Feature: Denham Court

Heaps of horsing around at this here place! (Click to enlarge)

Heaps of horsing around at this here place! (Click to enlarge)

The big picture

Denham Court is a perfect example of our city’s beauty. Sydney keeps giving, spoiling us with its stunning city, harbour and beach landscapes whilst only 45 minutes from Sydney’s CBD you can trade the concrete jungle and truly go bush even if just for the day. Hit the open country roads surrounded by rolling hills, farmland and jaw dropping multimillion dollar homes set on acres of luscious greenery as far as the eye can see. Located in Sydney’s South West not far from Liverpool, Denham Court is a small-big suburb and whilst it may not have the usual amenities like a city centre, it is vast in size and offers hay bales of adventure and leisure.

From the CBD you’ll want to make your way onto the M7. It is a gorgeous drive that will have you yelling,”Moo cow!….Horsey!” in no time, and the view of the city over your shoulder is one you may not have seen before.

Get the stats and history on Denham Court here.

Be bored no more

How many million did you say?!?

How many million did you say?!?

Let’s be honest, one would not usually know about let alone venture out to Denham Court unless for a specific purpose but we would highly recommend you plan something and go! If you’re thinking ‘Meh..’, this article will surely entice you. Even if you happen to be in the area, the houses or should we say mansions particularly along Denham Court Road, are worthy of a sticky beak if you’re the daydreaming type. The residents here don’t shy away from flaunting their affluence with long landscaped driveways and homes of grandeur.  Many of these homes are reminiscent of the English countryside in line with its roots back when the suburb came into existence in the early 1800’s. You’re welcome to skip the next paragraph if history bores you!

The first colonial land owner Captain Richard Brooks was the master of Denham Court. His home, the Denham Court Homestead still stands today in its original form with a few modern additions and sits just opposite the family chapel he built for his six daughters which is now the Denham Court Anglican Church. If you’re up for a little history or churches and cemetery’s are your thing, you’ll enjoy a stroll around this serene setting.

A little church with big history

A little church with big history

The church also has a little but beautiful cemetery

The church also has a little but beautiful cemetery

Did someone say ‘Giddy-up’? We fell in love with Sydney Trail Riding Centre and you will too. It’s been a while since horse-riding was available here and the new owners of this centre are straying from the norm with their sights set on creating a suite of horse-riding experiences. Located just off Campbelltown Road in Denham Court, they offer trail rides for both beginners and experienced riders over the hills and far away. You will feel spoiled by their 500 acres of bushland and rare Sydney district views, skilled guides and horses filled with character, some of whom are celebrities in their own right. If you’re a little twitchy when it comes to horses you should take them up on a riding lesson or two to help bring out your John Wayne. They also play host to kids birthday parties including pony rides or can customise a party just for you.

Show off your cowboy or cowgirl swagger @ Sydney Trail Riding Centre

If you’re looking for a safe and secure home for your own horse, the Scenic NSW Equine Centre located at the same site offers agistment services with a number of packages to suit your needs. Unrestricted access to ride a vast majority of the 500 acres is a bonus at this property along with its proximity to Sydney’s CBD. Rest assured, they will look after you too.

What really won us over is their campsite, a truly bad ass cabin in the middle of the bush that has a certain Ned Kelly-ness about it. Available for overnight stays you can cosy up with 18 other people in this cabin or you can camp out under the stars by the traditional camp side fire-pit. We were so excited and surprised by this place and its potential to deliver some amazing experiences, that we hammered the very knowledgeable and accommodating manager with a gazillion questions like, “Could one have a party here and have guests camp out around the cabin?”. We were blown away by their flexibility and willingness to work with guests to customise they’re stay or event.

A cabin in the woods on 45 minutes out of the CBD

A cabin in the woods on 45 minutes out of the CBD

The wood cabin is loaded with rugged charm and they’ve manage to fit it out with creature comforts in the most unique ways. Equipped with bunk beds, a fireplace, lounge area and handcrafted dining table (made by the manager himself), you can also fill the air with your favourite tunes on the battery-powered audio-jacked car stereo hooked up to a set of outdoor speakers. There’s even an outdoor bush kitchen with running water and BBQ facilities and to make life easy they can sort you out with a catering package. Unlike conventional camping you can pee in comfort in the outhouse flushing toilet. Overall, they have been very considerate in creating a real bush experience whilst giving in a little to the more sensitive folk without judgement, so much so you will still feel miles away from everything…

You can almost taste the wild wild west

You can almost taste the wild wild west

Rugged character and good old-fashion bush charm. It's seriously time to go bush

Rugged character and good old-fashion bush charm. It’s seriously time to go bush

So whether it’s a quiet night with your friends telling stories around the camp fire, even a team building activity with your colleagues or you’re after a unique location and experience for your event/party, contact these guys, seriously! It’s important to note that they can also coordinate some activities for your stay including rides and guitarists if you’re in the mood for some camp fire singing. We can’t wait for an excuse to try the cabin out!

If you’re event requires something more shnazzy then you might want to check out Ottimo House. Going to the chapel of love? This gorgeous country setting might be the icing on your cake. Have to say this venue is pretty stunning inside and out, and for those who have dreamed of a country wedding or are looking for an alternative to the city to hold a corporate event, this looks like a pretty good option.

Ottimo House – Denham Court. Weddings and functions.

There’s a fair bit to do in Denham Court but you will also find a number of activities in the surrounding suburbs like the Macquarie Links International Golf Club or the popular weekend Trash and Treasure Grand Bazaar in Prestons both within 2km of Denham Court.

Eat, drink and be merry

A kitchen fit for bush tucker goodness

A kitchen fit for bush tucker goodness

Whilst there aren’t any restaurants in this suburb, there are some picnic areas located at the grounds of the Sydney Trail Riding Centre who also have a cafe under construction at the moment. However the riding centre have an exciting breakfast ride available for groups of 10 or more people. They take you for a morning ride out to the cabin where they’ll knock you up some brekkie in the outdoor kitchen. You might also get lucky and hear a few local stories from your guide about the history of the land and it’s long past inhabitants who have a habit of revisiting the area.

You’ll also find a restaurant at the Macquarie Links International Golf Club or if you’re around on the weekend, you can head over to the Trash and Treasure Bazaar mentioned above where you can tuck into a variety of takeaway options whilst browsing for some treasure amidst the trash.

Hot tips

We’ve got two hot tips for this burb. First don’t forget to look out for and stop to see the city views whilst you’re driving along Denham Court Road, or ask about the view on your horse ride. It’s not be missed especially on a clear day.

Lastly…

There are stories of lost souls in the woods nearby so pack a few spare undies

We had ourselves a bit of an adventure in this suburb thanks to the good folk at Sydney Trail Riding Centre and Scenic NSW Equine Centre. When you’re ready to get in that saddle or have a bush adventure, this is the suburb for you.

Got the local goss on this suburb? Share it with us via the comments below.

Nearby

Campbelltown, Liverpool

Location Map

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