One of the true jewels of the Macquarie Region, Richmond’s colonial heritage and relative proximity to Sydney has made it a preferred destination for people seeking a tree-change. With a vibrant local scene and a relaxed attitude, this is a place where people really know hoe to enjoy the good life – join them and you’ll soon find the everyday stress just slips away.
Museum Meanderings
A great place to start your exploration is at the Hawkesbury Valley Museum and Visitor Information Centre – it’s got a mouthful of a name and is an absolute wealth of information about the region – both past and present. Looking back, there are exhibits here chronicling the Indigenous history of the area, along with plenty of colonial era artefacts as well. Once you’ve had your fill of history, it’s time to look forward – the visitor’s information centre can help you plan the perfect trip. Whatever your area of interest, there’s always plenty going on here and the helpful staff will point you in the right direction. They can also let you know about the local markets, festivals and other events that are happening throughout your stay so that you can enjoy something seasonal while you’re there.
Sky High
The RAAF base at Richmond is a popular spot for visitors, and there’s plenty to see and do here. Pack a picnic lunch and just watch the airfield for a while, you might be lucky enough to see the Hercules, or simply enjoy all the comings and goings at this busy airfield. They have a regular calendar of exercises and events, so if the dates line up you’ll be able to see some really interesting manoeuvres. Aviation fans are sure to really enjoy a visit here.
Sleep under the Stars
With five large national parks in the surrounding area (and countless smaller areas), this is a very camping-friendly region, so take the opportunity to get out into nature and spend a couple of nights under the stars. You can bring your own gear or take advantage of the services of one of the camping or glamping outfits – with glamping you’ll enjoy your time in the best of canvas luxury, where absolutely everything is done for you – you simply enjoy your time without any of the work. There is any number of bushwalks to do, or you can fish or swim, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna all around you.
Good Food
Every Saturday morning in Richmond they have a “Good Food Market”, and just as the name suggests, this is an excellent opportunity to sample the very best of the local producer’s offerings. There’s a wide range of stalls here – from fresh fruits and vegies to all kinds of delicatessen selections, local wine, cheeses and gourmet treats galore. The local food vendors put out their best, and there’s usually music and activities for the kids too, so it’s well worth setting your alarm early and getting there when the locals do at the crack of dawn.
