Guide to Arcadia New South Wales Australia

Arcadia is a rural district on the north-western edge of Sydney, about 40 kilometres from the city centre and just north of Galston. True to its name, it is a peaceful landscape of orchards, horse studs and bush blocks along a sandstone ridge, with a much-loved public park at its southern end and wild national park country to the north.

Known For

• Fagan Park and the Gardens of Many Nations
• Orchards, horse studs and quiet lanes
• Bush tracks into Marramarra National Park

There is no village centre, only a school, a hall and a church along Arcadia Road. Side roads lead out along the ridges to farms and, eventually, to the edge of the Berowra Creek and Hawkesbury valleys.

Things To Do in Arcadia

Fagan Park

Lying between Galston and Arcadia, this former farm is now a 55-hectare park with themed international gardens, lakes, large playgrounds, picnic lawns and a homestead museum. It is at its best in spring and autumn. A parking fee applies.

Marramarra National Park

At the end of Bloodwood Road, a fire trail heads north along Marramarra Ridge into a large and little-visited national park. The walk to the old orange orchard and campsite on Marramarra Creek is a long day or an easy overnight trip, with sandstone scenery and mangrove-lined water at the end.

Country Drives and Farm Gates

The lanes around Arcadia are popular with cyclists and Sunday drivers, and stalls at farm gates sell stone fruit, citrus, flowers and honey in season. The road west leads to Glenorie and its well-known bakery, and the road east drops to the ferry at Berowra Waters through Berrilee.

Where To Stay

A few bed and breakfasts, farm stays and a bushland camp and conference centre take guests.

Hotels are found in Hornsby and Castle Hill.

Eat & Drink

There are no cafes in Arcadia itself. Galston village, five minutes south, has cafes, a bakery and a club, and there is a kiosk at Fagan Park on busy days.

History

Arcadia is Dharug country. The tall forest was logged in the 1800s and the cleared land planted with orchards. The district took its name from the public school, which opened in the 1890s and is still teaching local children.

Getting to Arcadia

Drive via Dural and Galston, about 55 minutes from the city centre. There is a limited bus service from Hornsby.