Things To Do in the Hawkesbury- Recreation
Hawkesbury High-Energy Sports
This year, we?ve discovered a number of activities that you don?t want to miss. Some require nerve ? thrills are guaranteed. For others, you?ll need a bit of muscle and stamina. A love of the sporting life is the only necessity.
The Hawkesbury's Water Sports
Sydney International Regatta Centre
Address: Penrith Lakes, Old Castlereagh Road, Penrith
Phone: 02 4730 9760
This internationally acclaimed rowing and flatwater canoeing Centre hosted those events at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. The venue boasts an array of water activities, from the familiar to the obscure – all loved by sports enthusiasts.
At the Masters Games on a very windy October day, we watched teams of muscled rowers swiftly cut through water as though effortless. The clatter of oars, a synchronised percussive riff, kept time as young rowers urged on their teams ? like an orchestra in motion. Noise rose to a pitch in the final moments as each team raced for the finish. Their skill and precision was thrilling.
The Centre is open sunrise to sunset every day and the competition lake is surrounded by two 5-kilometre paths ? one for cycling, one for walking and running. On the horizon, the Blue Mountains sit majestically. The parklands make for a great family outing ? barbecues and picnics are available and walkers, cyclers and rollerbladers all have their space. The Centre is a 4-star recommendation for family outings.
Penrith Whitewater Stadium 
Address: Gate E, McCarthys Lane (off Castlereagh Road), Penrith
Phone: 02 4730 4333
Squeezing into a wetsuit is the first challenge of the afternoon! A startingly blue helmet, canary yellow life jacket and trainers complete the ?water-ensemble?. We look and waddle like walrus with yellow flippers, minus the tusks. At the water?s edge we receive lessons in whitewater etiquette. As the guide explains the golden rule (?Do NOT take your hand off the T-grip?), doubt creeps in? Maybe this is a mistake?
Climbing into a large rubber raft gracefully is not going to happen ? a wetsuit constricts leg-lifting. Seated, we?re coached on the finer points. A few tries at ?paddle forward, paddle backward, lean right, lean left, etc? and we?re ready ? our ?superteam? (of six). The guide positions the raft into the electric lift. Slowly we move uphill without effort or paddling. Once at the top, we?re quickly into fast-moving water.
The first drop is a stunner, and listening to the guide?s instructions becomes paramount ? ?forward three strokes, forward four strokes. Get those paddles in the water ? you?re paddling air!?
The second drop is much steeper and we?re dodging rock-like obstacles, really big things! Falling out is truly a possibility! A cascade of water hits our bodies forcefully, and fills the raft: water, water everywhere! Oh, the marvel of a wetsuit ? teammates without are soaked! Screams and nervous laughter are cut short ? we?re headed for a steeper descent! White rapids swirl around us, waves toss the raft, water sloshes over our ankles ? now it?s white-knuckle fear! The raft must be out of our control, but the guide?s voice is relaxed, calm...
The raft drops into calm water. Just seconds though the roughest rapids; a lifetime of exhilaration. Everyone ready for the next round? This is an adventure sport, not for the timid, but one of our 4-star recommendations... We?d have a go again!
Waterskiing
Address: Butterfly Farm & Ski Gardens
446 Wilberforce Road, Wilberforce
Phone: 02 4575 1955
Situated on the Hawkesbury River and only 10 minutes north of Windsor, the gardens provides boat ramps and ski beaches. Brush up on your skills with a ski lesson! Call for details and bookings.
Wakeboarding
Address: Black Diamond Wakeboarding School
2580 River Road, Wisemans Ferry
Phone: 02 4566 4511 or 0418 422 204
At Wisemans Ferry, coach and wakeboarder Hall of Fame Scotty Kell runs his instruction/lessons on the Hawkesbury. Scotty chooses Malibu Boats, Liquid Force wakeboards and Jetpilot wetsuits and vests ? the best in this unique sport. We watched 15-year-old superstars flip and turn with amazing ability and flair ? not a shy personality among the group.
During school holidays Sally and Scotty run 2, 3, and 5-day camp packages with on-site accommodation (bunk-style for the kids). We could only imagine the appetites these young professionals brought to the table at every meal.
Sally will also customise a package to fit your wishes. Pricing is listed on their website.
Extreme Sports
Hawkesbury Powered Parachute Centre
Address: Fields in Richmond and Windsor
Phone: 02 4576 6028 or 0414 862 397
Extreme sport in rural Hawkesbury? Flying at 1000-5000 feet in a Group D ultra light? Who would have anticipated such adventure over the winding Hawkesbury River and its rural backdrop?
Are you after that adrenal rush, an electrifying kick in the abdomen? Instructor Graeme Hutchinson who flies with you can provide the thrill. Just ask! As well as a buzz, you?ll experience gorgeous scenery along the ride.
Go-Karts: The Indy 800
Address: Wilberforce Road, Wilberforce
Phone: 02 4575 1265
The Indy Course about 10 minutes north of Windsor is open to adults and to children aged 12 and over 150 cm. Single and double karts are available and priced incrementally for racing from 10 to 60 minutes.
The roar of an engine, a blast of wind across your face, a racing heart ? then comes the adrenalin. This is the Indy 800.
Golf
Riverside Oaks Golf Club Resort
Address: 74 O'Briens Road, Cattai
Phone: 02 4560 3200
Located off Wisemans Ferry Road, this full-service golf club resort takes one by surprise. Set in rural bushland, the dramatic setting is bordered by the Hawkesbury River and wildlife reserve.
One, three and four-bedroom accommodation sits among the trees. Units are spacious and open plan and have fully-equipped kitchens, barbecues and outdoor dining facilities overlooking the extraordinary 18-hole golf course. The par 72 championship course is more than 6000 metres long, and is rated among the top courses found in Australia. For an early look the course and a few expert tips from the Pro, check out the website: http://www.riversideoaks.com.au/index.php?page=the_course_hole_01.php.
The modern clubhouse looks out to the course and is complete with a retail shop, cart rentals and underground parking. An informal bistro for casual lunches is open daily. For large group reservations, such as corporate functions, special parties and weddings, a dining facility is on the first level. All have natural light and magnificent views out to the course. Crowning the clubhouse is a balcony designed for small group functions ? great for wedding photos as the view of the course and the surrounding bushland is unobstructed ? another 4-star recommendation.
With the M2 and M7, the resort is a 60 to 80-minute drive from Sydney.
Windsor Country Golf Club
Address: McQuade Avenue & Bell Street, South Windsor
Phone: 02 4577 4390 (office) or 02 4577 3718 (golf shop)
While you can see this beautiful 18-hole course from Hawkesbury Valley Way (across from Sebel Resort), the entrance to the facility is tucked away in a South Windsor residential area. The club and course with views out to the Blue Mountains have a long Hawkesbury history ? fifty years in 2012 ? and keeping the course in perfect shape for golfers is always foremost.
According to the Pro, this course presents some great golfing challenges. Look at the website for some great tips: www.windsorgolfclub.com.au/holes_1_3.html.
The modern clubhouse with its panoramic views of the Blue Mountains is a perfect setting for events, parties and weddings. Open seven days a week (except Christmas Day), the club hosts conferences and seminars, special corporate golf days and of course wedding events.
The Bistro is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch; Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for dinner. The lunch menu is typically bistro-style ? hamburgers, steak sandwiches, chips. And for dinner, try the salt and pepper squid (entree) and the New York surf and turf (main).
Wisemans Ferry Golf Club
Address: 5564 Old Northern Road, Wisemans Ferry
Phone: 02 4560 0582
The Golf Club at the Retreat is a nine-hole par 34 course along the Hawkesbury River. The course is open to non-members. Clubs and golf carts are available for hire at the golf shop.
Rum Corps Barracks Golf Centre
Address: 61 Hawkesbury Valley Way, Windsor
Phone: 02 4577 6600
Adjacent to the Sebel Resort, the Rum Corps Barracks offers an easy-walking nine-hole course of beautiful greens. Social players are welcome at all times and the Pro holds ladies? and kids? clinics each Sunday morning.
Bowls
Wisemans Ferry Bowling Club
Address: 5565 Old Northern Road, Wisemans Ferry
Phone: 02 4566 4307
Email: manager@wfbc.com.au
Wisemans Ferry Bowling is situated in a pastoral spot, only metres from the river, and the view across the river takes in steep walls of sandstone and the drama of the historic Great North Road. Guests often find a table on the covered patio overlooking the pitch and out to this dramatic setting. Tour groups from across NSW often make the Club a stop, for rarely is there a day without fun activities from bingo and trivia to golf. ?Barefoot? bowls in the summer is a highlight. The Rivers Run Restaurant is open all day on weekends. Call for special events and activities.
Great Treks
The Great North Road
Address: Settlers Road, Wisemans Ferry
National Parks & Wildlife Service
Phone: 02 4320 4204
The Great North Road is a 240-kilometre civil engineering tour de force built with convict labour between 1826 and 1836 to provide an overland route to the Hunter Valley. Today, the section at Wisemans Ferry, completed c. 1828, is closed to vehicular traffic including motorcycles.
Take the Wisemans Ferry and turn left onto Settlers Road toward St Albans. The gated entrance is about 500 metres from the ferry and the entrance for trekkers is to the right of the gate.
The full 3-kilometre walk ? a loop ? will take about 3-4 hours depending upon your stamina ? the trek is a gradual but steep incline, and one should be fit. Late September to mid October is a perfect time for this trek. Wear a hat and layered clothing ? weather can turn hot or cold quickly. As always, a water supply is imperative.
Along the road, sandstone walls loom, shifting from grey to gold to black. Convicts, some in chains, chipped, picked and blasted this massive rock face to extract sandstone blocks. Hangman?s Rock is a dramatic point in the trail.
It is 1.8 kilometres to the summit of Devines Hill and there are interpretive signs along the way ? among the best we have seen in our travels. Here you can find stone retaining walls up to 12 metres high. This adventure has our 4-star recommendations!
Parks, Picnics & Markets
Windsor Mall Craft Markets
Address: On George Street - Between Fitzgerald & Baker Streets, Windsor
Sundays 9am-4pm (closed in January)
Crafts, music, fresh produce, jams, jelly and jewellery ? these are the staples of the Windsor Markets each Sunday. Aromas of ethnic foods waft by, Hawkesbury farmers are on hand with seasonal produce such as corn, strawberries, pumpkins, potatoes ? the list goes on. Often a charming face painting artist has long queues of children and occasionally a fairy flits by, wand in hand. It?s a bit like a street party.
Wisemans Ferry Park
Address: Old Northern Road (adjacent to Wisemans Ferry ramp), Wisemans Ferry
This beautifully kept public park is designed to please everyone, with considerable green space for running and jumping, abundant trees for climbing and lots of picnic tables and barbecues for a sizzle. Gazebos for a drizzly day keep your picnic dry and if you?ve arrived without a hamper, a kiosk is handy. Much of the green space abuts the river ? it?s a remarkable park with ample parking.
Governor Phillip Park
Address: North-east end, George St, Windsor
George Street ends at Governor Phillip Park. With shady picnic areas, barbecues and ample spots for fishing, is It any wonder families love to play along the river. The park has ramp facilities, so if you own a boat, kaak or other water-going craft, this the Is perfect place to acess the river.
Howe Street Park
Address: The Terrace, Windsor
A two-kilometre footpath meanders along the riverbank, perfect for a brisk aerobic walk or a slow amble. The greater part of the footpath is paved, but as you walk (with the river on your right) the pavers end and the path becomes one of finely crushed rock. This may create a slight challenge if you are pushing a pram, but think of the biceps you'll develop!
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