesbury Valley Way, Windsor
Phone: 02 4577 1254

VVilla Thalgo Day Spa should be at the top of every woman’s (or man’s) list for a special day off. This is an “over the top” spa – one of the major spas in NSW.  So, let’s talk about the setting. Stunning! Luxurious! Calming!

Let’s talk about indulgence and health. You can choose from an extensive array of therapies: whole body wraps, hot stone therapy, hydrotherapy and massage. A hydrotherapy treatment will bring a natural blush to your skin, even in winter, and on a chilly day, the indoor pool is perfect for a bit of a workout.  For pure indulgence choose a treatment of soothing emulsions and essential oils. With thick white towels and dressing gowns – you live the life of the rich and famous, if only for a day! Of course, beauty treatments and facials are available and, for your convenience, Villa Thalgo Hawkesbury offers half- and full-day splurges.

Sebel Windsor

Beauty at the Heritage

Address: Shop 2, Old Post Office Building,
The Mall on George Street
Phone: 02 4577 2899

Look carefully for the entrance of Beauty at the Heritage, as it does not face The Mall. Newly renovated, Beauty is simultaneously serene and elegant. Now that you’ve found it, your day of pampering begins – and not a moment too soon. Start with a massage or body wrap, or try both! The body scrub is a must; it’s great for dry, tired skin. A facial, a massage, tanning or a manicure – this is health and beauty, an indulgence on your day out.

Treatments at Beauty are not limited to women. The men of Windsor work hard and have found that a Heritage massage eases sore muscles and calms the mind. For skin so often exposed to a harsh sun or wind, a rejuvenation peel or facial lifts your spirits and helps reduce the damage. For the buff, waxing treatments, manicures and pedicures are now the rage. And guys, if you want that healthy glow, ask the staff about the solarium or the airbrush tanning.

Windsor Naturopathy

Address: 206/208 Fitzgerald Street
Phone: 02 4587 7860

A quiet shop on Fitzgerald Street near the iconic water tower offers many treatments for your day of health and relaxation: herbology, iridology and aromatherapy, to name only a few. The practitioner has postgraduate degrees in science and nursing, and considers your individual health and wellbeing as a whole system. Bookings are essential.

Gallery20

Address: 127b George Street, The Mall
Phone: 02 4577 2504

We’ve come to recognise the trademark of Elle BachÈ agents and know the level of impeccable service in skin care, face or body. Steal time from your walks around historic Windsor for a facial or body scrub. A mere 45 minutes in this charming and personal salon can bring about a noticeable mood change.

 

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