hornsby shire

Business Directory and Tourist Guide

WELCOME TO HORNSBY

Hornsby Shire Highlights

Hawkesbury River

First explored by Captain Phillip in 1788, the Hawkesbury River soon became the main transportation
route carrying food supplies between Windsor and Sydney for the white settlers. Nowadays, the
Hawkesbury River is a vibrant location renowned for fishing and boating. Hire a boat, take a river cruise
or perhaps dine at the many great restaurants from Brooklyn to Berowra Waters along the Hawkesbury.
Also hop on the ferry and visit the beautiful Dangar Island, or take a ride on Australia’s Last Riverboat Postman.

Kuring-gai Chase National Park

The Park provides superb lookouts over Cowan Creek, facilities for boating and fishing, bbq and picnic
areas and a network of bushwalking trails. Wildflowers can be seen between July and October.

Wisemans Ferry

A charming place steeped in history, Wisemans Ferry was named after Solomon Wiseman who
established the first ferry service in 1827. After playing a round of golf on the Retreat Golf Course,
visit the Wisemans Ferry Inn which incorporates part of Wiseman’s original home.

Fagan Park

Set in 55 hectares of open parkland and bush, the Park has excellent picnic amenities including BBQ’s and a children’s playground. Take a stroll through the Gardens of Many Nations, the original historic Netherby Cottage and the Rural Museum. Guided tours are also available. A small entry fee is charged for vehicles.

Berowra Waters

Part of the Hawkesbury River system, Berowra Waters is a unique place to hire a boat, go fishing, or dine at beautiful waterfront restaurants. The area boasts the spectacular scenery of the beautiful Hawkesbury River and its tributaries.

Galston, Dural and beyond…

These small semi rural towns offer a myriad of nurseries, fruit orchards, hobby farms plus many craft and antique stores. Take a drive along the ‘Farmgate Trail’ to discover a range of fresh produce, art, cafes, restaurants and bed & breakfasts.

Hornsby

As the primary retail and commercial zone for the Shire, Hornsby boasts a fantastic mix of old and new. Wander through the Mall featuring the renowned Hornsby Water Sculpture, alfresco dining and popular shopping. Or head to the west side for shopping, cafes and second hand bookstores. Visit Hornsby’s secret garden, Lisgar Gardens.

Aboriginal Heritage

Aboriginal heritage in the Hornsby Shire dates back at least 20,000 years when the Darug and Guringai people lived by a great river that they called Vhen Ruphen. The Shire contains many scared sites and there is significant evidence of indigenous life prior to settlement. Today, Aboriginal people from many different groups call the Hornsby Shire home. Hornsby Shire Council recognises the traditional inhabitants of the land at all Council meetings and formal occasions.

Centenary of Hornsby Shire Council

The Shire of Hornsby was proclaimed on 7 March 1906. A provisional Council was appointed with five members drawn from local Progress Associations and other community groups. Their first meeting was held on 14 June, 1906, in the Hornsby School of Arts. In November the first council election was held and the first elected Hornsby Shire Council met on Saturday, 8 December, 1906.
The council has grown over the last hundred years from a few thousand residents to more than 150,000. In 2006 council celebrated its centenary with a range of community event and celebrations throughout the area.


For more information about any of these interesting, fun, free activities and other great things to see and
do in the Hornsby Shire contact the friendly team at the Sydney Hills Visitor Information Centre.

Ph: 02 9847 6760
www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/recreation-and-facilities/tourist-information

hornsby Visitor Information Centre

Administration Building
Level 1, 296 Pacific Highway
Hornsby NSW 2077