Day Trips from Sydney - Windsor, Richmond and the Warragamba Dam
Hawkesbury River, NSW, Australia
If you're visiting Sydney, a day trip to Windsor, Richmond and the Warragamba Dam will introduce you to the peaceful area surrounding the Hawkesbury River.
Although it is just 37 miles (60 kilometers) from the center of Sydney and forms part of the city's north-western suburbs, this area, nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains, seems much further away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Windsor
Windsor's main street looks like a frontier town from the American Wild West, with overhanging canopies above the shop and restaurant facades. Many of the old colonial buildings that were built in the nineteenth century are still standing in the main street. On a corner stands the Macquarie Arms Hotel, which is reputedly the oldest pub in Australia, opened in 1815.
Macquarie Park is a good place to enjoy a walk and a picnic lunch. It was named for Governor Macquarie, who set up Windsor in 1810. After lunch, spend some time relaxing on the golden sandy beach beside the cooling Hawkesbury River.
Richmond
The nearby town of Richmond was established as an agricultural town in 1810. Wander around the town to discover around 30 historic buildings dating back to the nineteenth century. These include churches, houses, cottages and a post office. Apart from these buildings, the architecture in Richmond is a lot more modern than in Windsor. In Richmond Park, an obelisk war memorial is flanked by two old cannons.
Warragamba Dam
Outside Richmond, drive through several very small, sleepy country towns on the way to the Warragamba Dam. It's hard to believe that you're still on the outskirts of Sydney because it seems as if this area is a world away from the city's urban core.
Blue Mountains, Australia
To your right, admire the majestic Blue Mountains in the distance.
When you arrive in the small town of Warragamba, follow the signs to the Warragamba Dam Visitor Centre to find out more about the dam and its history.
The Warragamba Dam, which was opened in 1960, is the largest concrete dam in Australia. It supplies around 80 percent of Sydney's water requirements and is one of the reasons for Sydney's rapid development since the 1960s. Without an adequate water supply, such development would not have been possible.
The dam was strengthened with the construction of an auxiliary spillway, which was completed in 2002. In the case of an extreme flood, which has a one in 100,000 chance of happening, the waters will be diverted, the dam will not burst, and Sydney will continue to be supplied with water.
After looking around the Visitor Centre, drive to the observation platform which gives a wide panoramic view of the dam. Notice how well the dam fits in with the surrounding countryside. It's wonderful that such a peaceful location has been disturbed as little as possible by the construction of the dam.
If you're looking for a little tranquility, take a trip out of the center of Sydney to the towns on the Hawkesbury River. Finish your day with a visit to the Warragamba Dam and soak up the peace and quiet of the place.
Have you ventured out of Sydney. Do you have any places you think should be added to this list? Add your ideas in the comments below.