Visit Windsor to experience its old-world charm, including the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Hawkesbury Regional Museum, and street art murals.
WINDSOR GAS LANTERN FESTIVAL
On the long weekend and King’s Birthday in June, Windsor was transported to the 1800s to celebrate its first ever Gas Lantern Festival. Over 25 gas lamps were lit in George Street, branding Windsor as the “Gas Lamp Capital of Australia”.
Friday night was a triumph of food trucks, parades as well as late night musicians. On Saturday, a horse and carriage could be heard along the cobblestone streets as well as a variety of history tours.
However, the event concluded on Monday with a variety of local artists and markets showcasing their creativity. You can peruse the extensive list of photos on Facebook at “Windsor NSW – The Gas Lamp Capital of Australia”
Opened in 2005, this public gallery promotes the work of regional and North-Western Sydney artists, presenting their work in a brightly lit space. Touring exhibitions from regional communities will often display their work, otherwise general entry is free.
With changing exhibitions and a range of both Indigenous, contemporary and abstract art – the Regional Gallery has something to intrigue everything’s tastes. Currently, “Origin: The Place Where Something Begins” by Sydney Printmakers is open until the 18th August, showcasing traditional printmaking practices.
Public and education programs are also offered at the gallery including artist talks, master classes and school holiday workshop programs, which you can browse on their website.
You can visit this Art Gallery at 300 George Street, Windsor, 2756. They are open 6 days a
week from Monday, Wednesday- Friday 10am to 4pm and, Saturday to Sunday 10am to 3pm.
STREET ART MURALS
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Pretty pastels, local birds and bright fruit are all jumping off the walls of George Street’s Mall art murals. Designed by David and Noni Craigg, and Thomas Jackson in 2019, these vibrant pieces offer both native and contemporary flora and fauna. Eastern Spinebills, a Honeyeater and a Golden Bell Frog can be spotted, and are an ode to the traditional Dharug owners of the land.
A recent addition to Baker Street is local artist Bella Bonazza’s silhouette of Old Windsor Town outside of The Manor on George. Her art brightens the area and revamps the historical town’s image with a focus on traditional and bold colours. You can find the artwork outside of 278 George Street, Windsor.
The Regional Museum operates in both a brick building and the adjacent historical, Georgian-style Howe House. This heritage home is rich with 200 years of history as it was built by John Home in the 1820s and is now a time-capsule of Australia’s colonial history.
However, the museum built in 2008 also has various Tourism and Heritage awards. It also boasts a variety of displays including Indigenous Australian stories and artefacts, and astronomer John Tebutt’s scientific instruments.
Perhaps the most intriguing is their ‘Paradise Lost’ collection, exploring the nostalgia of abandoned theme parks and reliving child-hood memories through photographs and memorabilia.
You can visit this regional museum at 8 Baker Street, Windsor 2756. They are open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 4pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Currently, the Howe House is only open for group-bookings.
