The Hills District, the Hills Shire or the Sydney Hills; whatever you call the majestic rolling terrain of Sydney’s north-western suburbs, you can say one thing for certain – it’s a beautiful place to be. An area that can change depending on who you ask to describe it, the Hills District covers the entirety of the Hills Shire local government area, as well as elements of the Hornsby Shire to the East.
The Hills District is an area of great contrast. It forms a link between Sydney’s inner suburbia and the more laid back and regional feel of the Hawkesbury River region to the north. It is home to some of Australia’s most important historical sites, but also a place that has its eyes set firmly on the future.
So how did the Hills District get to where it is today? And what does the region offer visitors and those who call it home? Let’s take a closer look at exactly what makes the Hills District great.
A brief history of the Hills District
Like much of the greater Sydney area, the human history of the Hills District stretches back to the Dharug people. There are still cave paintings and rock engravings in the Hills District that are able to be viewed to this day.
1788 brought the Europeans who soon used the Hills District as a thoroughfare between the harbour and the Hawkesbury River to the north. The first land grants, handed out within the first decade of settlement, were positioned along an aboriginal walking trail that wound its way from Parramatta to Castle Hill (then a makeshift prison colony).
But the Hills District didn’t really hit its stride until almost 100 years later when the construction of the railway line between Strathfield and Hornsby was completed in 1886. This opened up access to the area, allowing for food, building materials and farming equipment to be easily transported throughout the countryside. It developed into a thriving farming area, its rich soils particularly adept at growing citrus and stone fruit. Orchards were planted generously, many of which survive to this day.
Throughout the 20th century the Hills District found itself slowly evolving from a quiet rural region into something more suburban. The orchards that covered the lazily rolling hills were slowly replaced by houses and developments, particularly in the regions nearer the Sydney Basin. This slow progress continues to this day, resulting in an area that offers an entirely metropolitan feel in some parts, and an entirely regional feel in others.
Attractions and notable sites
The combination of deep Australian history, stunning nature and modern attractions make the Hills District a haven for visitors, whether they be Sydneysiders, Australians or internationals. A few of the most notable sites and attractions of the Hills District include:
Rouse Hill House and Farm – Owned by six generations of the same family, Rouse Hill House and Farm offers incredible insight into the early days of European settlement in the area.
Museums Discovery Centre – The museum of applied arts and sciences in Castle Hill offers a smorgasbord of displays, both static and interactive, to visitors of all ages.
Fagan Park – A hidden gem of the Hills District, Fagan Park in Dural is one of the best nature reserves that Sydney has to offer.
Golden Ridge Animal Farm – For visitors who enjoy their fauna, Golden Ridge Animal Farm makes for one of the most memorable (and cutest) days out that the Hills District has to offer.
But this short list doesn’t even scratch the surface of the delights that the Hills District has to offer. No matter what your hobbies, interests or tastes, the Hills truly has something for everyone.
