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Things to See and Do in The Hills Shire this Holiday Season

Martin Cartwright

There is plenty to see and do in The Hills Shire in the holiday season from adventure, parks, historical landmarks and much more. 

Museums Discovery Centre

The Museums Discovery Centre, Castle Hill is free and open to the public every weekend. Inside the Museums Discovery Centre you will find hundreds of treasures on display, and thousands more waiting to be discovered through booked tours of the deep collection stores. The Museums Discovery Centre is a collaboration between the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS), Australian Museum (AM) and Sydney Living Museums.

 

Anderson Farm Pick Your Own

Anderson Farm offers a picturesque pick-your-own citrus experience (mandarins/oranges) near the Hawkesbury River, ideal for families, with a small entry fee ($5/adult, kids free) plus payment per bucket ($10), encouraging early arrival for parking, and visitors should bring cash, reusable bags, and maybe gumboots for muddy spots, remembering to treat the farm with care and pack out rubbish to help maintain this lovely family spot. 

 

Fagan Park

With beautifully manicured gardens, 55 hectares of rolling green space and fabulous picnic and playground facilities, Fagan Park is one of Hornsby Shire’s most popular attractions and is perfect for a day out. Explore the Gardens of Many Nations, which covers 10 hectares with 11 stunning themed gardens including Japanese, Dutch, Chinese and Mediterranean. Enjoy your lunch at one of the picnic shelters or electric barbeques on-site or bring a picnic blanket and sit among the lush green grass. The park was originally owned by the Fagan family and operated as an orchard and cattle farm before it was donated to the government. Netherby Cottage, which was the original Fagan family homestead, is still preserved on-site along with an adjoining museum featuring heritage artefacts, where you can learn more about Hornsby Shire’s history. 

 
Cumberland State Forest

Australia’s only metropolitan state forest, Cumberland State Forest, is located at 95 Castle Hill Road West Pennant Hills, Sydney, only half an hour from the CBD. Cumberland State Forest contains 40 hectares of native forest. The original privately-owned land was cleared in 1908. In 1938 its management was taken over by the then NSW Forestry Commission and was dedicated as a State forest in 1939. One third of the land was planted as an arboretum while the rest was allowed to regenerate naturally. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue, take a forest walk and discover the surprising diversity of wildlife in the forest, or participate in our volunteer program. Cumberland State Forest also runs a forest school education program. Normal forest gate opening times are 8.30am – 5.00pm, except during daylight saving times where they are open 8.30am – 6.00pm.

 

Banana Cabana Primate Sanctuary

Banana Cabana is located in the magnificent Hornsby Shire just 40 minutes north west of Sydney. Our private and unique Primate Sanctuary is home to some very special individuals from the monkey world. Please join us for a journey we hope will touch your hearts as we introduce you to our residents each with a unique and colourful history.

 

Sydney Hills Visitor Interpretation Centre

The Sydney Hills Visitor Interpretation Centre is located at ‘The Pines’ Roughley House in Dural. Come and take a step back in time to 1856 and see the home which housed four generations of Roughleys. They came as convicts and prospered in this land of opportunity. The house showcases life from then and into more modern times. Delve into the Interpretation Centre to learn more about the history of the family and the creation of the Great North Road. Enjoy the gardens, which as the name suggests are full of Pines as well as a variety of European and native flora.  Located only 45 minutes from Sydney’s CBD here you can feel like you’re a million miles away. The region is rich in history and natural beauty, blessed with everything from stunning parks and gardens to unique local food and wine venues.  The site is open on the third Friday of the month and tours of the house are free. Groups can book a tour here. Roughley House tour bookings are not confirmed until Council staff confirm in writing with the organiser. Occasionally the site may be opened for a private group booking on another day – this is at the discretion of Council.

 

Australian Brewery

The Australian Hotel & Brewery is the perfect setting for enjoying delicious food and refreshing drinks in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. Whether you’re craving classic pub fare or something more contemporary, our menu is crafted to cater to all tastes. Enjoy freshly brewed beer from our on-site brewery, Esker Beer Co, a selection of great wines, and signature cocktails while you catch up with friends or watch the latest sports events on our big screens.  With spacious indoor and outdoor seating, our bistro is ideal for casual dining, special occasions, or simply unwinding after a long day.

 

Wollundry Park

Located next to Pennant Hills Library and across the road from Pennant Hills train station, this colourful playground has a range of equipment, sheltered picnic table, drinking fountain, is fully fenced and has public toilets nearby.

 

Crestwood BMX Track

 

Turon BMX Track (commonly referred to as the Crestwood BMX track) is a publicly accessible dirt pump-and-jump BMX and bike skills track located in Turon Avenue Reserve, Baulkham Hills, NSW. It was upgraded in 2020 by the Hills Shire Council to create a family-friendly facility suitable for riders of all ages and abilities, featuring multiple circuits with rollers, banked turns and small jumps that are ideal for BMX bikes, mountain bikes, balance bikes and scooters. The track winds through grassy parkland with shade and space for spectators, and is open 24/7 for casual use. It sits within Crestwood Reserve, a larger recreation area offering other amenities like playgrounds, picnic areas and walking paths

 

Peak Pursuits

Peak Pursuits, is a renowned brand known for its adventurous and thrilling experiences. With a wide range of activities designed for all age groups, Peak Pursuits offers an unforgettable journey of exploration and excitement. Whether it’s kids, adults, or families, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Peak Pursuits. From rock climbing to rope courses and party adventures, the brand is dedicated to providing a safe and exhilarating environment for its guests. With a focus on instilling confidence and promoting teamwork, Peak Pursuits creates an atmosphere where individuals can challenge themselves and reach new heights. With numerous positive reviews and a commitment to delivering exceptional service, Peak Pursuits aims to make every visit a memorable one. Join them at Peak Pursuits and embark on an incredible adventure that will leave you with lasting memories.

 

The VR Guild

VR Guild is a state of the art virtual reality (VR) destination in The Hills. All our games and experiences are of the highest quality with some of the best, award-winning VR escape rooms ever made. We offer 2, 3 or 4 person bookings as well as parties.

 

360 Action Park

360 Action Park, formerly known as Flip Out Castle Hill, offers a vibrant and exciting environment for families and kids to enjoy various activities including trampolining and laser tag. Located in Castle Hill, NSW, this venue is particularly popular for birthday parties with friendly staff providing excellent customer service. Guests often highlight the fun atmosphere created by an array of play areas and decent food options like pizza that enhance the overall experience. Transparency and clarity: The reviews indicate some confusion regarding entrance policies for younger children, suggesting a need for clearer guidelines on safety measures within play areas.
Friendliness: Many users praise the friendliness of the staff at 360 Action Park, noting their helpfulness during visits which contributes positively to family experiences. Service quality: Reviews mention both positive interactions with party hosts who go above and beyond as well as instances where front desk staff could improve under stress. Overall service quality appears strong but varies depending on circumstances.
Cost: Customers generally find pricing reasonable given the value offered through various activities available at the park.

 

The Edge Rock Climbing Centre

We are a family owned climbing centre in Sydney’s North West devoted to bringing climbing to all ages and skill levels. We offer children’s party options, corporate events, group bookings, training and workshops for all ages, but most of all a fun day (or night!) out for the whole family.

Key info:
Wall height ranging from 8m to 18.5m!

  • 4 Auto-Belays
  • Over 120 Climbs
  • Walls for 5 to 85 year olds
  • High ropes challenge course
  • Indoor caves
  • Vertical logs challenge
  • Bouldering
  • Lead Climbing
  • Abseiling and Rappeling Tower
  • Equipment Shop
  • Training area
  • The Cooks Workshop

 

Treetops Adventure The Hills

Soar through the treetops and tackle thrilling challenges in the scenic bushland of Pennant Hills! Navigate the tree ropes course set high amongst the towering pine trees. Take the high ground and pine your way through thrilling levels of rope bridges, ziplines, and climbing challenges!

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