Welcome to Secret River The land around Catherine Street was part of a 20-acre grant to Thomas Rickaby in 1798 described as portion 21, Parish of St Matthew, County of Cumberland. The grant was known as Catherine Farm after Rickaby’s de facto wife, Catherine Smith. The land was subsequently sold to Samuel Terry and upon his death was purchased by Maria Cope, a successful businesswoman in the colony. Cope purchased a total of 600 acres in the Windsor district from Terry’s estate in 1838 including Catherine Farm and proceeded to subdivide the land in the vicinity of The Terrace, Windsor forming Catherine and New Streets. We welcome you to historic Windsor and invite you to enjoy our beautiful Secret River Cottage. Once here you can do a lot or very little, take a stroll through town, enjoy cafes, restaurants and bars, or travel the region and visit some amazing places and open spaces. We hope you will find our hideaway as wonderful as we do, and we hope you will come back soon to explore the Hawkesbury more.

Deb was born in the Costswolds in the UK and has a passion for historic homes and architecture. The cottage has been lovingly appointed and set up to provide the perfect home away from home. Secret River has received feedback to include, "charming and relaxed, quaint and classy".

Situated by the peaceful shores of the Hawkesbury River, the Hawkesbury area in New South Wales is a gem filled with natural splendour, abundant history, and bold culture. A brief drive northwest of Sydney, this region presents visitors with a variety of activities and experiences that suit all preferences. For nature lovers, the Hawkesbury features many national parks and reserves, including Blue Mountains National Park and Wollemi National Park, where you can discover beautiful walking paths, enjoy picnics, and experience stunning views. The river offers numerous chances for fishing, boating, and relaxing by the water. History enthusiasts will value the area’s colonial legacy, as historic towns such as Windsor and Richmond feature picturesque streetscapes, heritage structures, and museums that narrate the tale of Australia’s initial European settlement. The Australiana Pioneer Village and the Hawkesbury Regional Museum are essential destinations for an insight into history. For the adventurous. The Hawkesbury is central to the Blue Mountains, Wisemans Ferry, Colo and Hunter Valley’s. These beautiful areas contain some of the Australia’s best off-road tracks and trails. If you enjoy 4-wheel driving, adventure motorcycling, mountain biking, bushwalking and hiking, it’s all at your doorstep. Food and wine enthusiasts can savour local goods by exploring farmers’ markets, orchards, and vineyards located throughout the region. The Hawkesbury Harvest Farm Gate Trail is a favoured pathway where guests can taste fresh fruits, handcrafted products, and boutique wines right from the makers. If you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a historical journey, the Hawkesbury region presents a wide array of experiences that guarantee to make your visit both full of adventure and unforgettable.