Windsor

Historic WindsorLocated on the eastern bank of the Hawkesbury River, Windsor was established in 1810 by order of Governor Lachlan Macquarie and is known as one of the Macquarie towns. Much convict labour was utilised in the early construction of the township and many significant historic buildings constructed with convict labour still stand as monuments to their efforts.

In the colony's early days, Windsor was significant as the centre of agricultural production. With its close proximity to Sydney, where the soil lacked the richness required for the growing of crops, Windsor developed rapidly.

Today Windsor is still an agricultural hub serving the local farming community and with a strong historic connection it is a magnet to those wanting a link with the past.

The history in this town is palpable. A visit to St Mathews Anglican church in Moses St connects you directly to pioneer days. Gaze at the foundation stone and know you are standing at the exact spot Governor Lachlan Macquarie once stood. This church was designed by famous colonial architect Francis Greenway (himself transported to the colony as a convict) and built by convict labour. Surrounding the church is a graveyard which is the final resting place for many historic figures including the Tebbut family and William Cox the man who built the road over the Blue Mountains.

Nowadays you can stroll along Windsor's mall, located in Macquarie St, where many restaurants and coffee shops invite a break in your journey. Observe the working replica of a water-wheel or try the ale in Australia's longest continually licensed pub. The musical clip clop of a horse and cart can be heard as it transports its passengers on a tour around town. On weekends a market is held in the mall and live entertainment is enjoyed in the adjacent park.

A boat ride along the Hawkesbury River departs from Windsor's wharf and the nearby Tebbut Observatory is open for public inspection. Spend a day in this Macquarie town, inspect the historic buildings which range from the Court House to worker's cottages. Enjoy a tour through time back to Australia's colonial past.