Discover the Hawkesbury: Colo

In the 1970s the Colo River was saved from development and damming by an alliance of environmental groups. We have much to thank them for, as the river is one of the last remaining pristine waterways in NSW – a lovely place for swimming and kayaking and a popular spot for bass fishing.

Enjoy a tranquil stay camping in this idyllic place at Colo Riverside Park. Powered campsites are $40 per night and unpowered ones $35 for two people (additional people over ten years in age are an extra $5 per night). Fires are allowed except during fire bans – firewood is available for sale at the café – and the site is dog friendly, so you can bring your furry kids as well. An amenities block means you can even get a hot shower. Colo Riverside Café offers the convenience of a café and bottle shop open every day, 7am-5pm. Dine in or take away a decent meal and a good cup of coffee.

Colo Riverside Park is about 90 minutes drive northwest of Sydney, or about 20 minutes north of Windsor. 1826 Putty Rd, Colo 2756. 02 4575 4111. coloriver.com.au.

Further afield, the Upper Colo Reserve offers a wilderness camping experience. Ideal for nature lovers, the 13.8 hectare site is surrounded by the Wollemi National Park beside the Colo River, with stretches that are shallow enough for children to swim in supervised.

Daytrippers are welcome but campsite numbers are limited and bookings are required through Hawkesbury City Council. Fees are $12 per night for 13 years and older and $10 per night 5-10 years. The reserve is open all year round, although the gates are locked 8pm-8am spring/summer and 6pm-8am autumn/winter. Basic toilets and shower facilities are available and you can bring a dog, but they must be kept on lead.

To get there, turn right off Upper Colo Road into Colo Heights Road, cross over the wooden bridge and turn left at the Telstra Tower into Hulbert Road. Veer left at the Y intersection to enter the Upper Colo Reserve. Hulbert Rd, Upper Colo 2756. 02 4587 7740. coloriver.com.au.