The Hawkesbury Valley offers a huge choice of conference venues, services and facilities that rivals any city-based venue, without that “city feel.”
Location:
90 minutes northwest of Sydney CBD amidst rural countryside and World Heritage Area
Key Attractions:
The Hawkesbury River Rainforest walks at Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens Hawkesbury National Fiddle Festival St Albans Folf Festival
Local Information:
Hawkesbury Valley Visitors Centre Ham Common, Windsor Street Clarendon (opposite RAAF Base) www.thehawkesbury.com
Conference
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More About the Region:
The Hawkesbury Region offers a huge choice of conference venues, services and facilities that rivals any city-based venue, without that “city feel.” Whatever the requirement, the Hawkesbury Valley with its convenient location, relaxed atmosphere and quality, professional facilities, venue choices and range of activities has the perfect offering to meet every taste – from a small and up market incentive escape, to a major product launch or sales conference, to a dedicated training centre.
The Hawkesbury Region is one of New South Wales best kept secrets – everyone knows it for the great Hawkesbury River and houseboats but in actual fact there is so much more to it. Just 90 minutes from Sydney CBD there is a whole range of accommodation options and activities to suit anyone – and everyone.
Originally the home of the Darug community, it was discovered by Governor Phillip in the 18th Century, and was one of Australia's earliest colonial settlements.
The rich fertile floodplains stretching along the Hawkesbury River provided then, and still today, much of Sydney's fresh produce. Come and visit on a weekend, and one will see many produce stalls dotted along the country roads.
The area is nestled amongst two of NSW's greatest national parks, being the Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Park, and along its fringes are plenty of areas for recreational activities from abseiling and canyoning for the adventurous to quiet bush walks or a paddles on the canoe for those who just wish to be close to nature.
There are, of course, plenty of holiday cabins and bed & breakfasts also, both on the high mountain areas of Bilpin and Kurrajong and on the tranquil riverfronts of Lower Portland, Wisemans Ferry, St Albans and Colo.
Being one of Australia's earliest settlement areas, there are, still a large number of heritage buildings left intact here, and a historical tour will take you right back in time of Governor Lachlan Macquarie. Grab a tour map at the tourist information centre and go on a self-guided tour or join one of the historical tours which are run regularly in the area.
For those who enjoy the good life, why not indulge yourselves by visiting the boutique wineries, then try some of the locally made chevre cheese, smoked goods and fresh fruits before settling down at one of the more extravagant guest houses or retreats.
For the families, there are plenty to do, like visiting the heritage farm, picnicking at one of the national parks, some of which provides a safe bicycle trails to suit children of all ages or just wading through some of the quieter shallows of Colo River.
So why not visit the Hawkesbury Region, where nature and wilderness is still preserved by a proud community who will welcome you to a truly Australian experience.
Events and Festivals
There is never a quiet week in the Hawkesbury Region. From country fairs, to market gardens, shows, festivals or season celebrations, there is always something new to keep pulling you back:
Windsor Craft Markets Hawkesbury National Fiddle Festival Out of the Woodwork Festival Richmond RAAF Base Botanists Way Mount Tomah Botanic Garden
Conference Venues and Services
Hawkesbury Valley hosts boutique conference venues for as few as 18 people in executive comfort. Locations such as Bandusia Retreat provide a quiet, unspoilt environment nestled within the beautiful world heritage Greater Blue Mountains area. Sole occupancy venues such as Ferndale Conference Centre in Lower Portland is just 90mins drive from the Sydney CBD. Here you will have absolutely no outside distractions except Mother Nature - no phones, and no TV!
For a specialist venue on the banks of the mighty Hawkesbury River, The Retreat at Wisemans was designed by a professional trainer – someone who understands the special needs of conference organisers and facilitators. Or to combine relaxation with your conference or event, try the The Sebel Resort and Spa located on the outskirts of Windsor with its full resort facilities. And if you are on a budget, Hawkesbury Valley offers a verity or quality venues to meet your needs including the Hawkesbury Conference Centre located within the grounds of the University of Western Sydney and Merroo Christian Centre in the foothills of the Blue Mountains.
Leadership training, team building and custom designed tours are also available to make your conference unique and memorable. We can arrange team building with horses, Hawkesbury River cruises, a ride on a Harley Trike through the hills and parks of the Valley, or perhaps they can kayak at sunset along the Great Hawkesbury River.
How to get there
The Hawkesbury Valley is closer than you think. Only an hours drive from the centre of Sydney will see you in the tranquil surrounds of the Hawkesbury Valleys rural country side.
By Car - From Sydney, take the Harbour Bridge or Tunnel to North Sydney, and then the M2 to Old Windsor Road. This then becomes Windsor Road, which will take you right into the picturesque Hawkesbury.
From other areas we have major roads leading in. From the north, the Putty Road leads to Windsor, from the south the Northern Road and from the west, The Bells Line of Road leads in to the Hawkesbury.
By Train - Regular trains from Central Station, or any of the major stations on the Western Line, will take you to Windsor or Richmond.
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