If there’s one thing we all need these school holidays, it’s a little time away from it all to press the ‘reset’ button. Even better if you can find somewhere with plenty of entertainment for the kids, so you can truly relax. Our reviewer Felicity Frankish headed to Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley for a night and here’s why you need to pop it on your to-do list this Easter.
We love nothing more than packing up for a mini trip away. It’s the easiest type of holiday with kids in tow, and even better when it’s not too far from Sydney! Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley was just 50 minutes door to door from Wahroonga, making it a nice and easy drive with three little ones on board. My husband, Chris, and I, took our three kids along Cassie (7), Vivi (5) and Elliot (3) for a one-night break and here’s what we found.
Arriving for the weekend
I headed straight to check in while Chris waited in the car with the kids. That didn’t last long. As soon I walked in, I messaged him to bring the kids in, as I had spied the free slushie machine just calling their names (it was a 35-degree day!). Of course, the kids were ecstatic, and it made the check-in process so easy too. They were too preoccupied with their slushie drinking!
Hitting up the slushy machine!
We went straight to the room, but happened to pass the pool on the way. Naturally this was first thing on the kids’ list to do.
The kids were delighted with some goodies to play with
In the room, we were greeted with a paper bag full of toys (I peeked inside before setting the kids loose). It was the perfect welcome gift that once again, kept the kids nice and busy while we set up and unpacked. Even better, there was enough they all had something each, so no fights.
There was also a nice surprise waiting for us in the fridge and we cracked open the bottle of moscato as we settled in.
Our Single Bedroom Suite
I’ll admit, we don’t tend to do hotels a lot these days, as we find it too hard popping three kids and us into one room. We were pleasantly surprised by the space of the single room suite at Crowne Plaza. Even with the fold-out bed out, there was plenty of room, plus we still had our own space (and TV) away from the kids. It made for an easy night!
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- On our way to find out room
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- Kids loved having their own TV
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- Their own mini slushy table
There’s also a nice, big bathroom. The kids were all-too excited to test out the bath.
Great big bath for the kids (and you too once they’re asleep!)
There’s even a separate toilet, which many with families will know is a must! When a kid has to go, it’s nice to not have to interrupt those cleaning their teeth or showering next door.
Our stay at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley
The first thing the kids wanted to do was head to the pool. We let them get changed straight away and preoccupied them with TV for 20 minutes while we settled in, then it was go time.
Pool
Vivi testing out the spa
At Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury you’ll find an indoor pool and spa. This was ideal for us, as it was so hot outside, and the thought of popping on more sunscreen and sitting in the heat was a lot. Instead, the kids went in straight away and we just sat on the edge and watched.
Having a splash in the pool
The kids had a blast. The temperate was nice and cool, which is just what they needed. One of the housekeepers showed us in to the pool area (we got a little lost finding the right door), and then got out some noodles for the kids to use, which was greatly appreciated.
There’s also an outside area, so you can still soak up those rays. Means you can escape the indoor area and set up further away from the splashing, which is great if you have older kids. We stuck inside to be close to the kids.
There’s even a cocktail menu waiting as you walk in. While we didn’t go for one, we loved that you could!
Bar
Kids made themselves comfortable!
Good news…there’s a bar onsite too. Chris went off and grabbed us a pre-dinner drink while I took the kids back for their bath. Best way to divide and conquer if you ask us!
Dinner at Harvest Restaurant
Cassie digging into her fish and chips
I was both looking forward to our dinner at Harvest Restaurant and also a little nervous about how the kids would go. I had already looked up the menu online (fancy and delicious!) but didn’t come across a kids’ menu, which added to the worries.
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- Dinner is servied!
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- Enjoying the ice-cream afterwards
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- Kids meals
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- Duck for Chris
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- Salmon for me
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- Delicious desserts
Thankfully, as we walked in there was already another family seated and the kids’ menu was ready a waiting, with all the classics the kids love, plus ice-cream. And so reasonably priced as well. The wait staff were amazing with the kids, checking in if they needed anything, encouraging them to eat up for ice-cream afterwards and letting them pick their flavours. They were absolutely delighted.
The kids were more than ready for bed
Buffet Breakfast at Gazebo Restaurant
I’m not sure if it’s just my kids, but mention the word buffet and their eyes light up. In fact, some of their fondest holiday memories are of buffets (honestly!). They were naturally delighted at learn they would have the chance to enjoy one at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury.
Buffet breakfast
While I love a buffet too, I was most excited to have my barista coffee order taken as soon as I walked in. You could then go over and pop in an order for fresh eggs, which were brought over to your table once they were made.
Giant nutella, yes please!
The kids were naturally delighted by the biggest tub of nutella they had ever seen (it was huge).
Vivi and Elliot were mesmerised by the pancake making machine
There were also a pancake making machine.
Honey!
Plus, the hive of honey!
Slushy Machine
They were promised a final slushy before we left
I know this was already mentioned at the beginning, but I really feel the need to bring it up again. It was a highlight for all three kids, and became the perfect bribery for good behaviour on the trip (the promise to have one more before they left). They would have sat there and just enjoyed refills all day if we let them.
Extra fun
The playground wasn’t open during our stay, but looks great!
There was also plenty more fun to enjoy that we didn’t get around to during our on one-night stay. There’s tennis courts and a great playground for the kids onsite to keep them nice and busy.
Meanwhile, parents can indulge at their Villa Thalgo Day Spa, where you can experience a relaxing massage, facial or other spa experience.
We took a wander around before we left
There’s also 8 hectares of gardens to explore. We enjoyed a small walk on the Sunday, and the kids loved the views along the way (as they drank their slushies, of course).
You’ll even find Kingdom Lakes Golf Course and driving range right next door.
Easter at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury
Delicious Lindt high tea
These Easter holidays, there’s even more fun to be discovered at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury! You can even join them for their annual Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday. Along with running a school holiday activity program for the kids, you will also find:
- Lindt High Tea: Experience their decadent Lindt Hight Tea available Wednesday to Sunday throughout the Easter School Holidays from 12pm-2pm.
- Harvest Seafood Special Dinner: Enjoy the freshest seafood with a Sumptuous Seafood Special Dinner on Good Friday at Harvest Restaurant.
- The Bilpin Shuttle: Hawkesbury Valley Wine Tours will be providing round trips from the hotel to visit the Bilpin Fruit Bowl and Hillbilly Cider. Available Mon, Wed & Fri throughout the school holidays.
- Lolly station: Indulge your sweet tooth at the free candy bar. Available daily for kids of all ages.
- Kids VIP membership: Get access to free soft drinks, juices and ice cream with their VIP card for kids 12 and under given at check in.
- Games Room: The kids can enjoy ping pong, drawing activities, board games & movies with popcorn in their games room. Open daily from 8am – 10pm.
Plus, kids eat free for breakfast, lunch and dinner during the school holidays (from the kids’ menu with a paying adult) when you book their family getaway package!
Things to do around Hawkesbury Valley
The Australiana Pioneer Village
The penny farthing rides were a favourite
This was such a great adventure for the kids (and us big kids too). Cassie (7) is learning about history in class, so was excited to tell her friends and teacher all about it. It’s open on Sundays from 10am-4pm.
Some of the highlights included:
- Train ride
- Riding a penny-farthing (so much fun!)
- Babies! The girls just loved seeing the big old prams and cradles with dolls propped up in them as we walked around.
- Potato bowling (for St Patrick’s Day)
They also had a shamrock hunt and pot of gold scavenger hunt set up for the kids for St Patrick’s Day, which they thought was great. It was easy to follow and they were given a lolly pop and some chocolates (the gold at the end of the rainbow) for completing it.
Governor Philip Park, Windsor
The flying fox was popular
We made this the first stop of our trip so the kids could get out and stretch their legs before heading to the hotel. It was great (but hot!). There’s even a water play space here, which we weren’t prepared for so skipped.
There’s plenty more too. The kids loved the flying fox and climbing equipment, and spent lots of time on the mini trampolines.
More around the area…
You can take the kids to Bilpin for the day for fruit picking
- Lynwood Country Club: ideal kid-friendly place to eat, complete with a great playground for them to burn off some of that excess energy.
- Markets: They have the Windsor Mall Sunday weekly market and you can even visit Lollies ‘N Stuff, Hawkesbury’s biggest lolly shop, while you’re there.
- Hawkesbury Regional Gallery where you will find a range of exhibitions, activities and events for kids.
- Macquarie Park Playground.
- Richmond Park Playground.
- Fruit picking in Bilpin.
Essential Details: Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley
Want more travel inspiration?
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- Travel Guide! Best things to do with kids in Canberra
- To drive or fly? Why a driving holiday is worth considering…
- The girls weekend in the Blue Mountains… that includes a BUTLER!
Disclaimer: Our reviewer was provided with one nights accommodation at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury in return for her honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are her own and not influenced by the company or its affiliates in any way.
