As the Hawkesbury continues to open back up from lockdown and with COVID-19 restrictions still in place, Federal Macquarie MP Susan Templeman said now was the perfect time to discover the delights of your own backyard.
Ms Templeman is supporting a campaign for locals to Holiday At Home, and is putting together a series of videos designed to show people from the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury the hidden gems they might not have realised were on their doorstep.
"There are great attractions in the Hawkesbury that people in the Blue Mountains might not know about, and vice versa," Ms Templeman explained.
"We all know what the major attractions are, but there are also wonderful secrets that are only about an hour's drive from home.
"This week I visited Ebenezer, where you can find Peter and Jonathan Auld of Tizzana Winery offering delicious wine from their vineyard, Australia's oldest church and school house, fruit-picking, and a hearty meal at quirky Tractor 828.
"At the other end of the electorate, I visited Megalong Valley and dropped into the gorgeous Megalong Creek Estate, where Kim Draguns opens the cellar door every weekend. Right next door is Dryridge Estate, and the views are to die for."
Discover the Hawkesbury is a one-stop source of information on what there is to do in the Hawkesbury, along with what each part of the area is best known for and the events that are on.
The site recommends places for travelers to stay, the best spots to grab a bite to eat or some of our local drinks, where to pick your own fruit, the best historical sites and where to discover and explore the natural beauties on offer.
For more information on what the tourist attractions the Hawkesbury has to offer visit https://www.discoverthehawkesbury.com.au/.
Ms Templeman said that she will be travelling around the electorate over coming weeks to speak to local businesses and discover what they would like to see in terms of support, along with the changes they have made due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"As borders reopen, we want to encourage interstate travelers to come and visit us, and no doubt our residents will go and support other struggling communities," she said.