Discover the Hawkesbury: Bilpin

Julie is a very special girl indeed. She was first spotted as a chance seedling at the Shields Orchard in Bilpin in 1992, and went on to become the first commercial apple discovered in the Sydney area since the Granny Smith more than 100 years ago. The Shields Orchard is home to Hillbilly Cider and its rustic Cider Shed, where cider-makers Shane and Tessa McLaughlin pour tastings straight from the barrels. You can try Sweet Julie Cider, the only cider in the world that uses the Julie apple, and acclaimed for being intensely fruity without being overly sweet. Like all of Hillbilly’s ciders, it’s made with 100 per cent crushed fruit without added sugar or flavours and it’s unpasteurised. While here you may also like to try their alcoholic and non-alcoholic apple ciders, crushed pear cider and scrumpy cider. Sit up on the deck and enjoy the orchard views and some premium chat from Shane and Tessa. Shields Orchard, 2270 Bells Line of Rd, Bilpin 2758. 02 4567 2662. hillbillycider.com.au. Fri noon-5pm; Sat, Sun 11-5pm.

Every weekend the Bilpin Cider Co welcomes visitors for Picnics on the Farm, with a choice of $55 hampers (whole chicken, grazing plate or vegetarian) that feed up to four people. It's worth timing your visit for the third Sunday of the month, however, which is Thirsty Third Sunday – with an additional themed menu (often including a pig on the spit), live music and games on the grounds. Bilpin Cider Co uses fresh Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples from Bilpin and the surrounding region to make five cider varieties, including a non-alcoholic cider. The flagship brand is Bilpin Original, a balance of sweet and tart, while Bilpin Blush uses 100 per cent pink lady apples for a sweeter, lower alcohol cider. You can try them all at the Bilpin Cider Farm Cellar Door, which is open daily and where they also have available for tasting and sale locally produced honey from Bilpin Bush honey and seasonal fruit from Pine Crest Orchard. 2369 Bells Line of Rd, Bilpin 2758. 02 4567 0704. www.bilpincider.com. Daily 10am-4pm.

Part of the Blue Mountains National Park, the Vale of Avoca Lookout affords impressive views of the rugged territory of the Grose River Gorge and the Devils Wilderness. From North Richmond, turn onto Grose Vale Road then into Cabbage Tree Road and follow the trail from the end of the sealed road to the lookout, about 20 metres away. The lookout is on a sandstone outcrop and is unfenced, so take care. A second trail heading off to the left leads to the Grose River and a two-hour hike there and back. Cabbage Tree Rd, Grose Vale 2753.

Popular for weddings and events, Loxley on Bellbird Hill is a property dating back to 1833, when Governor Sir Thomas Brisbane first granted 50 acres to William Townsend. Today it’s a grand venue consisting of chalets with fireplaces, spas and magnificent views, surrounded by natural beauty. If you are looking for an intimate retreat or getaway, the Loxley can provide. Dinner is served in your room or in the 1864 Private Dining Room, and breakfast is served on your private balcony overlooking the Sydney Basin to the soundtrack of native birds singing. 993 Bells Line of Rd, Kurrajong Hills 2758. 02 4567 7711. loxleyonbellbirdhill.com.au.