Castle Hill is a suburb north-west of Sydney and is one of the several suburbs that make up the Sydney Hills district. This area mixes together traditional and modern lifestyles – there’s something for everyone within a short driving distance.
The Museum Discovery Centre allows visitors to learn more about art, science and curation. To add to the artistic nature of the town, the Hills Artisan markets take place on the second Saturday of every month. The markets showcase fine quality arts and craftsmanship by local Australians – perfect for a bespoke piece of jewellery or personalised gift.
Take a trip back in time and drive to the Castle Hill Heritage Park. Brush up on your history and learn about the early convicts that lived in the area. This site has one of the lesser known government farms where the staging of the first convict rebellion took place in 1804. There are walking trails, picnic areas, public toilets and playgrounds available for children to play. Families can certainly make an afternoon out of the Heritage Park.
While in Castle Hill, take a short drive out to the Farmers and Fine Food Market nearby. Additionally, be sure to see if the Baulkham Hills Orange Blossom Festival is on. Held annually in the spring, this festival celebrates the time when the landscape was abundant with orchards and flowers. This is a family event with food trucks, performances and a variety of activities for children.
Castle Hill hosts the Inflatable World of Oz (open Sundays and school holidays) for the young ones to exert some energy. Likewise, the “Flip Out” venue has trampolines and a dodgeball court. Let the kids play while parents sit back and relax. In the evenings, the Castle Hill Tavern has a family-friendly bistro and schedules an array of entertainment nights for everyone to enjoy. With a rental car, getting around Castle Hill is hassle-free.
If you're looking for something more adventurous, head to the Bidjigal Reserve (an 11-minute drive) and hike along the Platypus Track. Be on the lookout for koalas, wallabies, echidnas and active wildlife along the way. Prospect Nature Reserve and Reservoir (a 35-minute drive) is another location that is an ideal picnic spot for nature-lovers.
Alternatively, take some time to explore the Berowra Valley National Park (just a 25-minute drive in your rental car). Take the family on a hike, go out on a boat, partake in a BBQ and enjoy nature that’s a bit more off the grid. This destination promises picturesque views and rolling hills.
The relaxed, laid back atmosphere of Castle Hill makes it an ideal spot to take a relaxed, refreshing rural getaway. With a rental car, explore the region at your own (or your family’s own) pace.
