Rachael Goldsworthy Realty

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How to Celebrate Easter in the Hawkesbury

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Here are our top 10 ways to celebrate this Easter in the Hawkesbury.

Royal Easter Show1. Fancy a day of rides, your favourite showbags, meeting the barn yard babies and an agricultural experience? The Royal Easter show is on from Friday 23 March until Tuesday 3rd April, 2018 at Sydney Olympic Park. For more details contact 02 9704 1111 or visit eastershow.com.au

2. Hop into Mares Mini Lop Bunnies and Accessories to meet the Easter Bunny and have a special family photo with the Easter Bunny. Call them to let them know you will be coming to see them and all their little friends or visit the website.
Mares Mini Lop Bunnies and Accessories
592 Londonderry Rd, Londonderry, NSW 2753
For more details and to RSVP contact 0422 355 852

Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley3. Enjoy an Easter Sunday Breakfast with the whole family at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley. A selection of delicious hot and cold menu items will be available – traditional buffet breakfast in addition to some special Easter treats.
Sunday 1st April 2018 in the Gazebo from 7.30am to 10.30am
Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley
61 Hawkesbury Valley Way, Windsor
Bookings are essential. Call 02 4577 4222 or email sales.cphawkesburyvalley@ihg.com for more information or to make a booking.

4. Easter at The Australiana Pioneer Village is one not to miss. With a special visit from the Easter Bunny, Easter egg hunts, Easter games and craft activities, it is sure to be a great family day out.
The Australiana Pioneer Village, Wilberforce.
Sunday 1st April and Monday 2nd April
Rose Street, Wilberforce
For further details contact (02) 4575 1777 or visit theapv.org.au

Windsor Seafoods5. Is Seafood a tradition for you over this festive period? Then Windsor Seafood is the place to be, with a delicious mix of hot and cold Seafood, it is sure to be a winner this Easter.
Open all long weekend 11:00am – 8:00pm
Windsor Seafoods
74 George Street, Windsor
For further details contact 02 4577 4222

6. Visit The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah for an Easter Egg Adventure the whole family will enjoy. Use the Easter Adventure map to hop through the Garden and find the 5 activity stations. Complete the fun physical challenges, stamp the passport and collect your egg. The adventure is suitable for children aged 5-12 years and their families. Cost is $7 per child with each participating child requiring a ticket to receive their passport and collect a prize. Assisting adults free of charge. Bookings are essential – click here to book. The Easter Egg Adventure will be held 30th & 31st March, 1st & 2nd April at 9:30 – 12:30pm or 12:30pm – 5:00pm.

Easter Egg Hunt7. Make your Easter Eggstra special with a Family Easter egg hunt. With many great locations and parks within the Hawkesbury it may be the perfect day to visit one of our local parks. Howe Park, Government Park, Macquarie Park and Glossodia Park-Woodbury Reserve.

8. Like cooking? Try your hand at making an Easter Cake for the family.

9. Looking for something to make with the kids? Why not try making an Easter Tree which is a traditional custom from some European countries. People would make an arrangement from things collected on a nature walk such as twigs, branches, flowers and then add decorated empty eggs to make an Easter Tree. Click here for some great ideas.

St Matthews Anglican Church Windsor10. Celebrate Easter by attending a local Church Service. Attend services at historic St Matthews Anglican Church in Windsor at 9:00am on Good Friday and 8:00am and 10:00am on Easter Sunday. Visit windsoranglican.asn.au. Attend mass on Easter Sunday at St Monica’s Church Richmond at 7:30am, 9:30am or 5:30pm or at St Gregory’s Church Kurrajong at 8:00am. Visit parishofrichmond.org.au for more information.

Enjoy your Easter in the Hawkesbury and let me know if you need more information on the local area or I can be of further assistance with your real estate needs.

Rachael ????

Photo credits: Sydney.com, Hotels Combined and Hawkesbury Gazette

Things to do in the Hawkesbury – Join us for Earth Hour 2018 – #Connect2Earth ????

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#Connect2Earth is a challenge to switch off during Earth Hour and reconnect with the natural environment.

From the national treasure of the Great Barrier Reef, to our iconic koala in the forest, to the much-loved penguins of Antarctica – our unique biodiversity, meaning the wildlife and the natural places we love, face a perilous future if we don’t step up to protect our planet (and our home!) from the impacts of climate change.

So this Earth Hour, it’s easy for all Australians to show they care: just switch off and #Connect2Earth and you will amplify the national conversation on climate change.

For more information, visit earthhour.org.au

Join me for Earth Hour on Saturday 24 March 2018 between 8:30 – 9:30pm.

Rachael ????

#Connect2Earth #EarthHour #RachaelGoldsworthyRealty #PlacesWeLove #switchoff

Things to do in the Hawkesbury – Houseboat Hire in Sydney

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Hawkesbury River HouseboatsHawkesbury is a great place to take your family and friends whether spending a few days or weeks floating down the beautiful Hawkesbury River and abroad and a great place to hire a houseboat. I don’t know about you, however, I find there is always something really relaxing about either being by or near places with a view of the water.  Maybe it is the ever-changing waterside landscape of other boats, kayakers or swimmers passing by or the sheer beauty of the landscape itself of precipitous sandstone cliff faces that mimic the sun as it chases the surface of the land throughout the days, bushland and birdlife that we are lucky enough to enjoy in and around the Hawkesbury and for many reasons one of my favourites, The Hawkesbury River which I must say is one of the best places to visit.

Some of the activities you could do in the Hawkesbury may include fishing, kayaking, swimming, water skiing, tubing, horseback riding, picnics, eating out in local restaurants and cafes and even a special treat of hiring a houseboat and experiencing the great riverside lifestyle with your family and friends. The kind of houseboat you hire will depend on your personal tastes and how many people you are catering, for example; the Ripples houseboats offer The 13 metre Cohercraft  that can house 4-10 people, the Classic Fenwicks ideal for couples and small families and The Elite Houseboat that can accommodate up to 12 people.

Best places to hire a houseboat

Hawkesbury Houseboats – hawkesburyhouseboats.com.au
Luxury Afloat – luxuryafloat.com
Ripples Houseboats – holidaysafloat.com.au
Brooklyn Marina – brooklynmarina.com.au
Omega Hawkesbury Houseboat Hire – omegaclipper34.com.au

There are many questions you may consider when thinking of hiring a houseboat, I have covered off on some of the most popular, such as:

What do I need to bring?

First of all, it is important to remember to pack all the essentials.  Avoid bulky heavy items as there is limited storage space, opt for soft bags that can pack away easily.  You can bring along all your favourite snacks and food, remember to freeze those items that may last a little longer as most houseboats provide ice-chests or regular dry ice eskies however don’t forget to ask when you book. Pack your food in snap lock bags and avoid glass, breakables as much as possible.

To avoid harmful sun rays, make sure you pack sunscreen lotion, a hat and a pair of sunglasses. Do not forget beach towels for when you want to take a swim and use as dual purpose for the beach and showers. Your shoe choice should also count, everyone wants to step out on the right foot so I would suggest no stilettos onboard, more like barefoot or thongs, sneakers and maybe a set of hiking boots if you go off Riverside instead of heals and leather shoes. You might also want to pack some warm clothes vests or rain poncho just in case of inclement weather.

Also bottled water for cooking and drinking just in case you run out on the boat stores, pack your phone to take some great photographs and pipe music through the entertainment unit, a digital camera, ice, fishing tackle and rods and you will probably find a first aid kit on board in case of emergencies, just check when booking.

Do I need a Boat Licence?

Good news folks….a boat licence is not necessary to charter a houseboat on the Hawkesbury.  The only requirement is to be 18 years and above and be in possession of an unrestricted car licence and you are ready to go. You will be given a briefing on the houseboat of your choice before you float off into the sunset so you will be able to tackle just about anything on the water.

Hawkesbury River Houseboats

Can I swim in the Hawkesbury from my houseboat?

Yes, you can brave the waters of the Hawkesbury and go for a refreshing swim. You just have to make sure you are careful about the speed and current of the water and the temperature because the water can be very cold during winter seasons.  Also one should be careful about diving into unchartered waters and often the river does not provide great visibility for depth.  Make sure you find a good spot and know the depth of the water before diving in off the houseboat to avoid any unnecessary mishaps, equally sometimes there are floating items in the river like logs or debris which are often just hidden below the surface.

Can I fish from my boat or shoreline on the Hawkesbury River?

Yes, bring your fishing rod and expect to hook a fish or two for lunch or dinner.  Don’t forget you will need to obtain your recreational fishing licence, for as a little as $7 for 3 days, which can be done online or when booking your trip or at the link provided here.

Any recreational fishing in NSW waters for both freshwater and saltwater and for the following activities:-

  • spear fishing
  • hand lining
  • hand gathering
  • trapping
  • bait collecting
  • prawn netting
  • in possession of fishing gear in, on or adjacent to waters.

you are required to obtain your licence and make sure you keep the receipt handy for proof of licence when onboard as they do spot checks.

How many people can I bring on my boat?

This will depend on the size and type of the houseboat you charter and make sure you check when booking.

Berowra Waters Inn

Are there any restaurants on the Hawkesbury River

Is the Pope a Catholic…The answer is a resounding yes, some of the best restaurants in Sydney can be found in the Hawkesbury it is a great tourist hub. Like:

Have fun if you get to charter a Houseboat on the beautiful Hawkesbury one day soon.

Rachael ⛵

Things to do in The Hawkesbury – What is the Best Ghost Tour in Sydney

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#familyfriday

One of the Best Ghost Tours in Sydney has to be when you visit Australian Pioneer Village at Rose Street, Wilberforce NSW 2756.  If you are looking at exploring some old buildings dating back as early as the 1800s there is a Ghost Tour made just for you on 9th March, 2018.  Some of the old buildings you will visit include Mitchell Cottage – 1890, Bank of Australia 1920, Mangold Cottage – 1886 and Perry House 1856 “House of Shady Ladies”.

WHEN

The next Ghost Tour in the Hawkesbury can be purchased online for the 9th March, 2018.  If you aim to arrive at 11pm to unpack the car and get settled in, 11:30pm the tour of the village kicks off and as the clock strikes midnight the vigils begin.

Don’t worry if you miss this tour the next one is scheduled for May, 2018, always book ahead to avoid disappointment.

WHAT TO BRING

As suggested by APPI – All Night Paranormal Investigation there are a few things you may want to bring with you on the night.

If you think you won’t last the whole night wandering with the spirits around the village bring your sleeping bag, mattress and pillow to have power naps throughout the night, however there is so much to see and do, no one generally sleeps that night 🙂

Feel free to bring extra drinks and snacks however tea and coffee with ghost offerings will be provided.

If you love spookie dookie stuff and want to capture an image of casper to take home feel free to bring along your Night Vision, Barometer, Compass, Infra red Thermal Imaging, Dowsing Rods, Digital Cameras, Video Recorders, Electro Magnetic Field Detectors, Hydrometer,  Head torch light, torch and any or simply bring yourself.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS?

For tickets to join in the fun Contact All Night Paranormal Investigation Don’t worry if you miss this tour the next one is scheduled for May, 2018.

Join APPI Ghost Hunts & Tours on an ALL NIGHT ghost hunt at the beautiful vintage Australiana Pioneer Village.

Have a great night and let me know who you got to catch up with living or otherwise 🙂

Rachael ????

 

#spooky #australianapioneervillage #ghosttour #souls #orbs #scary #hawkesbury #rachaelgoldsworthyrealty #rgr #ghoststories

 

Things to do in the Hawkesbury – Best Walking Tracks

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The Colo River is one of the most popular tourist and weekend-getaway destinations in New South Wales.  Just over an hour away from Sydney, this World Heritage Wollemi Wilderness area is home to a large number of scenic and beautiful walking tracks including Bob Turner’s Track, with steep rock cliffs, verdant bushland, enchanting flora and fauna and deep valleys and waterholes.

Bob Turner's Track Bush Walk Colo RiverThe Bob Turner Track can be found in one of the lower parts of the river and probably one of the easier access routes however still classed a medium grade.  Pack your lunch for a picnic by the River and don’t forget the swimmers as it is always good to cool down after the trek.

Map to Bob Turner’s Track

For a sample map to Wollemi National Park – Bob Turners Track to the Colo River, click here.

Best Bushwalks in the Hawkesbury

Whilst we have some great walks in Sydney my I love bushwalking in the Hawkesbury.  For your latest copy of the guide to The Best Bushwalks in the Hawkesbury click here.

If you are interested in bushwalking in the Hawkesbury area, the Visitor Information Centre has a handy $6 guide which details 12 of the Hawkesbury’s best bushwalks. This extremely popular guide has something for everyone.

All of the bushwalks are about an hour’s drive from Richmond.  There is something in the guide for novice bushwalkers as well as more experienced walkers.

Available at the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre, 328 Hawkesbury Valley Way, Richmond NSW 2753. Phone 02 4560 4620.”

Source: www.discoverthehawkesbury.com.au

Colo River Bush Walk

Great Bushwalks in the Hawkesbury

For your convenience I have also attached a link to a local website which has more information on some of the other Hawkesbury Bushwalks available, you will have a bushwalk for ever weekend of the year: click here.

Other Great Bushwalks in the Wollemi Wilderness

I have attached a link to the National Parks which has more information on other walks available: click here

Kayaking or LiLo down the Colo River

Like to paddle as well as Bushwalk? Well you can combine these two activities with the Bob Turner Track and Colo River.  To find out the best ways to prepare for this type of trip click here

Mardi Gras Celebrates 40 Years

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Whether you are looking at attending yourself or in support of a friend, family member or local community, watching the Mardi Gras Parade or streamling live no matter what side of the fence you sit can be a lot of fun.  A couple of things you need to know about Mardi Gras…

Rachael’s Top Tips for Best Vantage Points

1/ Like in real estate Location, Location, Location is key! So plan to arrive early to get the best vantage spot.
2/ When buying a home you want to know the local amenities and facilities available, so ensure you know your go to places to purchase food and water, and toilet stops for the night.
3/Spending long days searching for that perfect home, nobody wants to get “Hangry” in the process, so ensure you carry water and snacks just in case you cannot find a vendor in time, your friends will love you for it.
4/ Similar to our open homes where we want to ensure the safety of our attendees, therefore keep an eye on your friends and belongings and stay together to have a safe and enjoyable night out. Carry only the essentials and avoid bulky items.
5/ Like wandering the streets for hours for the perfect home, it is a must to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, dress for the Mardi Gras Event and weather forecast 

A couple of other things you need to know about Mardi Gras…

When Is the Mardi Gras?

Sydney Mardi Gras is celebrating 40 years with one of the most colourful and creative parades to attend this year being held on 3rd March, 2018.

Who is performing at Mardi Gras?

Cher, a longtime advocate for the LGBTQI community, has arrived in Sydney preparing for her iconic performance at 2am after the night’s biggest ever official Mardi Gras Party.
The gay icon’s chart-topping hits include Believe, Strong Enough, All or Nothing, The Shoop Shoop Song, I Got You Babe, If I Could Turn Back Time, Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down), Half-Breed and Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves.

What is Mardi Gras?

And whether you are up for a party or not The City of Sydney certainly knows how to host one of the best parties of the year! Bursting into life with a full calendar of special and annual signature events that celebrate all things rainbow attracting approximately 20,000 local, interstate and international visitors, providing them with an experience that cultivates a sense of culture and community which equally commemorates the vibrant history of Mardi Gras since inception by the 78ers.

 What is the meaning of Mardi Gras?

“40 Years of Love “examines the themes of repression, adversity, freedom, diversity and equality” and was inspired by queer artists like Peter Tully, Brenton Heath-Kerr, Ron Muncaster, Keith Haring and Pierre et Gillesaid Aberline and Goldberg.

“With the work’s vibrant energy and complexity, we share that Mardi Gras isn’t a singular thing but a cacophony of diverse ideas, people, histories, politics and expressions.”

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City was proud to support and celebrate the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.”

Quotes courtesy of online source: http://www.mardigras.org.au/news/mardi-gras-celebrates-40-years-with-a-huge-inflatable-art-installation-on-taylor-square

Best Vantage Points or Places to watch Mardi Gras Sydney 2018?

You can take advantage of a roadside possie along Oxford Street leading up to Taylor Square. A couple of other venues you could visit as you follow the parade up Oxford Street are Beresford Hotel,  Stonewall Hotel  Open from 5 p.m. and tickets start from $22, The Oxford Hotel – Open from 10 a.m. with entertainment from 7 p.m., The Colombian Hotel – Open from 9 a.m., The Courthouse Hotel – Open all day. The Flinders – Doors open from 4pm and DJ’s from 10 p.m.,  VIP Viewing – Sideshow – Flinders St, Darlinghurst  7pm – 11pm, From $61 + booking fees, Wheelchair Accessible.

What to wear to Mardi Gras 2018?

The great thing about Mardi Gras as you can dress in whatever you like, but most importantly, simply be yourself.

Is the Mardi Gras on TV?

Yes, it will be streamed live from 7pm on Facebook and SBS Demand and if you can’t make it on the night, it will also be broadcast on SBS Demand – Sunday 4th March at 8:30pm with all our favourite hosts including Magda Szubanski, Patrick Abboud, Joel Creasey and Urzila Carlson for our special Mardi Gras broadcast, including hilarious Mardi Gras commentary, a behind the scenes look at the parade and insightful stories that delve deeper into the issues faced by the LGBT+ community.”

Source Online:

“2018 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the world’s largest and most high profile LGBTIQ+ celebrations. Having started as a civil rights protest in 1978, Mardi Gras has grown into an opportunity to celebrate diversity, equality, inclusion and pride on a global scale.

Following last year’s historic same-sex marriage vote, this year’s Mardi Gras will be a celebration of how far the LGBTIQ+ communities and their allies have come in the last 40 years, as well as a reflection on the community’s hopes for the future.

The television broadcast will feature the best and brightest floats and costumes in the parade, interviews with special guest and celebrities including international music icon Cher, commentary from Magda Szubanski and Joel Creasey, as well as on the ground coverage from Urzila Carlson. The Feed’s Patrick Abboud will present a series of stories which introduces us to parade participants, the people and special meanings behind the floats, and the stories of Mardi Gras marchers– including the 78’ers who pioneered this global event 40 years ago.”

Online source: https://tvtonight.com.au/2018/02/40th-sydney-gay-lesbian-mardi-gras-tv-guide.html

Whatever you find yourself doing this weekend, Happy Mardi Gras!

Rachael ????

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