The top accommodation in the Hawkesbury

For a luxury waterside retreat: Calabash Bay Lodge, Berowra Waters 

With river views from every room, this modern, four-bedroom Hawkesbury lodge is a sanctuary to reset and relax. Lounge on the deck with a book, slip into the water from the private jetty, soak in the bath while taking in views of the river or do some rooftop yoga. Kids are welcome, and your stay includes use of a boat, as well as options to book a private chef, spa experience or yoga teacher. 

For an Italian-esque escape: Guestlands, Arcadia 

Cobblestone pathways, Tuscan-style villas, palazzo dining – you'd be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into an Italian village, wandering into Guestlands. Less than an hour’s drive from Sydney, this dreamlike property near Arcadia features four one-bedroom villas, sprawling gardens, a pool, outdoor kitchen and bar. The adults-only accommodation is perfect for groups of friends, and you can even hire a private chef to cater for you if you don’t want to cook. 

For riverside camping on a budget: Bielany Campground, Colo River 

Situated right beside the Colo River, a tributary of the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment, Bielany Campground is popular with families or groups of friends seeking a nature escape for a smaller price. Sites are unpowered, pet-friendly and fit up to six people, and facilities include toilets, hot showers, a gas camp kitchen and a kid’s playground. There’s also a natural playground at your doorstep: the Colo River is a favourite spot to kayak, bushwalk, swim, fish and even spot platypus. 

For a houseboat on the water: Able Hawkesbury River Houseboats, Wisemans Ferry 

Follow the flow of the river on your very own houseboat on the Hawkesbury. No boat licence or experience is necessary, just strap in and let the gentle current lull you into relaxation mode. There are eight styles of houseboats to choose from, from budget two-berthers to family-friendly options and even five-star luxury houseboats with five queen bedrooms and a heated spa. Wind your way upstream to Windsor or downstream to the islands and hidden beaches in Brooklyn and Berowra Waters. 

For secluded waterfront cottages: Hawkesbury River Weekenders, Bar Point 

If you’re after a little patch of privacy, the selection of intimate river cabins managed by Hawkesbury River Weekenders offer a peaceful escape from it all. Cocooned on various points around the Hawkesbury River, these cabins are only accessible by boat with wall-to-wall water views. Marramarra House is an off-grid retreat just for two, the Milson is a luxury two-bedroom spot with stone bathtub and a canoe, and three-bedroom Julians on Coba is pet friendly with an open firepit for roasting marshmallows. Water taxis, high-tea and pizza deliveries can be booked to all properties.

For a romantic farm stay: Blueberry Hills on Comleroy, Kurrajong 

Enter pastoral paradise with your very own cottage on a working blueberry farm. This award-winning farm stay offers beautifully furnished rooms and cottages with balconies that overlook the farm. Watch the sheep, alpacas, chickens and cows grazing in the surrounding paddocks, collect fresh eggs for breakfast, pick your own blueberries during the summer season or just sit back and relax in the outdoor hot tub.   

For modern comforts: Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, Windsor 

Relax in luxurious surrounds at this 4.5-star hotel on sprawling grounds right by the river in the colonial heritage town of Windsor. There are 105 modern rooms to choose from, including family configurations and even a three-bedroom apartment. Take a dip in the pool, book a massage in the spa, take high tea overlooking the manicured gardens or a enjoy a fine-dining dinner at onsite restaurant, Harvest. 

For a heritage stay: Settlers Arms Inn, St Albans 

Step back into the early 19th century with a stay at this historic Georgian coaching inn in the tiny town of St Albans. Built in 1836, the inn offers a relaxing place to curl up with a book in the charming inn rooms, cosy by the fireplace or enjoy a meal at the historic in-house restaurant (there’s often live music on Sundays). Outside the accommodation, head to the Macdonald River for a swim, cycle through the country roads or play a game of tennis at the local courts. 

For a nature escape in the treetops: Tree House Berowra Waters 

Make your way up the winding steps to this cosy two-person studio nestled within in a riverside forest canopy. With views of the water and access by foot or boat only, you'll feel far away from reality and immersed in river life. Cook up a barbecue feast on the the deck, hire a boat or kayak and go exploring in the waterways, or book a dining or fishing package.  

For big group getaways: Dido’s Place, East Kurrajong 

The perfect place for families of all kinds, Dido’s Place is not only a picture-perfect modern holiday house, but also offers plenty of entertainment for all ages. The 11-person property is located on nine acres of beautiful bushland, and features a trampoline, outdoor spa, outdoor lounge and campfire. Inside there’s a fully equipped kitchen and dining room; theatre room; kids' room with toys, beanbags and video games; and a study. 

For luxury glamping: Ding Dang Doo Ranch, Grose Vale 

Elevate your camping experience at the intimate safari-style tented lodges at Ding Dang Doo Ranch. Tucked within serene farmland where the Hawkesbury meets the foothills of the Blue Mountains, there are two spacious and private tents featuring a queen-sized bed, robes, fluffy slippers, a wood fire, ensuite, kitchenette and indoor/outdoor deck with your very own claw-foot bathtub. Stroll the surrounding farm, feed the ducks, visit the resident horses, go birdwatching or simply relax by the lake.