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Obsessed with The Last Anniversary? These Hawkesbury escapes bring it to life

The Nicole Kidman series is igniting Australia’s screens.
Left image is Teresa Palmer in the last anniversary on binge, right is the exterior of a house on airbnbBinge / Laguna Sanctuary via Airbnb

If you’ve been loving The Last Anniversary, you’re not alone. The six-part series, based on the novel by Liane Moriarty and executive produced by Nicole Kidman, has captured the attention of Australian audiences with its mystery-rich drama, nuanced family dynamics, and its ability to showcase one of New South Wales’ most stunning landscapes: the Hawkesbury River.

“I was visiting Dangar Island on the Hawkesbury River and I thought: What a wonderful setting for a novel…” says Liane Moriarty, who based the fictitious ‘Scribbly Gum Island’ on the Hawkesbury. The show was predominantly filmed in the Hawkesbury River region, capturing its rugged mountains, sweeping valleys, and offering a sneak peek into life by the lakeside.

So, if the Australian television series has you dreaming of an escape from the bustling city, we’ve curated a list of the best stays by the Hawkesbury River.

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2025’s TOP STAYS ON THE HAWKESBURY RIVER

  1. Best Hawkesbury River stay for couples: Soulful Wilderness Cabin | Stone Guest House
  2. Best Hawkesbury River stay for families: Sharpe’s River Retreat
  3. Best Hawkesbury River farm stay: Farmhouse 100 | Berry Hill
  4. Best Hawkesbury River lakeside stay: Hawkesbury River Hideout | The Whitehouse on Wisemans

01

Farmhouse 100

South Maroota

Best for: an intimate homestead retreat

Sleeps: four people

Situated within a stone’s throw of the Hawkesbury River in South Maroota, this luxury farm stay offers a charming homestead experience for a couple or small group. The elevated interiors and curated amenities are what make this country stay so special: from the luxury linens to the freestanding bathtub and outdoor entertainment area, complete with an outdoor firepit and BBQ. Spend the day stone fruit picking at Canoelands Orchard Farm, grab a bite at Wiseman’s Inn Hotel, or wander the Sunday markets at Windsor for some local produce and homemade goodies.

Reasons to stay:

  • Two king bedrooms
  • Luxurious underfloor heating and double shower
  • Indoor and outdoor bath available to indulge
  • 5-minute drive to Riverside Oaks Golf Resort and Pacific Park

02

Berry Hill

Leets Vale

Best for: a luxurious family getaway

Sleeps: 14 people

Berry Hill is a 188-year-old restored heritage-listed homestead, with bespoke shed suites for additional guests. During your stay, you have access to 75-acres of private land, as well as the Hawkesbury River and a private beach. With antique, rustic, and modern influences imbued in the interiors, enjoy the luxury of king-sized beds, walk-in rain showers, and a wraparound veranda overlooking the rolling hills and river. With elevated amenities such as hammocks by the river, a pizza oven for entertaining, and a fireplace, this stay is perfect for a long weekend getaway or family events.

Reasons to stay:

  • 90-minute drive from Sydney
  • Three contemporary shed suites for additional guests
  • For stays over 14 people, high-quality glamping tents available for an additional fee
  • Private bush walks and a private beach are accessible during your stay

03

Soulful Wilderness Cabin

South Maroota

Best for: an off-grid couples stay

Sleeps: two people

Perched on a private 25-acre property lies Soulful Wilderness Cabin, a tiny home for two designed to be an immersive nature experience. Featuring a king-sized bed with luxury linens, a double shower and bath, and a slow combustion fireplace, this stay is a desirable weekend retreat for an anniversary or long weekend escape.

Reasons to stay:

  • Country cabin with warm interiors
  • Private surroundings
  • Indoor fireplace
  • Outdoor bath and shower
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04

Laguna Sanctuary

Upper Colo

Best for: elevated amenties

Sleeps: four people

Located in the Colo River Valley to the northwest of the Hawkesbury River, in a place known as “the last pristine river in NSW,” a Balinese-style cottage offers a sanctuary escape with a variety of recreational amenities. From stand-up boarding to a boat ride on the lagoon and kayaking on the Colo River, to massages and facials available on request, this place offers a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Reasons to stay:

  • Less than a two-hour drive from Sydney
  • Dog-friendly (fees apply)
  • Indoor fireplace
  • Waterfront and lake access with recreational amenities available for use

05

Stone guest house

Ebenezer

Best for: a unique stay

Sleeps: two people

Considered one of Hawkesbury’s best kept secrets, this unque stone home has a French farmhouse style interior and large gothic doors that combine modern living with heritage design. Located in the rural neighbourhood of Ebenezer, spend the day exploring the local wineries, fruit picking or visiting the Kurrajong village or Bilpin, only a short drive away.

Reasons to stay:

  • Unique once-in-a-lifetime accommodation
  • Indoor wood-burning fireplace
  • Private patio with outdoor seating

06

Sharpe’s Ridge Retreat

Leets Vale

Best for: privacy

Sleeps: six people

Set high above the valley, this private and rural retreat offers sweeping valley views of the lush native bushland. Just 60-minutes from Sydney CBD, this stay is the perfect excuse to pack up the family for a weekend away. With indoor and outdoor entertaining areas, including a wrap around verandah and access to over 40-acres of private land, a weekend escape is just around the corner.

Reasons to stay:

  • River, mountain and valley views
  • Over 40-acres of private land
  • Wrap around verandah
  • Indoor-wood burning fireplace

07

The Whitehouse on Wisemans

Wisemans Ferry

Best for: a little luxury

Sleeps: five people

Located within an exclusive luxury resort right on the Hawkesbury River, this fully furnish cabin is complete with two luxury bedrooms, a large dining and kitchen area and a fully stocked pantry. Rated in the top 1% of homes on Airbnb, a luxury escape awaits.

Reasons to stay:

  • Two-hours north from Sydney
  • Riverfront resort stay
  • Stocked pantry
  • Two single kayaks available for use on the river
  • Sofa-bed available for extra guests
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08

Hawkesbury River Hideout

Gunderman

Best for: boating lovers

Sleeps: seven people

Whether you’re a family of boaters or a group of friends looking for a tranquil private abode, this three-bedroom own offers and open-platn stay with sweeping views of the river. With its own jetty and pontoon, this home can easily accommodate boats and is ideal for water skiers.

Reasons to stay:

  • 1-hour drive from the Central Coast
  • Riverfront stay with lake access
  • Four outdoor decks
  • Open-plan living

09

River Point Cottage

Lower Portland

Best for: unwinding among nature

Sleeps: two people

Imagine golden hour by the pool, the sun dipping behind the majestic Hawkesbury River, a glass of wine in hand. If you’re still dreaming, River Point Cottage is your escape. Designed for deep reconnection with nature, this stay features an outdoor pool, spa, and firepit for a touch of luxury amid the towns laid-back charm.

Reasons to stay:

  • 30-acre block of land
  • Outdoor pool and spa
  • Open views of the Hawkesbury River
  • 75-minute drive from the Sydney CBD

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