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Visitors guide to the Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands region of Sydney NSW. Where to stay, where to go, where to eat.

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Page 1: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013
Page 2: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

Open all dinners, lunch - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

ph: 96 790 790233 Annangrove Rd, Annangrove

www.kashirestaurant.com.au

Enjoy Bollywood or

Brazilian Dance on Saturday

Evenings

AUTHENTIC REGIONAL INDIAN CUISINE SPECIALING IN SEAFOOD

Live Entertainment

Page 3: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

Welcome to Hills Hawkesbury Riverlands

Dear Visitors to the Hills Hawkesbury & Riverlands area.

We have enjoyed bringing you our seasonal publications on what to see and do while here, and we hope you are enjoying reading them as well. We would also love your feedback so if you have any comments about what you are reading or wish to see in future editions of “Experience”, please email us at [email protected].

Autumn is a beautiful season to be here and witness the changing colours of the rural areas, and engage in some great fresh produce events that come with the change of season. Our area is not only known for our roadside stalls and fresh produce but also our heritage and how the community accepts and appreciates its value. This season we bring you a world treasure that we have in our area that is recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation (UNESCO); that is the World Heritage Listed Convict Trail as part of the 11 Convict Sites recognised under the Australian Convict Sites.

You have to see it to really appreciate the treasure we have on our doorstep! Enjoy and share your “experience” with your friends as the Hills Hawkesbury & Riverlands area is “closer than you think”.

Published by Hills Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism in conjunction with Adelphi Design & Print.

Design & Printing - Adelphi Design & Print, (ACN 62 575 182 443), PO Box 149, Glenorie, NSW 2157. www.adelphi.net.au

All rights reserved. No materials published in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written authority. Every endeavour is made to ensure information contained in this magazine is correct at time of going to print. Cover photo Convict Trail Project Inc. Photo is Clares Bridge.

Many ThanksLori Modde

CEO Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

EDITORIAL & PUBLISHING TEAM Lori Modde Diana Paton Vicki Brownless Tania Di Stefano

Advertising Enquiries: 0423 727 [email protected]

From The

Desk

Open all dinners, lunch - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

ph: 96 790 790233 Annangrove Rd, Annangrove

www.kashirestaurant.com.au

Enjoy Bollywood or

Brazilian Dance on Saturday

Evenings

AUTHENTIC REGIONAL INDIAN CUISINE SPECIALING IN SEAFOOD

Live Entertainment

www.hhart.com.au

autumn 2013 | ISSUE 3

contents

28

8

4

18

shoppingexperience

0406historicalexperience

0812localexperience

1618diningexperience

20stayexperience

2428

EXPERIENCE THE TRAILAutumn Fresh Foods

LOCAL GROWERS MKTSWhat Makes a Good Market

THE CONVICT TRAILThe Great North Road

BATTLE OF VINEGAR HILLHistorical Feature

AUTUMN CALENDARYour Guide to Local Events

FAMILY TIMEFamily and School Holiday

OUR LOCAL CLUBS

WHERE TO STAYYoga Retreats & B&B’s

HAWKESBURY-PITTWATERRiver Cruising

Page 4: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

The Hawkesbury Harvest Farm Gate Trail has at its heart not only the beautiful Hawkesbury River, but also some of Sydney’s oldest settlements. The Trail extends to the Blue Mountains, with their amazing vistas, crisp air and four distinct seasons.

Along the Trail you will find farms, orchards, vineyards. vegetables, fruit, wine, stunning accommodation and fantastic restaurants using local, seasonal produce.

What is apparent when you go on the Trail is the passion and dedication of each of the producers. For these people holidays are rare. Long days from sunrise to way past sunset are common. They have survived drought and flood. And yet the welcome you receive is warm and genuine, as is the courtesy and humour. There is an amazing willingness to share knowledge.

And of course there is the produce itself. On the ‘pick your own’ farms, you can take the family and pick your own apples, mandarins, oranges, peaches and nectarines. At the vegetable farms the produce is so fresh that you marvel at the contrast with store bought produce. Many of these properties are in

the most beautiful settings, and close to wonderful parks and gardens for a

picnic after your exploring.

As we head into Autumn, the Blue Mountains are exploding with colour; vibrant reds, golds, yellow

and oranges as the leaves begin to turn. Deliciously crisp, sweet apples are available for picking or grab a colourful bucket and pick your own chestnuts or walnuts. Autumn vegetables are available along the Trail, such as beans, spinach, pumpkin, mushrooms, capsicums, chillies, lettuce and cauliflowers.

Regular Farmers Markets are another way the producers on the Trail are able to showcase their produce. Very often there is live music and a wander around the markets will leave you laden with fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, flowers, artisan bread, jams and chutneys, cheeses and meat. The chance to talk to the people who have worked so hard to bring their produce to the markets is an added benefit.

Exploring the Farm Gate Trail is a feast for the senses - the taste of the freshest produce, the fresh air, the beauty of your surroundings.

04

Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

04

Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

Page 6: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

06

Our producers will delight your tastebuds with samples of cheeses,yogurts, hand-made chocolates, sprices,

pickles, chutneys, jams and more.

4th Sunday ofEvery Month

(Except December& January)

In the Grounds ofGlenorie RSL

(Behind Woolworths)8am to 1pm

EnquiriesVicki 0423 727 826

[email protected]

www.hhart.com.au

Specialising in Handicrafts & Fresh Produce.

Where?Regal Gardens

249 Annangrove Rd,Annangrove, NSW 2156

When?2nd Saturday

Of Every Month.8:00am - 3:00pm

ContactCall to EnquireBrad - 0423 822 606Leonie - 0414 524 773

JewelleryCommunity StallsHandmade Cards

Handicrafts Babyware

PapercraftVegetablesWoodcraft

Fresh FruitFace Painting

CeramicsSoaps & CandlesChildren’s ClothingLadies ApparelGlassware

HoneyFood StallsKids ActivitiesJams & ChutneyLive Music

What Makes a Good Growers Market?One of my favorite things about a farmers’ market were the small farmers. They drove pick up trucks, had hand lettered signs, some had no signs at all and each vendor was its own canopy of creativity. This was not a resellers market but a morning gathering on the oval of passionate people. This was art. There was music, benches, green grass. There were women selling raffle tickets to benefit the local community groups with prizes of holidays to the Hunter to wine tasting.The produce was animated with colour; the spinach more green than green tree snakes. The carrots bunched in rainbows of yellow, orange, red and white. The food was harvested but still growing. Even the eggs, one araucana green in each dozen, were romantic. The food was fresh in a way that could not be manufactured.I like finding something new at a farmers market too; that one of a kind item that surprises me.With the diversity of foods dwindling from our larger supermarkets, it’s no wonder the Growers’ Markets and Slow Food Movements are flourishing. I like a market with diversity, old farmers, young farmers. A market with character, that’s honest; that celebrates a place. I like markets with real food, an extra handful of cherries, bright eyes and rounding that always ends in quarters.What is it that makes a farmers’ market good for you?

Page 7: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

07

Special Events Looking for the perfect place to host your next special event? Crowne Plaza Norwest is the ideal location to celebrate your next special event in style. Whether it is for a birthday celebration, sporting presentation, wedding, christening or anniversary our dedicated Crowne Meetings and Events team will ensure your event is a spectacular and memorable one.

For more information call (02) 9634 9661, visit www.crowneplazanorwest.com.au, or email [email protected]

NORWEST

Crowne Plaza Norwest is truly a venue for all occasions.

Last month the hotel was host to “The Land Sydney

Showgirl Competition 2013” Zone 2 Final. This is a

search to find the young woman to represent rural New

South Wales throughout Australia in 2013.

The hotel helped Heather Williams and her team plan

the event over the last 2 years, which was hosted by

the Castle Hill and Hills District Agricultural Society. It

played host to all of the contestants and judges over the

2 days. The event used all of the hotel’s function space

being able to use smaller function space for personal

presentation, rural knowledge and speech judging.

The event highlight came when everyone came together

as the hotel transformed its Grand Ballroom to a

full capacity of 249 people for the Gala dinner. This

consisted of a 3 course set menu and further judging,

the nominees being interviewed by the evenings MC in

front of the judges.

Two winners successful over the gruelling weekend

now move on to the final which is held as part of the

Sydney Royal Easter Show this March. Organisers

and competitors were impressed by the professional

approach from the whole team at Crowne Plaza

Norwest. 07

Perfect for All Occasions

www.hhart.com.au

Page 8: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

08

w

THE GREAT NORTH ROADIt lives on.

A standing testament to the rich history of this soil, this road follows a route from Sydney all the way to the Hunter Valley.

Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

08

Page 9: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

w

www.hhart.com.au

Extending north from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, the Convict Trail follows the

route of the 240km Great North Road built between 1826 and 1836. Most of this road continues to be used today, offering an alternative slower paced scenic route

between Sydney and the Hunter, where one can explore the brilliant engineering works created by hundreds of convicts - many working in leg-irons.

Relics such as stone retaining walls, wharves, culverts, bridges and buttresses can still be seen along the entire length from Epping to Wisemans, Wollombi, Bucketty and Broke.

Modern Australia was founded as a convict settlement . Banished from their homeland, these men and women found themselves in a totally new environment - harsh, hot, dry and decidedly less fertile than the

land they left behind. For many, the new colony provided an opportunity to become enterprising individuals who laid the foundation for a great

nation. As the settlement grew, convicts were sent to build infrastructure such as roads and bridges and to open new industries. The Convict Trail is a

monument to these former felons, and a tribute to their work.

Between 1804 and 1822 convicts who committed another crime after arriving in the Colony had been banished to the penal settlement

at Newcastle, then only accessible by sea. In 1826 re-offending convicts were put to work on one of 19th century Australia’s greatest engineering feats - the Great North Road.

continued next page

09

Page 10: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

By the early 1820s, the Colony was expanding rapidly and settlers began taking up land in the fertile Hunter Valley. Sailing ships were the only way people, goods and stock could get to and from Sydney. The settlers petitioned for a decent road. In 1825, Assistant Surveyor Heneage Finch was sent to survey a suitable route. He followed a number of aboriginal tracks along the ridgetops.

Governor Ralph Darling immediately assigned convict road gangs to start building the road. By 1833 it was almost complete. However, sections of the Road which passed along remote and desolate ridges,

with little food or water for travelling stock, were not popular. Travellers quickly found it preferable to use alternative tracks, such as the one through the Macdonald Valley where there were people and inns, as well as fodder and water for stock.

In 1832, the first steamships began replacing sailing ships, so sea travel became safer and faster. Fifty years later railways

were opened, further reducing the traffic on the Road. In 1930, when motor cars were becoming a more popular method of

travel, the Pacific Highway was opened. So the Great North Road became a quiet back road, where travellers can still experience the 19th century ambience of its heyday.

Rather than be allowed to languish in gaol, many convicts who had committed another offence were sent to build roads in remote areas. They were assigned to Iron Gangs and worked in leg-irons; an iron collar around each ankle was joined together by a length of chain. Weighing up to 6kg, these could only be put on or removed by a blacksmith.

One overseer was assigned to each gang of between 50 and 60 men.The Surveyor General appointed one of his principal surveyors to supervise construction in each area. The men lived and worked under difficult conditions; the discipline was harsh and the shelter minimal. Some convicts absconded, but most didn’t stay at liberty for long as the bush was wild and forbidding to those unaccustomed to it.

Solomon Wiseman

10

April 28 – “Janet Seidel Trio Returns to the Retreat”“Smooth, sophisticated and stylish, the Janet Seidel Trio has a uniquely warm and natural approach to sound that comes as a breath of fresh air wherever they go. With a wealth of experience worldwide, from recording studios (17 CDs released), live radio performances (including ABC, BBC, Japan etc), concert halls, theatres, jazz clubs and festivals, cabaret venues to country halls and private parties, Janet’s captivating voice along with superb guitar and bass, wins over new audiences time and again. The current trio since 2001 features guitarist Chuck Morgan and bass player David Seidel (Janet’s brother).”

For more information go to www.convicttrail.org

Page 11: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

11

www.hhart.com.au

COME, STAY AND ENJOY the unique part of Australian history

~ Enjoy, Protect, Conserve & Appreciate your Heritage ~

PRICE MORRIS COTTAGE37 Upper Macdonald Road, St Albans NSW 2775 Australia

(02) 4568-2121 [email protected]

Plush & PamperedChoosing your accommodation is as important as the journey itself. Experience brings

you some unique options, so you may enjoy the local culture and hospitality.

When I think of peace, quiet and tranquil moments I always sneak back to the Hawkesbury River area and this time I chose the old sandstone St Albans Court House: built in 1890, it was now a B&B. We checked in late on Friday afternoon and did a quick tour around the inside of the building – we had it all to ourselves … three bedrooms all with iron post beds (these were probably the private chambers), a huge sitting room and formal dining room (the old courtroom), an old well-equipped kitchen, and two bathrooms that occupied the two gaol cells and were accessed through the fully enclosed prisoner’s exercise yard – now a delightful sitting area. It was so intriguing to be staying in this beautiful old building that I could hardly contain my excitement.

For dinner that night we grabbed a torch and walked across the old wooden bridge and dined at The Settlers Arms on the banks of the Macdonald River. This old Inn was built in the 1840s. It was like a step back in time as we chatted with the locals and swapped stories of our lives and theirs. It was a very cold and foggy night as we found our way back across the bridge, up the gentle slope and let ourselves into our grand accommodation. It seemed bizarre to have the run of this old place as it echoed with our voices. A quick rush to the loo through the exercise yard was a bit unnerving at this time of night as the huge iron door slammed shut behind me. It was then I hoped I wouldn’t have to make the trip through the night – by myself!

Just before we hopped into bed I turned and locked the door to our room. I’m not sure why, but I felt more secure with us locked in here and safe from the rest of the house that was just on the other side of this huge old door.

After a delightful evening, a hearty meal and a few wines, it didn’t take either of us long to fall into a heavy sleep. Sometime through the night

I was aware of someone … more than one … maybe three people calling my full name. I’m always known as Bev but these people were calling … “Beverley …. Beverley …” and trying to pull me from my bed. I resisted but they persisted. Calling, pulling and trying to encourage me to go with them, at times almost pulling my sleep drenched body to an almost sitting position. Then I slept a most beautiful sleep and woke early the next morning, refreshed!

I cooked a tasty breakfast with the bacon and eggs that had been left in the kitchen for us. I felt at home, comfy and contented and then I

remembered the night before. I asked Phil if he had tried to wake me through the night. Had he called my name; had he pulled me by the arms. NO he declared! I shrugged it off but the thoughts kept coming back to me it was so real; it couldn’t have been a dream. My other experiences with the supernatural had been in places that I could relate to my family in past generations but not St Albans; I had no contact here.

The years passed by but this experience remained with me. Then in about 1999 I decided to research my family tree. My parents had passed away and I had to start from scratch, steadily working back through the generations. I eventually found I had convicts on all my dad’s lines and all had been allocated land grants, and had settled in the Hawkesbury River area.

During the research of my paternal line, I discovered that these ancestors had acquired a second land grant that was only a couple of kilometres from the old St Alban’s Court House where we had stayed. Their forebears had lived and worked in and around this very area. They had travelled the river highways and ridden horses and driven carts along the rough tracks and eventually died and were buried in and around this quiet valley.

Were they calling me that night? I continue to be drawn to this area. I love to visit and I never tire of going back … going home!

Page 12: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

two previous rebellions, knew that the most important element of a rebellion was secrecy. However there were two defections and the commandant at Parramatta had warning of the rebellion a few hours before it began, commenced defensive measures and sent a message to the Governor in Sydney. When John Cavenah set fire to his hut at 8pm, signalling beginning of the uprising Cunningham activated the plan to gather weapons, ammunition, food and recruits from the government farm at Toongabbie. He then headed to Constitution Hill outside Parramatta, collecting weapons and recruits from the farms on the way, there to execute the second phase - to take over the town, its weaponry and ammunition.

The Rebels PrepareThe rebels quickly expanded to the areas of Rouse Hill and Kellyville. During this phase they obtained almost one third of the entire colony’s armaments. However with their courier having defected, the callout messages to Windsor, Parramatta and Sydney failed, and the uprising was confined to the Castle Hill area; the planned concentration of 1,100 fell far short of its target. After fruitlessly waiting for a signal of a successful internal takeover of Parramatta, and the non-appearance of several hundred reinforcements Cunningham, having already declared his hand, and deprived of both surprise and overwhelming numbers, had no recourse but to withdraw to the Hawkesbury to pick up his missing forces on the way to add to his mere 250.

The BattleMajor Johnston's contingent, wearied by their night march, was obviously going to need time to close with the retreating rebels. He first sent his mounted trooper on to call them to surrender. This failing, he dispatched Roman Catholic priest Father James Dixon to appeal to them.

Meanwhile the pursuing forces had closed up and Major Johnston with Trooper Anlezark came again to parley, calling down the leaders Cunningham and Johnston from the hill. Demanding their surrender, he received the response from Cunningham 'Death or Liberty' and by some report added 'and a ship to take us home'.

“...Death or Liberty..... and a ship to take us home...”

With the NSW Corps and Active Defence now formed up behind him Major Johnston and the trooper produced pistols and shepherded the two leaders back to unfriendly lines. Quartermaster Sergeant Thomas Laycock, on being given the order to engage, directed fifteen minutes of musket fire, then charged. The now leaderless rebels first tried to fire back, but then broke and ran.

Three hundred were eventually brought in over three days. Of the nearly 300 rebels directly engaged in the battle, 15 were killed, nine executed, seven whipped with 200 or 500 lashes then allotted to the Coal River chain gang, 26 sent to the Newcastle coal mines, others put on good behaviour orders against a trip to Norfolk Island, and most pardoned as having been coerced into the rising. Cunningham was court martialled under the Martial Law and hanged at the Commissariat Store at Windsor, which he had bragged he would burn down.

The Castle Hill Rebellion of 1804 was a rebellion by convicts against colonial authority in the Castle Hill Area. The rebellion culminated in a battle at Rouse Hill, dubbed the Battle of Vinegar Hill after the Battle of Vinegar Hill of 1798, fought between convicts and the Colonial forces of Australia on 5 March 1804. It was the first and only major convict uprising in Australian history.

On 4 March 1804, 233 convicts led by Phillip Cunningham (a veteran of the Irish Rebellion of 1798) escaped from a farm intent on capturing ships to sail to Ireland. In response, martial law was quickly declared in New South Wales. The mostly Irish rebels, having gathered reinforcements, were hunted by the colonial forces until they were sequestered on 5 March 1804 on a hillock nicknamed Vinegar Hill. Under a flag of truce, Cunningham was arrested

and troops charged and the rebellion was swifly crushed by raid. Nine of the rebel leaders were executed and hundreds were punished before martial law was finally revoked on 12 March 1804.

“...The survivors of the battle from both camps, and their children after them, were the pioneers of this very nation...”

The RisingPhillip Cunningham and William Johnston, another Irish convict at Castle Hill, planned the uprising in which 685 convicts at Castle Hill planned to meet with nearly 1,100 convicts from the Hawkesbury River area, rally at Constitution Hill, and march on Parramatta and then Sydney (Port Jackson) itself.

On the evening of 4 March 1804, a hut at Castle Hill was set afire as the signal for the rebellion to begin. With Cunningham leading, 200 rebels broke into the Government Farm's buildings, taking firearms, ammunition, and other weapons. The rebels then went from farm to farm on their way to Constitution Hill at Parramatta, seizing more weapons and supplies including rum and spirits.

The rebels at Constitution Hill were having difficulties co-ordinating their force as several parties had lost their way in the night. The messenger sent to pass out the rising instructions had defected to the authorities and those in the town and environs did not receive the callout, nor did the convicts at the Hawkesbury.

Preliminary stagePhillip Cunningham, being involved in

12

Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

Page 13: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

two previous rebellions, knew that the most important element of a rebellion was secrecy. However there were two defections and the commandant at Parramatta had warning of the rebellion a few hours before it began, commenced defensive measures and sent a message to the Governor in Sydney. When John Cavenah set fire to his hut at 8pm, signalling beginning of the uprising Cunningham activated the plan to gather weapons, ammunition, food and recruits from the government farm at Toongabbie. He then headed to Constitution Hill outside Parramatta, collecting weapons and recruits from the farms on the way, there to execute the second phase - to take over the town, its weaponry and ammunition.

The Rebels PrepareThe rebels quickly expanded to the areas of Rouse Hill and Kellyville. During this phase they obtained almost one third of the entire colony’s armaments. However with their courier having defected, the callout messages to Windsor, Parramatta and Sydney failed, and the uprising was confined to the Castle Hill area; the planned concentration of 1,100 fell far short of its target. After fruitlessly waiting for a signal of a successful internal takeover of Parramatta, and the non-appearance of several hundred reinforcements Cunningham, having already declared his hand, and deprived of both surprise and overwhelming numbers, had no recourse but to withdraw to the Hawkesbury to pick up his missing forces on the way to add to his mere 250.

The BattleMajor Johnston's contingent, wearied by their night march, was obviously going to need time to close with the retreating rebels. He first sent his mounted trooper on to call them to surrender. This failing, he dispatched Roman Catholic priest Father James Dixon to appeal to them.

Meanwhile the pursuing forces had closed up and Major Johnston with Trooper Anlezark came again to parley, calling down the leaders Cunningham and Johnston from the hill. Demanding their surrender, he received the response from Cunningham 'Death or Liberty' and by some report added 'and a ship to take us home'.

“...Death or Liberty..... and a ship to take us home...”

With the NSW Corps and Active Defence now formed up behind him Major Johnston and the trooper produced pistols and shepherded the two leaders back to unfriendly lines. Quartermaster Sergeant Thomas Laycock, on being given the order to engage, directed fifteen minutes of musket fire, then charged. The now leaderless rebels first tried to fire back, but then broke and ran.

Three hundred were eventually brought in over three days. Of the nearly 300 rebels directly engaged in the battle, 15 were killed, nine executed, seven whipped with 200 or 500 lashes then allotted to the Coal River chain gang, 26 sent to the Newcastle coal mines, others put on good behaviour orders against a trip to Norfolk Island, and most pardoned as having been coerced into the rising. Cunningham was court martialled under the Martial Law and hanged at the Commissariat Store at Windsor, which he had bragged he would burn down.

The Castle Hill Rebellion of 1804 was a rebellion by convicts against colonial authority in the Castle Hill Area. The rebellion culminated in a battle at Rouse Hill, dubbed the Battle of Vinegar Hill after the Battle of Vinegar Hill of 1798, fought between convicts and the Colonial forces of Australia on 5 March 1804. It was the first and only major convict uprising in Australian history.

On 4 March 1804, 233 convicts led by Phillip Cunningham (a veteran of the Irish Rebellion of 1798) escaped from a farm intent on capturing ships to sail to Ireland. In response, martial law was quickly declared in New South Wales. The mostly Irish rebels, having gathered reinforcements, were hunted by the colonial forces until they were sequestered on 5 March 1804 on a hillock nicknamed Vinegar Hill. Under a flag of truce, Cunningham was arrested

and troops charged and the rebellion was swifly crushed by raid. Nine of the rebel leaders were executed and hundreds were punished before martial law was finally revoked on 12 March 1804.

“...The survivors of the battle from both camps, and their children after them, were the pioneers of this very nation...”

The RisingPhillip Cunningham and William Johnston, another Irish convict at Castle Hill, planned the uprising in which 685 convicts at Castle Hill planned to meet with nearly 1,100 convicts from the Hawkesbury River area, rally at Constitution Hill, and march on Parramatta and then Sydney (Port Jackson) itself.

On the evening of 4 March 1804, a hut at Castle Hill was set afire as the signal for the rebellion to begin. With Cunningham leading, 200 rebels broke into the Government Farm's buildings, taking firearms, ammunition, and other weapons. The rebels then went from farm to farm on their way to Constitution Hill at Parramatta, seizing more weapons and supplies including rum and spirits.

The rebels at Constitution Hill were having difficulties co-ordinating their force as several parties had lost their way in the night. The messenger sent to pass out the rising instructions had defected to the authorities and those in the town and environs did not receive the callout, nor did the convicts at the Hawkesbury.

Preliminary stagePhillip Cunningham, being involved in

www.hhart.com.au

13

two previous rebellions, knew that the most important element of a rebellion was secrecy. However there were two defections and the commandant at Parramatta had warning of the rebellion a few hours before it began, commenced defensive measures and sent a message to the Governor in Sydney. When John Cavenah set fire to his hut at 8pm, signalling beginning of the uprising Cunningham activated the plan to gather weapons, ammunition, food and recruits from the government farm at Toongabbie. He then headed to Constitution Hill outside Parramatta, collecting weapons and recruits from the farms on the way, there to execute the second phase - to take over the town, its weaponry and ammunition.

The Rebels PrepareThe rebels quickly expanded to the areas of Rouse Hill and Kellyville. During this phase they obtained almost one third of the entire colony’s armaments. However with their courier having defected, the callout messages to Windsor, Parramatta and Sydney failed, and the uprising was confined to the Castle Hill area; the planned concentration of 1,100 fell far short of its target. After fruitlessly waiting for a signal of a successful internal takeover of Parramatta, and the non-appearance of several hundred reinforcements Cunningham, having already declared his hand, and deprived of both surprise and overwhelming numbers, had no recourse but to withdraw to the Hawkesbury to pick up his missing forces on the way to add to his mere 250.

The BattleMajor Johnston's contingent, wearied by their night march, was obviously going to need time to close with the retreating rebels. He first sent his mounted trooper on to call them to surrender. This failing, he dispatched Roman Catholic priest Father James Dixon to appeal to them.

Meanwhile the pursuing forces had closed up and Major Johnston with Trooper Anlezark came again to parley, calling down the leaders Cunningham and Johnston from the hill. Demanding their surrender, he received the response from Cunningham 'Death or Liberty' and by some report added 'and a ship to take us home'.

“...Death or Liberty..... and a ship to take us home...”

With the NSW Corps and Active Defence now formed up behind him Major Johnston and the trooper produced pistols and shepherded the two leaders back to unfriendly lines. Quartermaster Sergeant Thomas Laycock, on being given the order to engage, directed fifteen minutes of musket fire, then charged. The now leaderless rebels first tried to fire back, but then broke and ran.

Three hundred were eventually brought in over three days. Of the nearly 300 rebels directly engaged in the battle, 15 were killed, nine executed, seven whipped with 200 or 500 lashes then allotted to the Coal River chain gang, 26 sent to the Newcastle coal mines, others put on good behaviour orders against a trip to Norfolk Island, and most pardoned as having been coerced into the rising. Cunningham was court martialled under the Martial Law and hanged at the Commissariat Store at Windsor, which he had bragged he would burn down.

The survivors of the battle from both camps, and their children after them, were the pioneers of this very nation (top and below).

Men in moved through the trees of Castle Hill in an area mostly unsettled and carrying guns, pitchforks and poles (below).

15historicalexperience

The Castle Hill Rebellion of 1804 was a rebellion by convicts against colonial authority in the Castle Hill Area. The rebellion culminated in a battle at Rouse Hill, dubbed the Battle of Vinegar Hill after the Battle of Vinegar Hill of 1798, fought between convicts and the Colonial forces of Australia on 5 March 1804. It was the first and only major convict uprising in Australian history.

On 4 March 1804, 233 convicts led by Phillip Cunningham (a veteran of the Irish Rebellion of 1798) escaped from a farm intent on capturing ships to sail to Ireland. In response, martial law was quickly declared in New South Wales. The mostly Irish rebels, having gathered reinforcements, were hunted by the colonial forces until they were sequestered on 5 March 1804 on a hillock nicknamed Vinegar Hill. Under a flag of truce, Cunningham was arrested

and troops charged and the rebellion was swifly crushed by raid. Nine of the rebel leaders were executed and hundreds were punished before martial law was finally revoked on 12 March 1804.

“...The survivors of the battle from both camps, and their children after them, were the pioneers of this very nation...”

The RisingPhillip Cunningham and William Johnston, another Irish convict at Castle Hill, planned the uprising in which 685 convicts at Castle Hill planned to meet with nearly 1,100 convicts from the Hawkesbury River area, rally at Constitution Hill, and march on Parramatta and then Sydney (Port Jackson) itself.

On the evening of 4 March 1804, a hut at Castle Hill was set afire as the signal for the rebellion to begin. With Cunningham leading, 200 rebels broke into the Government Farm's buildings, taking firearms, ammunition, and other weapons. The rebels then went from farm to farm on their way to Constitution Hill at Parramatta, seizing more weapons and supplies including rum and spirits.

The rebels at Constitution Hill were having difficulties co-ordinating their force as several parties had lost their way in the night. The messenger sent to pass out the rising instructions had defected to the authorities and those in the town and environs did not receive the callout, nor did the convicts at the Hawkesbury.

Preliminary stagePhillip Cunningham, being involved in

Page 14: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

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Phone 1300 258 384email: [email protected]

14

Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

Ebenezer Churchestablished in 1809 and is

Australia’s oldest existing church

Visit Ebenezer Church, its colonial graveyard and the nearby Schoolmaster’s House. Open daily for devonshire teas, books, craft, jams and souvenirs. 10.00am to 3.00pm

95 Coromandel Road, Ebenezer, 2756

www.ebenezerchurch.org.au

Phone

02 4579 9350

204 years after its construction Ebenezer Church continues to be

a living church that conducts Sunday services, weddings, baptisms

and funerals and provides outreach for its community. The oldest

church in Australia (1809), the congregation is also committed to

sharing the fascinating history of the church by keeping the church

open for inspection daily from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

Nearby is the Schoolmaster’s House which caters for devonshire

teas and the sale of souvenirs, books, craft and local products.

Links are maintained with the descendants of the fifteen pioneer

families who settled in the Ebenezer district from 1803 and who

built the church in 1809.

The town was named after Eben-Ezer in the Bible, 1 Samuel 7:12, where it

says that Samuel set up a stone between Mizpah and Shen and gave

the name to Ebenezer.

Two pioneer family reunions are being held in the grounds

of Ebenezer Church this autumn. On Saturday 20 April the

descendants of Owen and Margaret Cavanough will assemble.

Sunday 5 May is the occasion for descendants of John and

Elizabeth Grono to meet. John Grono was a ship-builder and sea

captain. On one expedition he rescued 10 sailors who had been

left on an island off the west coast of New Zealand over three

years earlier. The 200th anniversary of this rescue will be the

focus of Grono celebrations at Ebenezer Church this year.

You will be most welcome at Ebenezer Church. You are invited to

inspect the pioneer-built church, visit the Schoolmaster’s House,

explore Ebenezer’s colonial graveyard, enjoy the peaceful view of

the Hawkesbury River and to sample our devonshire teas.

Ebenezer School

The school at Ebenezer was opened in 1810 under the

headmastership of John Youl, a layman of the Anglican Church. It

operated out of the church until the 1880s when a public school

was built. When this burnt down shortly afterwards, the school

returned to the church. The building was a school during

the week and a chapel on Sunday until the present public

school opened in 1902. A schoolmaster’s residence,

mentioned above, was

built in 1817.

www.sassafrascreek.com.au

83 Old Bells Line of Road Kurrajong Village NSW, Australia, 2758

Phone: (02) 45 730 988

Dine in a gallery. Magnificent views. Stylish ideas for your home.

We are a vibrant café, gallery and home wares store, serving contemporary Australian food, located in picturesque

Kurrajong Village at the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Boutique wine list from

the Orange Mudgee region.

Tuesday - Sunday 9am - 5pm70 Old Bells Line of Road

Kurrajong VillageP: 4573 1920

Home waresWomen’s fashion

Children’s books and toys

Page 15: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

15

www.hhart.com.au

Stay for a night... Stay for a week...

• alpacas, goats, chickens• self contained cottages• train carriages• log fire, heated spa, indoor pool• perfect for romantic weekends,

family holidays or group retreats

1880 Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Heights (02) 4567 7398

www.MadisonRetreat.com.au

Kee & Chris Hasemore991 River Rd, Lower Portland,

NSW 2756

0245755223www.fernconf.com.au

[email protected]

Ferndale is located 1.5 hour from Sydney CBD, on the magnificent Hawkesbury River.

“mid-week specials” for interest groups such as crafts and hobbies,

business meetings,etc.

 • �20�one�or�two�bedroom�log cabins with stunning river views or bushviews

 • �Tennis�court,�games�room�and swimming pool on site

 • �Tariffs�start�at�$110�per couple per night weekdays,�$150�per�couple per night weekend, including breakfast

Our conference room is purpose built in a superb location overlooking the Hawkesbury River.

FERNDALE COUNTRY RETREATA Natural Place to Meet

Kee & Chris Hasemore991�River�Rd,�Lower�Portland,��

NSW�2756

[email protected]

Ferndale is located 1.5 hour from Sydney CBD, on the magnificent Hawkesbury River.

“mid-week specials” for interest groups such as crafts and hobbies,

business meetings,etc.

 • �20�one�or�two�bedroom�log�cabins�with�stunning�river�views�or�bushviews

 • �Tennis�court,�games�room�and�swimming�pool�on�site

 • �Tariffs�start�at�$110�per�couple�per�night�weekdays,�$150�per�couple�per�night�weekend,�including�breakfast

Our conference room is purpose built in a superb location overlooking the Hawkesbury River.

FERNDALE COUNTRY RETREATA Natural Place to Meet

In the process of discussing my husband’s imminent retirement, I expressed my wish to move to a larger piece of land and have some animals. We started looking at choices of animals at the Easter Show. We entered the alpaca pavilion and fell in love. Such peaceful animals, and so gentle. We were now on a mission. I found a wonderful little farmstay in Kurrajong Heights with alpacas, and we decided to head off for a few days to get to know these beautiful animals.

“Madison’s Mountain Retreat” – the sign was shining brightly in the evening – we couldn’t miss it. We chose to stay in a spa cabin, which overlooked the alpaca paddock. It was very spacious with a separate bedroom and cooking facilities for the fabulous breakfast that was provided. It was still warm in the day, but the evenings were getting cool, so we started our log fire and borrowed a DVD to watch. The next morning, there were no animal noises as I expected. Alpacas are very quiet.

We headed off around the property and came across some very friendly goats. It was a relaxing bushwalk along a disused road, with lots of birds to admire, and a few lizards. The clean smells of the bush were so invigorating. We had lunch and read a magazine on alpacas, then it was animal feeding time. We learnt about what alpacas can eat, and they ate out of our hands! We learnt about breeding them and found out that alpacas live for around 20 years. Next, I suggested a swim in the indoor pool before dinner at a local restaurant with an excellent reputation – Apple Bar. The managers told us about National Alpaca Week 4th -12th May, and how they open all that week with demonstrations. I think I will bring the grandkids with me next time I come to Madison’s Mountain Retreat.

Jenny and David, Eastwood

Experience a Real Family Getaway

Page 16: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

16

Date Description of Event Location of Event Time For more information1 to 3-Mar FREE Computer and Television Recycling Event Hawkesbury Showground 9am-4pm www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events2 to 10-Mar Plants With Bite! Carnivorous Plant Festival Blue Mountains Botanic Garden,

Mount Tomah9:30am-5pm www.mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au

2, 9, 16, 23, 30-Mar

Bollywood or Brazilian Dance Entertainment at Kashi Indian Restaurant

Annangrove 8pm-8:30pm www.kashirestaurant.com.au

02-Mar Creative Writing Workshop Hornsby 1:30pm-4:30pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar6, 20-Mar Chinese Calligraphy Class Hornsby 9:45am-11:15am www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar6, 20-Mar Chinese Painting Class Hornsby 11:30am-1pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar07-Mar Eyes on You: After School for kids Hawkesbury Regional Gallery 4pm-5:30pm (02) 4560 4441 07-Mar Meet the Author - Caroline Overington

'Sisters of Mercy'Hornsby Central Library From 6:30pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar

8 to 10-Mar Castle Hill Show Castle Hill www.castlehillshow.com.au08-Mar Compost and Worm Farming workshop Hornsby 9:30am-11:30am www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar08-Mar Friday Night Dining at Riverside Oaks Golf Resort Cattai From 6:30pm www.riversideoaks.com.au08-Mar The Hills Shire Guided Walks Program: Night Walk Darling Mills Creek, North Rocks 7:30pm-9:30pm www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Tracks-and-Trails.html10, 17, 24 & 31-Mar

Australiana Pioneer Village Wilberforce 10am-4pm www.theaustralianapioneervillage.com.au

10-Mar Jazz @ Wisemans Riverbend Restaurant Australis Retreat at Wisemans, Wisemans Ferry

12pm-3pm www.wisemans.com.au

10-Mar Macquarie Princess Cruises Afternoon Tea Cruise Berowra Waters Marina 3pm-5pm www.macquarieprincesscruises.com.au10-Mar Wedding Open Day - Yarramundi House UWS Hawkesbury Campus 11am-2pm www.yarramundihouse.com.au 14-Mar Pen & Wash: After School for kids Hawkesbury Regional Gallery 4pm-5:30pm (02) 4560 4441 16-Mar Eco Garden Basics workshop at Fagan Park Galston 10am-12:30pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar17-Mar Free Chipping for Mulch - Free for Hornsby

Shire residentsGalston 8am-2:45pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar

17-Mar Free Skateboarding Workshop Thornleigh 10am-12pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar17-Mar Jazz at The Pines Dural 12:30pm-4pm www.hhart.com.au17-Mar Nature Drawing Workshop with Fiona

LumsdenBlue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah

10am-3pm www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

17-Mar Retreat Bridal Expo at Australis Retreat at Wisemans

Wisemans Ferry 10am-4pm www.wisemans.com.au

18-Mar Seniors Week Dance supported by The Hills Shire Council

Harvey Lowe Pavilion, Castle Hill 11am-4pm www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/seniors.html

21-Mar Cooking Class for Seniors Hornsby 11am-2pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar21-Mar The Human Figure: After School for Kids Hawkesbury Regional Gallery 4pm-5:30pm (02) 4560 4441 22-Mar Australiana Pioneer Village Ghost Tour Wilberforce 7pm-10pm www.theaustralianapioneervillage.com.au 23-Mar Earn Your Tucker at Rouse Hill House & Farm Rouse Hill 11am-1pm www.hht.net.au/whats_on23-Mar Garden Grooves presents

The Crooked Fiddle BandBlue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah

2pm-4pm www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

23-Mar Hawkesbury Harvest Castle Hill Farmers & Fine Food Markets

Castle Hill 8am-12pm www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au

23-Mar Native Plant Giveaway (only available to certain Hornsby residents)

Pennant Hills 1pm-3pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar

23-Mar The Hills Shire Guided Walks Program: Excelsior Creek

Castle Hill 10am-12pm www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Tracks-and-Trails.html

24-Mar Exhibition opening - Recent works by Margaret MacKisack

Sassafras Creek, Kurrajong Village 3pm-5pm www.sassafrascreek.com.au

24-Mar Glenorie Growers Market Glenorie 8am-1pm www.glenoriegrowers.com.au28-Mar Evergreen Turf (Aust) Dad and Daves Turf supporting

Hawkesbury Living Cancer Trust Race MeetHawkesbury Race Club, Clarendon 10:30am start www.hawkesburyraceclub.com.au

28-Mar Printmaking: After School for Kids Hawkesbury Regional Gallery 4pm-5:30pm (02) 4560 4441 29 to 31-Mar Easter Long Weekend Golf competition at

Riverside Oaks Golf ResortCattai www.riversideoaks.com.au

31-Mar EASTER SUNDAY31-Mar Free Skateboarding Workshop Galston 10am-12pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar31-Mar Tunes on the Terrace at Riverside Oaks Golf Resort Cattai From 12pm www.riversideoaks.com.au

Date Description of Event Location of Event Time For more information1-Apr Easter Long Weekend Golf competition at

Riverside Oaks Golf Resort Cattai www.riversideoaks.com.au

3, 17 Apr Chinese Calligraphy Class Hornsby 9:45am-11:15am www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar3, 17 Apr Chinese Painting Class Hornsby 11:30am-1pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar5-Apr The Hills Shire Guided Walks Program: Night Walk Scaly Bark Creek, Kenthurst 7pm-9pm www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Tracks-and-Trails.html6-Apr Lucy Child: Artist Talk at Hawkesbury

Regional GalleryWindsor 3pm-5pm www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/galleryexhibitions

6, 13, 20, 27 Apr

Bollywood or Brazilian dance entertainment at Kashi Indian Restaurant

Annangrove 8pm-8:30pm www.kashirestaurant.com.au

7, 14, 21, 28 Apr

Australiana Pioneer Village Wilberforce 10am-4pm www.theaustralianapioneervillage.com.au

7-Apr Free Skateboarding Workshop Berowra 10am-12pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar10-Apr Cooking class for families Hornsby 11am-2pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar11-Apr Richmond Club (Charity) Sweepstakes

Promotion Race MeetHawkesbury Race Club, Clarendon 10:30am start www.hawkesburyraceclub.com.au

12-Apr Friday Night Dining at Riverside Oaks Golf Resort Cattai From 6:30pm www.riversideoaks.com.au         12-Apr Youth Band Night hosted by The Hills Shire Council Hills Shire www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Youth.html13 to 28 Apr Golden Ridge Animal Farm Open Day Dural 11am start www.goldenridgeanimalfarm.com.au 13, 27 Apr Hawkesbury Harvest Castle Hill Farmers &

Fine Food MarketsCastle Hill 8am-12pm www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au

13-Apr Macquarie Princess Cruises Afternoon Tea Cruise Berowra Waters Marina 3pm-5pm www.macquarieprincesscruises.com.au13-Apr The Hills Shire Council: Youth Week Library Events Across Hills Shire Libraries www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Youth.html13-Apr The Hills Shire Guided Walks Program:

Hillside Walk Porters Rd Reserve, Kenthurst 10am-12pm www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Tracks-and-Trails.html

15, 16, 24, 26 Apr

Vision Valley Horse Day Camp Arcadia 9am-5pm www.wesleyvisionvalley.org.au

15, 17, 22, 23 Apr

Vision Valley Adventure Day Camp Arcadia 8:30am-5pm www.wesleyvisionvalley.org.au

16 to 19 Apr Vision Valley Autumn Holiday Camp Arcadia 9am start www.wesleyvisionvalley.org.au16-Apr Cooking class for kids aged 7-12 and their parents Hornsby 10am-1pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar17-Apr The Hills Shire Council: Youth Week Workshops Hills Shire www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Youth.html17-Apr Vision Valley Advanced Horse Day Camp Arcadia 9:30am-5pm www.wesleyvisionvalley.org.au17, 19, 24, 26 Apr

Miss Manners: Lessons in 19th-Century Etiquette

Rouse Hill House & Farm, Rouse Hill 11am-12:30pm www.hht.net.au/whats_on

19 to 21 Apr Hawkesbury Show Hawkesbury Showground 9am-10pm www.hawkesburyshow.com.au 19-Apr Australiana Pioneer Village Ghost Tour Wilberforce 7pm-10pm www.theaustralianapioneervillage.com.au 19-Apr Vision Valley Adventure Out Trip Arcadia 8:30am-5pm www.wesleyvisionvalley.org.au20-Apr Chipping for mulch day - Free for Hornsby

Shire ResidentsMt Kuring-Gai 8am-2:45pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar

20-Apr Earn Your Tucker at Rouse Hill House & Farm Rouse Hill 11am-1pm www.hht.net.au/whats_on20-Apr Owen & Margaret Cavanough Family

Reunion - descendants of Owen & Margaret Cavanough invited

Ebenezer Church, Ebenezer 10am-4pm (02) 4324 7504

21-Apr Jazz at The Pines Dural 12:30pm-4pm www.hhart.com.au22 to 23 Apr Vision Valley Adventure Campout Arcadia starts 2pm www.wesleyvisionvalley.org.au22 to 23 Apr Vision Valley Horse Campout Arcadia starts 9am www.wesleyvisionvalley.org.au24 to 28 Apr St. Albans Folk Music Festival St Albans various times www.stalbansfolkfestival.com.au25-Apr ANZAC DAY27-Apr TomahROMA Food and Wine Fair Blue Mountains Botanic Garden,

Mount Tomah9am - 4pm www.yourgardens.com.au

27-Apr Tree Tales children’s theatre at TomahROMA Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah

11am-12pm & 1pm-2pm

www.yourgardens.com.au

28-Apr Glenorie Growers Market Glenorie 8am-1pm www.glenoriegrowers.com.au28-Apr Jazz @ Wisemans Riverbend Restaurant Australis Retreat at Wisemans,

Wisemans Ferry12pm-3pm www.wisemans.com.au

28-Apr Tunes on the Terrace at Riverside Oaks Golf Resort Cattai From 12pm www.riversideoaks.com.au

Exhibitions at Hawkesbury Regional Museum for most up to date information visit www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/museumexhibitions8 Baker Street, Windsor

Sisters who sewed a fine seam: The Misses Stewartsheds light on the lives and livelihood of two remarkable girls from Bilpin who created garments and accessories for sale in David Jones and Farmers Department Stores in Sydney

River, Land, PeoplePaints with a broad brush the themes and events that have made the Hawkesbury what it is today.

Mighty MushroomsInsights and fascinating facts about the world’s favourite fungi

NEW! Historic Howe House is now open for inspection on weekends at 11am and 2pm and during the week by appointment for booked groups.

Exhibitions at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery for most up to date information visit www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/galleryexhibitions300 George Street, Deerubbin Centre, Windsor

Salvatore Zofrea: Days of Summer 22 Mar - 19 MayAn exhibition of wood blocks celebrating the ‘extraordinary range of Australian flora and fauna’.

Lucy Child: Printmaker - Small Gallery 22 Mar - 19 MayWood and linocuts depicting the Hawkesbury landscape.

The Guerilla in the Crocheted Bikini 24 May - 28 JulInvestigating the ‘craft explosion’ and the ways in which traditional craft techniques are being incorporated into the visual arts, including the ‘contemporary politics of craft.

Page 17: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

17

Long Running Events1 Mar-31 May Adventure Quest , Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount

Tomahwww.mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au

2 Mar-10 Mar Plants With Bite! Carnivorous Plant Festival, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah

www.mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au

2 Mar-23 Mar Xplosions - Art Exhibition, Ferry Artists Gallery www.ferryartists.org16 Mar-19 May Afternoon Tea at the Garden by Barbi Lock Lee, Blue

Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomahwww.yourgardens.com.au

Mid Mar- End Apr

Chestnut and Walnut Picking www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au (look under 'chestnuts')

17 Mar - 14 Apr Healthy Living Festival www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on6 Apr-21 Apr Sydney Wine Trail & Harvest Festival www.sva.hawkesbury.net.au/harvestfestival13 Apr-28 Apr Golden Ridge Animal Farm Open Days www.goldenridgeanimalfarm.com.au 4 May-12 May National Alpaca Week at Madisons Mountain Retreat www.madisonsretreat.com.au Autumn Apple Picking www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au

(look under 'apples')

The events listed here include some government and community run events across the region. Information was correct at time of printing. Please contact the event directly for most up to date information and to confirm if there are any changes or if you need to make a booking. Enjoy!

For events and activities across the Hills Shire libraries visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/libraryFor events and activities across the Hawkesbury City libraries visit www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/libraryactivities

For events and activities across the Hornsby Shire libraries visit www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/library

Date Description of Event Location of Event Time For more information1-Apr Easter Long Weekend Golf competition at

Riverside Oaks Golf Resort Cattai www.riversideoaks.com.au

3, 17 Apr Chinese Calligraphy Class Hornsby 9:45am-11:15am www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar3, 17 Apr Chinese Painting Class Hornsby 11:30am-1pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar5-Apr The Hills Shire Guided Walks Program: Night Walk Scaly Bark Creek, Kenthurst 7pm-9pm www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Tracks-and-Trails.html6-Apr Lucy Child: Artist Talk at Hawkesbury

Regional GalleryWindsor 3pm-5pm www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/galleryexhibitions

6, 13, 20, 27 Apr

Bollywood or Brazilian dance entertainment at Kashi Indian Restaurant

Annangrove 8pm-8:30pm www.kashirestaurant.com.au

7, 14, 21, 28 Apr

Australiana Pioneer Village Wilberforce 10am-4pm www.theaustralianapioneervillage.com.au

7-Apr Free Skateboarding Workshop Berowra 10am-12pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar10-Apr Cooking class for families Hornsby 11am-2pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar11-Apr Richmond Club (Charity) Sweepstakes

Promotion Race MeetHawkesbury Race Club, Clarendon 10:30am start www.hawkesburyraceclub.com.au

12-Apr Friday Night Dining at Riverside Oaks Golf Resort Cattai From 6:30pm www.riversideoaks.com.au         12-Apr Youth Band Night hosted by The Hills Shire Council Hills Shire www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Youth.html13 to 28 Apr Golden Ridge Animal Farm Open Day Dural 11am start www.goldenridgeanimalfarm.com.au 13, 27 Apr Hawkesbury Harvest Castle Hill Farmers &

Fine Food MarketsCastle Hill 8am-12pm www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au

13-Apr Macquarie Princess Cruises Afternoon Tea Cruise Berowra Waters Marina 3pm-5pm www.macquarieprincesscruises.com.au13-Apr The Hills Shire Council: Youth Week Library Events Across Hills Shire Libraries www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Youth.html13-Apr The Hills Shire Guided Walks Program:

Hillside Walk Porters Rd Reserve, Kenthurst 10am-12pm www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Tracks-and-Trails.html

15, 16, 24, 26 Apr

Vision Valley Horse Day Camp Arcadia 9am-5pm www.wesleyvisionvalley.org.au

15, 17, 22, 23 Apr

Vision Valley Adventure Day Camp Arcadia 8:30am-5pm www.wesleyvisionvalley.org.au

16 to 19 Apr Vision Valley Autumn Holiday Camp Arcadia 9am start www.wesleyvisionvalley.org.au16-Apr Cooking class for kids aged 7-12 and their parents Hornsby 10am-1pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar17-Apr The Hills Shire Council: Youth Week Workshops Hills Shire www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Youth.html17-Apr Vision Valley Advanced Horse Day Camp Arcadia 9:30am-5pm www.wesleyvisionvalley.org.au17, 19, 24, 26 Apr

Miss Manners: Lessons in 19th-Century Etiquette

Rouse Hill House & Farm, Rouse Hill 11am-12:30pm www.hht.net.au/whats_on

19 to 21 Apr Hawkesbury Show Hawkesbury Showground 9am-10pm www.hawkesburyshow.com.au 19-Apr Australiana Pioneer Village Ghost Tour Wilberforce 7pm-10pm www.theaustralianapioneervillage.com.au 19-Apr Vision Valley Adventure Out Trip Arcadia 8:30am-5pm www.wesleyvisionvalley.org.au20-Apr Chipping for mulch day - Free for Hornsby

Shire ResidentsMt Kuring-Gai 8am-2:45pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar

20-Apr Earn Your Tucker at Rouse Hill House & Farm Rouse Hill 11am-1pm www.hht.net.au/whats_on20-Apr Owen & Margaret Cavanough Family

Reunion - descendants of Owen & Margaret Cavanough invited

Ebenezer Church, Ebenezer 10am-4pm (02) 4324 7504

21-Apr Jazz at The Pines Dural 12:30pm-4pm www.hhart.com.au22 to 23 Apr Vision Valley Adventure Campout Arcadia starts 2pm www.wesleyvisionvalley.org.au22 to 23 Apr Vision Valley Horse Campout Arcadia starts 9am www.wesleyvisionvalley.org.au24 to 28 Apr St. Albans Folk Music Festival St Albans various times www.stalbansfolkfestival.com.au25-Apr ANZAC DAY27-Apr TomahROMA Food and Wine Fair Blue Mountains Botanic Garden,

Mount Tomah9am - 4pm www.yourgardens.com.au

27-Apr Tree Tales children’s theatre at TomahROMA Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah

11am-12pm & 1pm-2pm

www.yourgardens.com.au

28-Apr Glenorie Growers Market Glenorie 8am-1pm www.glenoriegrowers.com.au28-Apr Jazz @ Wisemans Riverbend Restaurant Australis Retreat at Wisemans,

Wisemans Ferry12pm-3pm www.wisemans.com.au

28-Apr Tunes on the Terrace at Riverside Oaks Golf Resort Cattai From 12pm www.riversideoaks.com.au

Date Description of Event Location of Event Time For more information1, 15, 26 May Chinese Calligraphy Class Hornsby 9:45am-11:15am www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar1, 15, 26 May Chinese Painting Class Hornsby 11:30am-1pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar4-May Hawkesbury's Stand Alone Saturday

Schweppes Guineas Race MeetHawkesbury Race Club, Clarendon 10:30am start www.hawkesburyraceclub.com.au

4-May Native Plant Giveaway (only available to certain Hornsby residents)

Pennant Hills 1pm-3pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar

4-May Salvatore Zofrea: Artist Talk at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery

Windsor 3pm-5pm www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/galleryexhibitions

4-May The Hills District Historical Society open day "Transport in the Hills"

Balcombe Heights Estate 10am-4pm sites.google.com/site/hillsdistricthistoricalsociety

4 to 12 May Daily Alpaca Feeding at Madison's Mountain Retreat

Kurrajong Heights 3:30pm www.madisonsretreat.com.au

4, 11, 18, 25 May

Bollywood or Brazilian Dance Entertainment at Kashi Indian Restaurant

Annangrove 8pm-8:30pm www.kashirestaurant.com.au

5, 12, 19, 26 May

Australiana Pioneer Village Wilberforce 10am-4pm www.theaustralianapioneervillage.com.au

5-May Grono Family Reunion - All Grono descendants invited

Ebenezer Church, Ebenezer 10am start [email protected]

5-May The Hills Shire Guided Walks Program: First Contact Walk

Fred Caterson Reserve, Castle Hill 2pm-4pm www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Tracks-and-Trails.html

8, 18 May Compost and Worm Farming workshop Hornsby 9:30am-11:30am www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar10-May Friday Night Dining at Riverside

Oaks Golf ResortCattai From 6:30pm www.riversideoaks.com.au

11, 25 May Hawkesbury Harvest Castle Hill Farmers & Fine Food Markets

Castle Hill 8am-12pm www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au

11-May Spinning Alpaca Fleece at Madison's Mountain Retreat

Kurrajong Heights 9.30am-2pm www.madisonsretreat.com.au

12-May MOTHERS DAY12-May Mothers Day Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon

Tea at The SebelThe Sebel Resort & Spa, Hawkes-bury Valley

7am-5pm www.sebelhawkesbury.com.au

12-May Mothers Day Lunch at Australis Retreat at Wisemans

Wisemans Ferry from 12pm www.wisemans.com.au

12-May Mothers Day Lunch at Yarramundi House UWS Hawkesbury Campus 12pm-4pm www.yarramundihouse.com.au 12-May Mothers Day Luncheon at Riverside Oaks

Golf ResortCattai From 12pm www.riversideoaks.com.au

14-May Kimbriki Tour & Eco Gardening Talk (free to Hornsby Shire residents)

Terry Hills 9am-2:30pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar

17-May Australiana Pioneer Village Ghost Tour Wilberforce 7pm-10pm www.theaustralianapioneervillage.com.au 17-May Hornsby Shire Council: One World Multi

Cultural Event Hornsby 10am-4pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/oneworld

18-May Compost and Worm Farming Workshop Hornsby 9:30am-11:30am www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar18-May Earn Your Tucker at Rouse Hill House & Farm Rouse Hill 11am-1pm www.hht.net.au/whats_on19-May Colonial Gastronomy: From Farm to Fork Rouse Hill House & Farm 1pm-3pm www.hht.net.au/whats_on19-May Free Chipping for Mulch - Free for Hornsby

Shire residentsWestleigh 8am-2:45pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar

19-May Jazz at The Pines Dural 12:30pm-4pm www.hhart.com.au23-May Windsor Rotary (Charity) Race Meet Hawkesbury Race Club, Clarendon 10:30am start www.hawkesburyraceclub.com.au25-May The Hills Shire Guided Walks Program:

Murri Yanna TrackRifle Range Rd, Northmead 2pm-4pm www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Tracks-and-Trails.html

26-May Compost Revolution Celebration, Fagan Park Galston 9:30am-11:30am www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar26-May Free Skateboarding Workshop Galston 10am-12pm www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/calendar26-May Glenorie Growers Market Glenorie 8am-1pm www.glenoriegrowers.com.au26-May Jazz @ Wisemans Riverbend Restaurant Australis Retreat at Wisemans,

Wisemans Ferry12pm-3pm www.wisemans.com.au

26-May Tunes on the Terrace at Riverside Oaks Golf Resort

Cattai From 12pm www.riversideoaks.com.au

Salvatore Zofrea: Days of Summer 22 Mar - 19 MayAn exhibition of wood blocks celebrating the ‘extraordinary range of Australian flora and fauna’.

Lucy Child: Printmaker - Small Gallery 22 Mar - 19 MayWood and linocuts depicting the Hawkesbury landscape.

The Guerilla in the Crocheted Bikini 24 May - 28 JulInvestigating the ‘craft explosion’ and the ways in which traditional craft techniques are being incorporated into the visual arts, including the ‘contemporary politics of craft.

A Farmers Daughter - Small Gallery 24 May - 28 JulInstallation of the preloved by Hawkesbury object designer Alicia Goldstein.

Regular EventsKashi Indian RestaurantBollywood or Brazilian dancers every Saturday night, live Sarood (Indian musical instrument) player Thursdays and Fridays & Food Festival Lunches every Sunday at Kashi Indian Restaurantwww.kashirestaurant.com.au

Brunch at Crowne Plaza Norwest every Sundaywww.crowneplazanorwest.com.au

High Tea at the Sebel, every Friday and Sundaywww.sebelhawkesbury.com.au

A huge and interesting mix of short and ongoing educational courses at Learn2: Business & Community Training Hubwww.learn2.com.au

Page 18: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

It’s difficult to spend quality time with the family when there are so many other distractions. With a little planning, families can recapture their time together.

The Benefits ofQuality Family Time

The Hills Tracks and Trails program is designed to inspire people to get out, be active, and use local open space areas. The Hills, Hawkesbury and Hornsby Shires boast a range of beautiful recreation locations including great cycle ways and walking tracks. Why not get out and get active and enjoy what our local area has to offer.

A Stay with a DifferenceYou can’t go past the Australis Retreat at Wisemans for a “Stay with a Difference”. This couple enjoyed the music, the beauty and lots more..... more details on page 10.

“We have stayed at the Retreat a few times and really enjoy the beauty of the area and the peace and tranquillity. The facilities are great and the staff some of the nicest, most helpful people you could meet. We receive the Retreat’s email newsletter and it’s good to get the latest information on what’s happening at the Retreat and in the area. It’s also good because we hear about any specials going. The Retreat started its monthly Sunday Jazz lunches at the beginning of last year and we went to the first performance – Sandie White! It was a fantastic day – great music by a legend of Jazz and the way the lunch was served was well worth the $49 a head. We didn’t have to stand, we weren’t crowded in and we had our own table very close to the musicians.

Last month we headed to the Retreat to see Johnny Nicol and his supporting act – the musos were wonderful. Johnny’s voice is as smooth as butter and Laurie and Darren complemented his work. The antipasto served as an entree was first class.

Normally to get to see this quality of jazz, you need to go to places like Taylors in the city. This is much better, no traffic, easy parking and great food as well. We’ll be back again.”

Peter and Mara Bernhards.

Where to Stay with the FamilyOne of our readers recently stayed at Kurrajong Trails and Cottages (contact details on page 24). Here is their experience:

“Easter is here again! Chocolate, good wine, jacaranda blue skies by day and endless stars by night, camp fires, bush walks, no timetables, no computers and no TV! The 4 day long weekend feels like a week’s holiday now the children are older and we manage to get away Thursday night for the Easter break.

Our horses, Alex and Barbie-doll, are agisted on Kurrajong Trails and April weather is ideal to exercise them, riding in the valley following the track that winds along beside Wheeny Creek.

The cooler days encourage us to again test our fitness along the many bush walking tracks through the sandstone foot hills and our dog loves it too! Canoeing along the creek is a must during every visit - the kids race but we prefer the more leisurely pace!

‘Flat rock’ camp fire area is a favourite spot for the kids and their mates in the evenings, with plenty of dead wood & garden prunings to build a bonfire.

We just love the outdoor activities as well as the good old-fashioned activities; monopoly (thrashing the kids!), a game of cards, darts or table tennis in the entertainment shed, our books and most importantly, a time for us to catch up with each other without the distractions of everyday life.

- Diana, Bob & the Gang

18

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Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

20

BISTRO Lunch specials 7 days

12 meals at $12 each    

Monday  Night  $12 Schnitzel

Tuesday  Night  $12 T-bone or Fish N Chips

Wednesday  Night  $15 ½ lobster Mornay

Glenorie RSL

TIZZANA WINERY

OPEN 12 noon to 6 pmSaturday, Sunday& Public Holidays

Other Times by Appointment

518 Tizzana Road, EbenezerPhone: (02) 4579 1150

www.tizzana.com.au Corner Argyle and Mileham Streets South Windsor 02 4587 6900

Page 21: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

www.hhart.com.au

Enjoy our Local Clubs & CafésMany of our local Clubs offer some great entertainment and many have high quality bistros and restaurants.

This month we feature Glenorie RSL. Glenorie RSL is a small community Club with a great country atmosphere, situated in the Glenorie village overlooking the Blue Mountains. The club is the major sponsor of the Hills Hawks Soccer Club, Pacific Hills Soccer Club,Glenorie Galston Cricket Club, Hills Hawks Rugby League Club & Glenorie Pony Club.

The Club provides help to the community in many in-kind ways as well. Tearo, the Club’s caterer produces delicious meals in the bistro and with regular specials happening every day it’s hard to find better value anywhere else. Every lunchtime there are 12 meals available at $12 each, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday also have $12 specials each night.

The Club has live entertainment once a month on a Friday night. Mr Breeze, Déjà Vu, Double Vision, & rocker Covers are some of the regulars that perform. A great time is had by all with many going home with sore feet from dancing night away.

Glenorie is a great stop if you are driving to Wisemans or Berowra Waters to collect a boat or do some watersports. Dont forget our many riverside cafés, restaurants and tourist resorts along the Hawkesbury River. There is so much choice for a week, a weekend or just a day out.

Lower Portland HamletLower Portland is a peaceful village located at the

junction of the Colo and Hawkesbury rivers. The area has historical significance, is scenic and is popular for water skiing. Lower Portland was named after William Henry Cavendish Bentinck, Third Duke of Portland and Prime Minister of Great Britain in 1783, 1807-1809. The name was first used in 1805 and almost certainly seems associated with the story that a rock on the plateau above the headland resembed the Duke of Portand. Lower Portland was the area settled downstream from Portland Head.

The Lower Portland Ferry is one of only 4 vehicular ferries operating across the Hawkesbury River. The River Road is a popular scenic drive. Visitors to Lower Portland can hire houseboats from Paradise Afloat, purchase lunch at the lovely Paradise Cafe & Pizzeria, and then take a walk along the riverfront.

21

02 4573 6181www.goodazgoldtours.com.au

•  Bus & Coach Hire for any occasion.

•   Weddings, Race Days & Special Events.

•  Hawkesbury Heritage Tours

•  Farm Gate Trail Tours

•  Sydney Boutique Winery Tour

•  12-21 Seat Mini-Buses

•  49-72 Seat Luxury Coaches

•  49-70 Seat School Buses

Page 22: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

Address: 61 Hawkesbury Valley Way, Windsor NSW 2756Phone: (02) 4577 4222 Fax: (02) 4577 5410 Website: www.sebelhawkesbury.com.au

22

Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

Page 23: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

23

www.hhart.com.au

We all played with the magical ‘fairies’ at the bottom of

the garden when we were little girls, and watched Disney

princess movies imagining we would one day be fitted

for our own glass shoe…the innocence of our childhood

allowed these fantasies to come to life and bring us joy and

frivolity. Then we grew up!

Why should we give up our innate desires to pretend,

play dress up and have fun just because we now have

responsibilities? We shouldn’t! As mothers, it is even

more important to laugh and play so that we can

muster up the energy needed to work and look after

those who depend on us being our best.

Life is about balance. We’ve all heard that time and

time again and that is because it is a pearl of wisdom that

will always remain true.

This is why I think Mother’s Day should be a role reversal;

mums should be the ones receiving special

treats. We should be waited on, not waiting

for, saying yes to sugary goodness, not to

the sensible healthy option, and given

choices instead of taking what’s left.

Get outside; go down to the bottom of

the garden by the Lake at The Sebel!

Eat some chocolate! Pretend you

have nothing to do and nowhere to be.

Escape for a little while; real life will still

be there when you come back.

If you’re agreeing with all this and internally

sighing because the thought of organising

something like that seems more hassle than what

it’s worth, then you need to pass the following

information to your partner and children

(on the right).

$12 ADULTS | $10 CONCESSION | $25 FAMILY

jazzat thepines

2013

12.30pm - 4pmRoughley House at The Pines

20 February Errol Buddle Jazz Quintet

20 March Bridge City Jazz Band

17 April Mike Hallam’s Hot 6

15 May Zenith Quintet

18 September Mike Hallam’s Hot 6

16 October Zenith Quintet

20 November Bridge City Jazz Band

$12 ADULTS | $10 CONCESSION | $25 FAMILY

jazzat thepines

2013

12.30pm - 4pmRoughley House at The Pines

20 February Errol Buddle Jazz Quintet

20 March Bridge City Jazz Band

17 April Mike Hallam’s Hot 6

15 May Zenith Quintet

18 September Mike Hallam’s Hot 6

16 October Zenith Quintet

20 November Bridge City Jazz Band

17 March Mike Hallam & his Hot 6

21 April Bridge City Jazz

19 May Zenith

22 September Mike Hallam & his Hot 6

13 October Bridge City Jazz

17 November Zenith

Bookings Ph: 02 9651 4411 | www.hhart.com.au

Page 24: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

2424

Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

JerimudaBed & Breakfast

Kevin and Jenny O’Shea 72 laws farm road

lower portland nsw 2756tel 02 4579 1028

mobile 0425 289 366/[email protected]

www.jerimuda.com.au

JERIMUDA BED & BREAKFAST

Jerimuda is a little slice of paradise, it is so serene and beautiful out here. Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality and for sharing your house with us for the weekend. The breakfasts were amazing and thank you for sharing your photos with us too. Samantha and Cory, Gosford NSW

You define the word hospitality! Thank you sooo much for the food, great accommodations and conversations! Come see us on our island Bainbridge. Tom and Kathy, Bainbridge Island WA

Experience your own space at Nana & Pa's country retreat.

Relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the natural bush surroundingas you share the experience with our native lyrebirds.

Experience your own space at N

ana & Pa's country retreat.

Relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the natural bush surroundingas you share the experience w

ith our native lyrebirds.

Nana & Pa’s Country Retreat represents excellent value for money and is located

in Kurrajong Heights/Bilpin NSW.

Phone: (02) 4567 7166Mobile: 0414 298 945

Email: [email protected]

KURRAJONG TRAILS& COTTAGES

Kirkwood Rd, off Blaxlands Ridge Rd, Blaxlands Ridge, NSW 2756, Australia

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 4576 1417www.kurratrails.com

Kurrajong Trails and Cottages is set on 100 acres in the rugged Hawkesbury sandstone ridges in the Kurrajong area. The main house and cottages overlook Wheeny Creek, which stretches from Kurrajong Heights to the Colo River, winding its way through some majestic wetlands.

The property is set inside the Wollemi National Park, the home of the ancient Wollemi Pine, whose whereabouts are secret. Located 23 kilometres northeast of Windsor and approximately 1.5 hours from the centre of the city.

Hawkesbury Valley Heritage Tours, run by Carol and Geoff

Roberts from Windsor, offers interesting and informative touring

options for visitors to the Hawkesbury area. Carol and Geoff are

step-on guides for tourist coaches, social groups and service

clubs although they also cater for walking groups, self-drive

groups and car clubs.

Carol is a sixth-generation Hawkesburyite and a qualified tour

guide and historian. Apart from having six convicts in her family,

Carol’s 4xgreat-grandfather was the pioneer Hawkesbury boat-

builder John Grono who arrived in the Colony in 1797 and her

great-grandfather was descended from the tanner and merchant

James Wilshire and his wife Esther Pitt who had land in Sydney

and the Hawkesbury areas. Geoff has lived in the Hawkesbury

area for more than 30 years and has practical experience in

conservation and renovation of historic buildings.

Together, they are a ‘tour de force’ on the history of the

Hawkesbury, and members of the Historic Houses Trust

appreciated their tour of the Hawkesbury last year: ‘Carol and

Geoff are a perfect complement to each other as tour leaders. We

are looking forward to working with Hawkesbury Valley Heritage

Tours again in the near future...everything was carefully planned

and detailed ensuring a smooth and seamless day packed with

sites, historical information and interesting stories.’

Learn more about the Heritage

continued next page...

Page 25: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

25 25

www.hhart.com.au

The sun awakens to give light

to the bush surrounding the billabong.The stillness wraps around me as I sit alone in a swinging hammock absorbing the sounds of the billabong pulsating with life: Bushes rustle with scurrying animals, mozzies buzz, lizards and turtles splash into the tea-coloured water, and insects and birds sing their demands.

Out here, the kookaburra replaces the rooster and begins its morning call.

When you sit in silence your ability to observe sharpens and I spy King Kooka on a distant branch. With neck outstretched, wings pulled back, and beak opened wide he sprays a long, drawn out cackle. The bush guffaws back in loud chorus.  He swoops from his branch to continue orchestrating the music of the bush.

Frogs join in with their croaks, the bluebirds warble, and the buzz of the cicadas intensifies with the rising heat. It’s so hot here. We picked the one weekend to come to Billabong Retreat where the temperatures decided to rise into the forties.

But, I don’t care because I’m in Nirvana.

I have a refreshing billabong to swim in and a cooling fan to lie under in the pagoda while strong hands knead deeply into my knotted muscles. An hour long massage is one way to wipe away the

stickiness.

--Caz Makepeace

Honouring my Spiritat Billabong Yoga Retreat

ything

Page 26: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

26

Offers a range of accommodation to suit all budgets, including powered and unpowered sites, caravans, cabins and a newly renovated house overlooking the river.

It is also an ideal spot for youth camps, with plenty of open grass areas, a swimming pool and a boat ramp.

505 Pitt Town Bottoms Rd Pitt Town Bottoms NSW 2756 02 4572-3733info@hawkesburycaravanpark.com.auwww.hawkesburycaravanpark.com.au/

With some lovely Autumn summery weekends forecast, and

with the school holidays approaching, where to take the

children so you can relax too, is often a problem.

Last weekend we took our 8 year old daughter and her friend

to Del Rio Riverside Resort. I only found out recently you can

visit Del Rio at anytime. We had a lovely day, just the sort of

day we would have on our annual holidays. The girls hired

a tandem seated bike and went exploring around the park.

They returned and told us about all the facilities, the BMX

track, the putt putt golf, the various different ball courts -

tennis, volleyball and basketball. Plus an indoor games room

and a jumping pillow, to name a few things they found on

their first excursion.

It was now getting a bit hot, so a trip to the pool was very

refreshing. They played in the fountains, and joined with

other children to play “marco polo”. This seems to be a

universal pool game!

After swimming for over an hour, we decided to have lunch

at The Rio Cafe. A freshly cooked lunch of chicken nuggets

and chips, followed by an ice-cream filled up some hungry

tummies. Next we went down to the jetty to see all the

water sports. It looked like so much fun. Families came

with their boats and tents and were staying for the weekend

with friends. Some had waterskis and others were towing

inflatable donuts. With over 3kms of waterfront, there was

so much to see.

I would certainly recommend this as a great holiday

location for a week, a weekend or even like us, just a day.

Diana, Carly & Susanna

A Week, A Weekend, or Just A Day!Continuted... Where possible, Hawkesbury Valley Heritage Tours

supports local community organisations on their tours and

morning tea at Ebenezer Church or the beautiful gardens of Bona

Vista at Pitt Town where the money is donated to Soroptomists of

the Hawkesbury, a visit to Tizzana Winery or Enniskillen Orchard

at Grose Vale, are always popular with everyone on the tours.

Recent comments have been, ‘What a wonderful day it was, so

well organised…I would give it ten out of ten’ and ‘So much

history, so many stories and so many secrets that we had not

discovered’.

New tours are being planned for the Lower Portland and Rouse

Hill areas, so if you are planning a group or individual tour of

the Hawkesbury area to learn about the history and heritage of

Australia’s third mainland settlement, contact Carol or Geoff at

Hawkesbury Valley Heritage Tours on 02 4577 6882 or 0419 211

186, email [email protected] or visit the website at

http://www.hawkesburytours.com.au.

With a combined total of nearly 20 years experience and many more years of understanding the way of the Hawkesbury River, Darren and Kellianne are passionate about what they do and are the perfect hosts for your Houseboat River holiday.

Darren has spent all of his life on the river, and has utilised his experience to proudly hand-craft his boats to provide a safe and comfortable setting for a perfect, stress free riverboat experience. Kel’s level of thoughtful, friendly, down-to-earth service is truly outstanding and she has a meticulous eye for detail. It is this trait that provides you with all the little things that make your time with Paradise Afloat memorable.

Paradise Afloat House Boats are specifically designed and built around the needs of people with disabilities. We are the first Small Business to focus on the needs of these people in a house-boating environment.

For more information on Paradise Afloat Houseboat Holidays, go to www.paradiseafloat.com

Houseboats Meeting the Needs of the Disabled

Learn more about the Heritage

Page 27: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

www.hhart.com.au

27

WATERVIEW VILLAS | WATERFRONT CABINS | PARK VIEW CABINSBUDGET CABINS | STUDIO CABINS | CAMPING | LODGES

Chaseling Road, Webbs Creek, Wisemans FerryFOR BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES: Ph: 02 4566 4330

www.delrioresort.com.au

MID WEEK DEALSTAY 2 NIGHTS AND RECEIVE THE

3RD NIGHT FREE IN ANY STYLE ACCOMMODATION OR CAMPING SITE.

AVAILABLE MONDAY TO THURSDAY NIGHTS ONLY. OFFER ENDS AUGUST 31, 2013.

EXCLUDES PEAK PERIODS. CONDITIONS APPLY.

Del Rio Riverside Resort is located in the heart of Wisemans Ferry, our beautiful landscaped surroundings offer our guests an ideal location and you’ll find everything you’ve been looking for:

HAWKESBURY VALLEY HERITAGE TOURSTelephone: 02 4577 6882Fax: 02 4577 6952Email: [email protected]: www.hawkesburytours.com.au

Guide service for coach groups and visitors to the historic towns of the Hawkesbury. Experience the Hawkesbury with a sixth-generation descendant of the pioneers. The flexibility of our service allows us to provide guides for special-interest groups, and escorted self-drive tours can be arranged. Visit:

• The historic towns of Windsor, Richmond, Pitt Town, Wilberforce, Ebenezer and Kurrajong

• Historic buildings including Australia’s oldest church at Ebenezer and Macquarie-era buildings in the Hawkesbury

• ‘Wandin Valley’ sites from the television series A Country Practice

• Artists painting sites, and more!

Page 28: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

02 9450 0000BEROWRA WATERS BOAT SHED

Berowra Waters, NSW, 2082PO Box 1017 Berowra Waters, NSW 2082

Cruise Hawkesbury River, Pittwater & Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park • No license required • Houseboat and cruisers for 2-10 people • Day Hire & picnic boat (max 8 people)

[email protected]

ABN 18 194 057 8692720 River Road, Wisemans Ferry NSW 2775

Phone: 02 4566 4280 Fax: 02 4566 4270 Email: [email protected] Web: www.carinyaski.com.au

Just a great place to get away for a while......

Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

28

Hawkesbury River Systemand Pittwater Cruise

Arriving at Sydney airport in the pouring rain to begin our long awaited cruise around the Hawkesbury River & Pittwater was not exactly an auspicious beginning. Severe weather both on Hamilton Island (where we live) and in Sydney had delayed our flight by over 2 hours, so we were quite concerned that David & Maria would still be about by the time we would arrive, which was approx 6pm (they close at 4pm!!) We need not have been concerned as they even met us at the train station & took us to the supermarket to stock up for the trip. Even provided excellent cappuccinos which was a must for my coffee addict husband!

We were sharing our 3 week adventure with 3 separate couples, each spending 1 week at a time, so were pleasantly surprised at the open plan layout of the 38ft Destination cruiser and being a relatively new boat she was in great condition. Hiring the large tender is a must though when carrying 4 people, and we were able to explore much further with an outboard motor. Also having hired a cruiser, rather than a houseboat, gave us the ability to explore Pittwater which was quite a highlight.

Hawkesbury River and Creek SystemHaving come from cruising the Whitsunday islands, we found the Hawkesbury River such an interesting and quite beautiful change of scenery. Rising sandstone cliffs within a fjord-like wilderness present a multitude of colours and shapes which offset the many tiny coves and beaches, so many that it’s difficult to choose just where to stop. Beautiful apricot coloured tree trunks with tight clusters of bright green leaves sprout from large boulders reminding us of giant bonsai trees. What also makes this area so interesting is the appearance around every bend of clusters of houses, some virtually clinging to the base of cliffs with only water access and the quaint boathouses, each with their individual style. This was particularly noticeable in Pittwater, where each boathouse is like a miniature (and often colourful) story in its own right.

Being able to access quaint cafes along the waterways (often with great coffee!!), like Cottage Point Kiosk with its

Page 29: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

The Ultimate in HawkesburyRiver Houseboating

Telephone (02) 4566 4308 www.hawkesburyhouseboats.com.au

Able Hawkesbury River Houseboats3008 River Road Wiseman’s Ferry NSW 2775

Email: [email protected] (02) 4566 4306

HOUSEBOATS

ABLEHawkesbury River

www.hhart.com.au

29

home made cakes & bay filled with old restored Halverson cruisers, makes the cruising more enjoyable, especially for the galley slaves!! Lunch at Peats Bite was a whole afternoon eating & entertainment experience which is not to be missed.

Places such as Bobbin Head (fantastic walks & restaurant), Smiths Creek (beautiful scenery and fishing) Cowan Creek with its many estuaries to explore, Jerusalem Bay (great walk to Cowan Station) and, probably our favourite, Refuge Bay where you can take a mooring only a few metres off the shore of a beautiful sandy beach with its own waterfall just there at the beach…what a vista to wake up to!! The waters were lovely and clear and an explore up the creek gifted us with another small waterfall with its own pool to sit in. And Dangar Island, a very quaint artists’ community with a great café.

PittwaterHighlights in Pittwater were the walk to Barrenjoey lighthouse; stopping at The Boathouse (nearby) for lunch, with its laid back atmosphere, beautiful view over the water and tables laden with a feast of lush fruit and fresh flowers; Church Point café with its lovely Italian style; Lovett Bay, home of the famous writer Susan Duncan, which is filled with interesting old boats and boathouses and a lovely walk to the cluster of boulders at the top of the hill, with a reward of great views; The Basin, a quite beautiful area with a lake sealed off from the bay which provided wonderful swimming.

So much could still be said about this fantastic area of Australia, but suffice to say that after 3 weeks we would love to return some day and spend more time just sitting in particular spots to just soak up and enjoy the ambience.

I can’t speak highly enough of David & Maria at Relaxation Boat Hire for their friendly service and going above and beyond what they needed to do to make our changeovers each week run smoothly.

Michael & Anne

February 2013

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Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

businessdirectoryHhart Members Hhart Members Hhart Members

LEGEND: D = Dining W = Wedding Reception Venue C = Caters for conferences

AccommodationHotels/Motels/Apartments/Villas/LodgesAustralis Retreat at Wisemanswww.wisemans.com.au D CW

Berowra Waters Penthousewww.berowrawaterspenthouse.com.au D CW

Cornwallis Housewww.cornwallishouse.com.au CW

Crowne Plaza Norwestwww.crowneplazanorwest.com.au D CW

Billabong Retreatwww.billabongretreat.com.auFerndale Recreationwww.ferndalerec.com.au CW

Hawkesbury Race Club Motelwww.hrcmotel.com.au D

Hotel Ibis Thornleighwww.ibishotel.com/gb/hotel-3238-ibis-sydney-thornleigh/index.shtml D C

Juniors on Hawkesburywww.juniorsonhawkesbury.com.au D C

Quest Serviced Apartments Castle Hillwww.questcastlehill.com.au C

The Sebel Resort and Spa Hawkesbury Valleywww.sebelhawkesbury.com.au D CW

The Hills Lodge Hotelwww.hillslodge.com.au D CW

Bed & BreakfastHawkesbury Two Rivers Retreatwww.tworiversretreat.com.auJerimuda Bed & Breakfastwww.jerimuda.com.auKeribee At Kurmond B&Bwww.kurmondbedandbreakfast.comKurrajong Trails and Cottageswww.kurratrails.com W

Madisons Mountain Retreatwww.madisonsretreat.com.au W C

Nana & Pa’s Country Retreatwww.nanaandpascountryretreat.com.auPrice Morris Cottagewww.pricemorris.com.auThe Court House & Homestead B&Bwww.courthousestalbans.com.auTizzana Winery B&Bwww.tizzana.com.au D W

Camping/Caravanning/CabinsCarinya Ski Ranchwww.carinyaski.com.au D

Del Rio Riverside Resortwww.delrioresort.com.au D CW

Hawkesbury Riverside Tourist Parkwww.hawkesburycaravanpark.com.auHawkesbury Two Rivers Retreatwww.tworiversretreat.com.auWanderest Travellers Parkwww.wanderest.com.au

HouseboatsAble Hawkesbury House Boatswww.hawkesburyhouseboats.com.au C

Paradise Afloat House boatswww.paradiseafloat.com

Attractions/Shopping/WellnessAdventure Forests trading as Go Apewww.adventure-forest.com.auArcadian Artists Incwww.arcadianartists.com.auAustraliana Pioneer Villagewww.theaustralianapioneervillage.com.au W

Noon Gallerywww.purplenoongallery.com.au

Berowra Waters Marina www.berowrawatersmarina.com.au D W

Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomahwww.mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au D

Cattai National Park, Murramarangwww.environment.nsw.gov.auCloud 9 Balloon Flightswww.cloud9balloons.com.auDural Musical Society Inc.www.duralmusicalsociety.orgEbenezer Churchwww.ebenezerchurch.org.au D W

Featherdale Wildlife Parkwww.featherdale.com.au C

Ferry Artistswww.ferryartists.orgFull Moon Wellness Centrewww.fullmoonwellnesscentre.com.auGlenorie Growers Marketswww.glenoriegrowers.com.auGolden Ridge Animal Farmwww.goldenridgeanimalfarm.com.auHawkesbury Harvest Farmers & Fine Food Marketswww.hawkesburyharvest.com.auHawkesbury Race Clubwww.hawkesburyraceclub.com.au D CW

Hawkesbury Regional Gallerywww.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/servicesHawkesbury Regional Museumwww.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/servicesHills District Historical Societywww.hhart.com.auLynwood Country Clubwww.lynwoodcc.com.au D CW

Riverside Oaks Golf Resortwww.riversideoaks.com.au D CW

Rouse Hill House & Farmwww.hht.net.au/museums/rouse_hill_house_ and_farm Scheyville National Park (NPWS)www.environment.nsw.gov.auTobruk Australian Merino Sheep Station www.tobruksheepstation.com.au D CW

Torrens Wakeboard & Ski Schoolwww.ripin.com.auVilla Thalgo Day Spawww.villathalgo.com.auVision Valley Conference and Recreation Centrewww.wesleymission.org.au/centres/visionvalley/ C

Yarramundi Housewww.yarramundihouse.com.au W

Entertainment VenuesCastle Hill RSL Clubwww.castlehillrsl.com.au D CW

Richmond Clubwww.richmondclub.com.au D CW

The Australian Hotel & Brewerywww.australianhotelandbrewery.com.au D

Mean Fiddlerwww.meanfiddler.com.au D CW

DiningHawkesbury Paddlewheelerwww.paddlewheeler.com.au D W

Kashi Indian Restaurantwww.kashirestaurant.com.au D W

Macquarie Princess Cruises www.macquarieprincesscruises.com.au D W

Meze Me Caféwww.mezeme.com.au D W

Sassafras Creek Food and Designwww.sassafrascreek.com.au D W

Tours, Transfers & HireAquallity Cruiseswww.aqualitycruises.com D CW

Blue Thunder Down Underwww.bluethunderdownunder.com.auBoab Boat Hirewww.boabboathire.com.auBoronia Tourswww.boroniatours.comCraigs Mini Buseswww.craigsminibuses.com.auGood Az Gold Tours and Transferswww.goodazgoldtours.com.auHawkesbury Valley Heritage Tourswww.hawkesburytours.com.auMaxi the water Taxiwww.berowrawaterstaxi.com.auRelaxation Boat Hirewww.relaxationboathire.com.au

Business Services & OtherAdelphi Deisgn & Printwww.adelphi.net.auFitzgerald Printingwww.fitzgroup.com.auLearn2www.learn2.com.au C

Stralia webwww.straliaweb.com.auTourism Business Solutionswww.tourismbusinesssolutions.com.auTafe NSW WSIwww.wsi.tafensw.edu.auUWS Venueswww.uws.edu.au/venues/uws_venues/hawkesbury

CW

Windsor Business Groupwww.windsorbusinessgroup.com.au

Councils (use their websites to find parks,reserves and community facilities)Hawkesbury City Councilwww.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.auHornsby Shire Councilwww.hornsby.nsw.gov.auThe Hills Shire Councilwww.thehills.nsw.gov.au

PublicationsGalston & Glenorie Community News & The Hills Rural Newswww.hillsrural.org.auHills Shire Timeshills-shire-times.whereilive.com.auRouse Hill Timesrouse-hill-times.whereilive.com.auThe Hawkesbury Guidewww.dine.net.au

Visitor Information CentresDural Visitor Information Centre, Roughley House &The Pineswww.hhart.com.auHawkesbury Visitor Information Centrewww.hawkesburytourism.com.auRouse Hill Visitor Information Centre, Mungerie Housewww.hhart.com.au

Page 31: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

Everyone is welcome at the Richmond Club

Wanderest Travellers Park71 Francis Street (PO Box 13)Richmond, NSW 2753 AustraliaTel (02) 4578 1144Fax (02) 4588 [email protected]

Richmond Golf Club34 Bourke Street (PO Box 5)Richmond, NSW 2753 AustraliaTel (02) 4578 1739Pro Shop (02) 4578 [email protected]

Richmond Club6 East Market Street (PO Box 13)Richmond, NSW 2753 AustraliaTel (02) 4578 1144Fax (02) 4588 [email protected]

Hawkesbury Living Pty Ltd116 March Street (PO Box 217)Richmond, NSW 2753 AustraliaTel (02) 4578 2966Fax (02) 4578 [email protected]

Amber Style & Beauty6 East Market Street, Richmond NSW 2753ph (02) 4578 [email protected]

Active86 East Market Street, Richmond NSW 2753Tel (02) 4578 3332Fax (02) 4588 [email protected]

Bouncing Beanies6 East Market Street, Richmond NSW 2753Phone: (02) 4578 1144 bouncingbeanies@ richmondclub.com.au

The Base Lounge Bar6 East Market Street, Richmond NSW 2753ph (02) 4578 5912

Page 32: Autumn Experience Magazine 2013

Project Managed by Hills, Hawkesbury & Riverlands Tourism

32

Drift effortlessly over the most beautiful landscape in the Sydney region the Hawkesbury Valley. Lying at the foot of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area following the quiet meander of the Hawkesbury River. It’s relaxing yet exhilarating, the oldest and greatest form of fl ight making it suitable for any age from the young to the young at heart.

Cloud 9 is an award winning Australian owned and operated family business who pioneered hot air ballooning over Sydney in 1993. So if you seek a small group experience with a professional yet personal touch, come fl y with us!

Book now, call us on 1300 555 711Email: [email protected]

www.cloud9balloons.com.au