Picton

History & heritage

Your time in Picton can be as relaxed or busy as you like. Pick up a free map from the NSW Rail Museum for a self-guided historic walk of the town. Or take a scenic drive to discover the area’s notable heritage architecture and beautifully restored colonial homesteads like Belgenny Farm, established by John and Elizabeth Macarthur in 1805.

The Razorback Inn, Picton

Heritage attractions include St Mark’s Anglican Church, designed by the famous colonial architect Edmund Blacket – you can take an audio tour via your phone using the QR codes at the site. The picturesque sandstone Picton Railway Viaduct over Stonequarry Creek was finished in 1867. Another scenic creek crossing is Victoria Bridge, classified by the National Trust.

Picton Railway Viaduct, Picton

More railway heritage can be observed at the Mushroom Tunnel, the first railway tunnel used by NSW Railways and a beautiful example of the stone masonry of the 19th century. In the heart of Picton, you'll find Argyle Street, a quaint strip of cafes and local shops offering a range of charming gifts, treasures, ethically sourced goods, and colourful homewares and clothing.

Picton Railway Viaduct, Picton

More things to do

Adventure seekers should bring their bike to explore the tranquil countryside. Start at the picturesque Picton Botanic Gardens, which has a 9km track surrounded by a selection of native Australian plants. For more outdoor fun, drive to nearby Thirlmere and visit Thirlmere Lakes National Park, where you can go bushwalking and enjoy a picnic among nature.

Picton Botanic Gardens, Picton

Other fun activities in Picton include go-karting, for ages seven and up, at Picton Karting Track; and the popular Sydney Skydivers, for unforgettable views over the rural countryside. Visit in May for the annual Illuminate Wollondilly Festival of Art and Light, a creative arts festival, similar to Vivid Sydney, that sees local buildings lit up as artworks are projected onto their facades.

Sydney Skydivers, Picton

Eat & drink

The rich, country soil around Picton supports various agricultural enterprises, which means local restaurants can use delicious seasonal produce. Country hospitality, not to mention a cold beer, is on offer at the Picton Hotel and the George IV Inn, which traces its history back to 1839.

The heritage-listed Jarvisfield House, built in the 1860s by grazier John Macquarie Antill, is now the clubhouse of the Antill Park Country Golf Club, which also has a fantastic Thai restaurant.

George IV Inn, Picton

Unique stays

For a slice of rural life, scope out the family-friendly Mowbray Park Farmstay to get up close to horses, alpacas, sheepdogs and the odd duck.

If you prefer the finer things in life, book a luxurious weekend at The Cottage Picton, which comes complete with a firepit, outdoor bath and stunning views of the surrounding foothills, or Kalinya Estate, a grand heritage-listed homestead perfect for large groups.

The Cottage Picton - Credit: Photogreff/Visit Wollondilly Council

Getting there

Picton is around an hour's drive southwest of Sydney’s city centre and 45min northwest of Wollongong. Or you can travel by train from Sydney.