Picton is about 80 kilometres south west of Sydney. At about the geographical centre of the Wollondilly region, it is also the main town and administrative centre of the region.
First explored by Europeans in 1798, it remained ‘beyond the pale’ – declared a ‘no go’ area by the Governors who sought to restrict settlement closer to the colony at Sydney, until 1821.
One of the earliest grants (1822) was made to Major Antill, and it is on part of his land that most of Picton is situated today. In its earliest days the area was known as Stonequarry, then Picton (1841) and was on the new Great South Road from Appin (first town in the Wollondilly) through to Bargo, Mittagong and inland. Apart from the large farms in the area, its inns and stores catered mostly to travelers going further inland.
Today Picton has that special charm which attracts people from a vast age. It still retains that peace and tranquility of a country town, yet is close enough to the city that its residents can commute. It allows city people to escape to a better lifestyle – even if only for a short visit. The surrounding countryside, with its farms and villages, spectacular natural attractions and vast wilderness areas, are a haven and a delight to explore.
Picton is the ideal getaway for a day trip, a weekend, or longer sojourn away from the city. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, boutiques and interesting arts and craft shops to browse through.
For an overnight stay there are excellent B&B’s and hotels and motels. A first class golf course nearby, club hotels, and woolshed for dining, singing and dancing. The George IV Inn is one of the oldest in Australia and deserves a visit for its own unique little brewery; bistro and entertainment on weekends.
Picton has a Visitors’ Centre which can tell you all the places to go and see in the Wollondilly.