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Winter is a great time to explore Bilpin in the upper Hawkesbury. The busy apple season has wrapped up, so the area is quieter and well worth a visit.
Typically this time of year the weather is dry and sunny – although you’ll need to wrap up in your beanies and warm jackets as the mountain air is cool.
And after exploring one of the many bush walks or the famous Mt Tomah botanic gardens – why not head to the Hillbilly Cider shed for a wood-fired pizza and a mulled cider or a glass of red by the log fire.
Hillbilly is a showcase of the high-quality produce and experiences that the Blue Mountains has to offer.
Hillbilly cider has just won the trophy for the second year in a row for Most successful large producer”in the November 2024 Australian Cider Awards. So, it’s well worth your while trying the range of the most awarded Australian cider!
Cider maker Shane McLaughlin and his wife Tessa have lovingly restored an old packing shed – the rustic barrel hall offers 14 taps to try from - and it’s surrounded by open verandas and a large, grassed orchard area which is the perfect space for children and the family dog to run around in. In the cooler months the large outdoor fireplace lends a cosy feel.
The Cider Shed is at the heart of the Bilpin apple growing region and is easily reached via the picturesque Bells Line of Road, just a 30-minute drive from Richmond.
The famous old log truck sits outside – a nod to Bilpin’s logging history and a great landmark to let you know you’re in the right spot. And of course you’ll notice the smoke curling up from the chimney and the delicious smell of the wood fired pizzas served daily.
On the menu is a small but excellent list of Napoli style pizzas that are delicious to devour as you sit out in the sunshine enjoying a tasting paddle chosen from the extensive Hillbilly offering. For dessert try the signature Apple Calzone with whipped cream, baked fresh to order.
The bar also stocks some local craft beer - and organic wines made by Shane - and some non-alcoholic options too.
Our tip is to try the 3.5% proof Sweet Julie cider which just won Best in Class for the fifth time at the Australian Cider Awards and is the ONLY cider in the world made from the Julie apples which are grown at Shields’ orchard next door to the cider shed.
Bookings are recommended for weekends when there is often live music, or during school holidays when the popular kids pizza classes run.
Hillbilly Cider Shed is at 2230 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin (Cnr Johnson’s Road). Please book online at hillbillycider.com.au/visit-us, or for larger bookings email bookings@hillbillycider.com.au
Open Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm. Friday to Sunday 10am to 6pm. (Open every day except Dec 25 and 26 and Jan 1). The pizza oven operates daily from 11.30am until 15 minutes before closing time.
