Kenthurst is located approximately 40 kilometres northwest of the Sydney CBD in the Shire of Baulkham Hills. The original inhabitants of the Kenthurst area were the Darug people. The Darug were the custodians of the majority of what is now the Greater Sydney region. They were divided into a number of different ‘clans’, whose quick demise upon European settlement has sadly resulted in very little information remaining on how the local area was utilised. Kenthurst was originally known as Little Dural. Charles Gibb aroused interest to change the name to Kent Forest around 1886 (ironically much of the ‘forest’ had been felled in the mid 1800’s for timber), but the colonial government settled on Kenthurst. The name is derived from the English County of Kent and ‘hurst’, a woody hillock. Kenthurst is now a semi-suburban town known for its boutique galleries, giftware shops and nursery cafes. Towns surrounding Kenthurst include: Annangrove, Dural, Maraylya and Middle Dural. Visitor Information: Sydney Hills Visitor Centre 656A Old Northern Road, Dural (02) 9651 4411 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sydneyhills.com.au
Category: New South Wales
Lower Portland
Lower Portland is located approximately 80 kilometres northwest of the Sydney CBD in the Shire of Baulkham Hills. The original inhabitants of the Lower Portland area were the Darug people. The Darug were the custodians of the majority of what is now the Greater Sydney region. They were divided into a number of different ‘clans’, whose quick demise upon European settlement has sadly resulted in very little information remaining on how the local area was utilised. Lower Portland was named after William Henry Cavendish Bentinck, 3rd Duke of Portland, and Prime Minister of Great Britain in 1783, and 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 resembled the Duke of Portland (He was no doubt popular with the ladies!). Lower Portland was the area settled downstream from Portland Head. Lower Portland is a peaceful hamlet nested at the junction of the Colo and Hawkesbury rivers. A place to discover, surrounded by history, majestic in nature, captivating and romantic and a water skiings delight. The lower Portland Ferry is one of only four vehicular ferries operating in the Hawkesbury. The River Road drive is a must for a relaxing day out. Lower Portland Ferry operates 24hrs 7days a week. Closed 1st Wednesday of each month 9:00am-11:00am. Towns surrounding Lower Portland include: Cliftonville and Sackville North. Visitor Information: Sydney Hills Visitor Centre 656A Old Northern Road, Dural (02) 9651 4411 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sydneyhills.com.au Hawkesbury Valley Visitor Information Centre Ham Common, Bicentenary Park Richmond, Windsor Road, Clarendon (02) 4588 5895 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hawkesburyvalley.com
Cranebrook
Recreational facilities – Horse riding 02 4730 2999 Churches – St Thomas Anglican Church 02 4730 3434
Arcadia
Arcadia is located approximately 40 kilometres northwest of Sydney in the Shire of Hornsby. The original inhabitants of the Arcadia area were the Darug people. The Darug were the custodians of the majority of what is now the Greater Sydney region. They were divided into a number of different ‘clans’, whose quick demise upon European settlement has sadly resulted in very little information remaining on how they utilised the local area. With European settlement, the area was extensively logged to provide timber for a growing colony. This cleared land presented an excellent location for the development of orchards and farms. The name Arcadia was first used for a public school and later adopted for the area itself. Opening in 1894, the school still teaches local children. Arcadia offers a tranquil, rural setting with a wide variety of plants, animals and wonderful vistas. The area offers a number of tourism facilities including: a conference and recreation centre, parks, B&Bs, nurseries and other relaxing activities. Arcadia is well known for Fagan Park, a large landscaped park with an historic house, picnic areas and walks. It offers the popular “Garden of Many Nations”, which showcases themed gardens including a Japanese, Meditation and Traditional English representation. Towns surrounding Arcadia include: Berrilee, Galston, Glenorie and Middle Dural. Visitor Information: Sydney Hills Visitor Centre 656A Old Northern Road, Dural (02) 9651 4411 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sydneyhills.com.au Hornsby Visitor Information Centre 28-44 George Street, Hornsby (02) 9847 6683 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Darlinghurst
Happening nightlife for the streetwise Just east of the city centre, Darlinghurst starts near Hyde Park at Oxford Street and extends towards Kings Cross at William Street. Darlinghurst and Paddington, two suburbs with contrasting personalities, share different ends of Oxford Street with the Darlinghurst section (roughly up to Taylor Square) coming alive at the glitzy annual Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. By day alternative fashion, homewares and music stores attract a crowd. Yet night time is when Darlinghurst comes into its own with theatres, gay-friendly bars, live music, clubs and other late night entertainment available all week. Darlo, as it is known by locals, has a number of popular breakfast and late night dining spots, most of which represent good value. The area’s cafes have huge people-watching potential, in particular in Victoria Street where casual dining options abound. For example you can enjoy schnitzel from the lederhosened staff at the ever-busy Una’s, or cross the road for the Turkish delights of Fez or noodles from Fu Manchu. Afterwards go for coffee at the achingly trendy Tropicana cafe, which has been attracting the in crowd for decades. Darlinghurst Highlights….
- For reasonably priced Italian fare dine at Stanley Street’s ‘Little Italy’ restaurant area.
- Applaud a performance at the Stables or Darlo Theatres.
- Breakfast alongside famous locals in the sandstone surrounds of Dov or communal tables of Bill’s.
- Groove at a funky Taylor Square nightclub or check out the local scene at one of the many bars.
- Enjoy a coffee at one of Oxford Street’s late night bookshops neighbouring the Verona and Academy Twin cinemas, which specialise in mainstream arthouse.
- Shop at Empire Homewares where luxury and simplicity are the main ingredients for furniture and accessories.
- Visit one of the ten individualist record stores where you can purchase anything from rare records, collectors vinyls down to hip hop and hard trance.
Mosman
A sophisticated shopping village surrounded by harbour beaches Situated on Sydney’s lower north shore, Mosman is a smart yet relaxed harbourside suburb just a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. Mosman, in between Sydney’s famous Taronga Zoo and the harbour beach of Balmoral, enjoys spectacular views from its elevated position. It’s a choice place to pick up quality clothes with a good range of contemporary designer stores and boutique shopping options. An assortment of gourmet delis, florists, beautifully presented homeware stores and antique shops add to the village ambience. Fortify yourself with lunch and a coffee then browse through the shops along Military Road. If you fancy exploring further on foot go on an easy bushwalk through the leafy suburb to Bradley’s and Middle Head, part of Sydney Harbour National Park. You’ll be rewarded by unsurpassed views of the harbour and city skylines. Nearby Balmoral Beach is a popular spot for locals performing their daily exercise regime along the length of the Balmoral Esplanade. The esplanade is also home to the well-known restaurants, Bathers Pavilion and The Watermark, as well as casual cafes. Key Experiences
- Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo or Mosman Wharf and take the bus to the village of Mosman.
- Discover nearby Taronga Zoo, and enjoy the breathtaking harbour views at the world’s only harbourside zoo.
- Swim at Balmoral Beach, one of Sydney Harbour’s best, followed by fish and chips on the beach.
- Relax at The Spit waterfront recreation area with marinas, restaurants and canoe hire, or join a local kayak tour.
Branxton
Branxton, located 18 km north-west of Maitland is a small township on the New England Highway between Maitland and Singleton. History is rich in Branxton with the main street occupied by antique stores and historical buildings.
Arcadia Vale
Arcadia Vale is located on the western shores of Lake Macquarie, just next to the holiday village of Wangi Wangi, home of Sir William Dobell. One of the largest coastal saltwater lakes in the Southern Hemisphere, Lake Macquarie is surrounded by cosy holiday towns like Belmont, Wangi Wangi, Cooranbong, Swansea and Toronto. Enjoy a sunny afternoon in one of the many boats that grace the shimmering water, catch a wave at one of four patrolled beaches or venture into the mountains for a picnic lunch and sightseeing walk. There are a mammoth 92 towns and villages, 29 public boat ramps, 28 public jetties and wharves and seven marina berth around Lake Macquarie, making it the perfect family holiday destination. For further information, use the side navigation to search for activities, accommodation and events.
Bulgonia
Bulgonia is located on the western side of Lake Macquarie. One of the largest coastal saltwater lakes in the Southern Hemisphere, Lake Macquarie is surrounded by cosy holiday towns like Belmont, Wangi Wangi, Cooranbong, Swansea and Toronto. Enjoy a sunny afternoon in one of the many boats that grace the shimmering water, catch a wave at one of four patrolled beaches or venture into the mountains for a picnic lunch and sightseeing walk. There are a mammoth 92 towns and villages, 29 public boat ramps, 28 public jetties and wharves and seven marina berth around Lake Macquarie, making it the perfect family holiday destination. For further information, use the side navigation to search for activities, accommodation and events.
Dudley
Dudley is a beachside village, located in the city of Lake Macquarie, near Charlestown and Redhead. It is bordered by Glenrock State Recreation Area and has a lovely beach offering picnic facilities. Dudley Beach is not a patrolled beach. For further information, use the side navigation to search for activities, accommodation and events. One of the largest coastal saltwater lakes in the Southern Hemisphere, Lake Macquarie is surrounded by cosy holiday towns like Belmont, Wangi Wangi, Cooranbong, Swansea and Toronto. Enjoy a sunny afternoon in one of the many boats that grace the shimmering water, catch a wave at one of four patrolled beaches or venture into the mountains for a picnic lunch and sightseeing walk. There are a mammoth 92 towns and villages, 29 public boat ramps, 28 public jetties and wharves and seven marina berth around Lake Macquarie, making it the perfect family holiday destination.