48 Hours in Rouse Hill

The leafy suburb of Rouse Hill in Sydney’s Northwest is part of a cluster affectionately, though not terribly creatively, known as ‘The Hills’. Baulkham Hills, Beaumont Hills, Castle Hill, Box Hill, Winston Hills, and in the middle of it all, Rouse Hill. Thick with green spaces, rich in history, it’s a place that rarely makes travel guides but is full of surprises. 

One of the best kept secrets in Greater Sydney, here you can find Melbourne-grade coffee, authentic cultural experiences, excellent food, and one of the best gin distilleries in the country. Here’s how to spend the perfect 48-hours in Rouse Hill. 

Get your start at The Coffee Studio on Capital Place. Serving Veneziano beans - a roaster that was recently tipped as one of the world’s best at what they do - the cafe has a welcoming energy that makes everyone feel like a local. Meals are generous, creative and eclectic, you can order a divine chorizo shakshuka and a chicken waffle cone with apple coleslaw the next. Also known for their impressive latte art, the babyccino koala defies the laws of gravity.

At the other end of town, Second Home Cafe has the best turmeric latte outside of Bondi. Here the menu is comforting Aussie cafe classics, from perfectly gooey eggs benedict to big frothy milkshakes. 

If you have a sweet tooth, or are in dire need of some good Instagram content, Moss Bros Dessert and Brunch Cafe at Rouse Hill town centre will get you humming. The menu heavy-hitters here are the elaborate, decadent desserts. Crepes glistening with butterscotch syrup, chocolate chip waffles, warm chocolate fondue - it’s like Willy Wonka’s dream of brunch, all set inside a gorgeous, emerald green fit out.

Where the locals go: The Local Shed is a proper Rouse Hill institution. Family-owned and tucked within the historic Mungerie House, it’s the kind of place where breakfast turns into brunch turns into lunch and an afternoon wine. The veranda seating lets you soak up the sun while kids run around on the sprawling lawn.

Address: The Local Shed, 16 Bellcast Road, Rouse Hill 2155

When it comes to the historical tapestry of Sydney, Rouse Hill has a significant thread count. The Darug People, a First Nations language group, are the original inhabitants of the area that is known today as Rouse Hill. At the Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural Centre you can learn about native plants traditionally used for medicinal and food resources, observe in-house artists making didgeridoos and weapons, and buy fine arts and crafts by local artists.

Rouse Hill Estate stands as one of Australia’s most significant heritage sites, prized for its incredible collection of historic furnishings and artefacts, buildings, and gardens. Established by Richard and Elizabeth Rouse in 1813, it has remained in the care of the same family for six generations. Visitors can roam the stables, summerhouse, and original Georgian house.

History buffs will also revel in the monument to the bloody and chaotic Castle Hill Rebellion of 1804 at Castlebrook Memorial Park. Also known as the ‘Second Battle of Vinegar Hill’, Irish convicts fed up with their conditions took a stand in what was Australia's first colonial uprising. ‘Death or Liberty’ was the rebels' rallying call, sadly yielding only the former. 

Where the locals go: Nearby Rouse Hill Regional Park has a beautiful walking trail that will take you around Second Ponds Creek and through a dense eucalypt forest. It’s a favourite for local runners, if you’re the type to bring your joggers on holiday.

Address: Rouse Hill Regional Park, Worcester Road, Rouse Hill 2155

As we said up top, Rouse Hill has a few impressive tricks up its sleeve. The Hills Distilling Co, for instance, looks as though it’s been teleported from the trendiest Surry Hills back alley, and the gin and vodka it turns out prove just how seriously they take the craft. Spread out over two-levels, the industrial cellar door space doubles as a handsome bar. The cellar door is open on Fridays fom 3pm until 6pm where you can sample their spirits and take away your own tasty tipple.

At dinner time, meat forward Osso has a reputation for primo steaks and magnificent butcher boards. The staff love to talk about the food and recommend the day's best cuts. Osso also has an excellent wine list which heavily favours the very best Aussie drops.

If a pub meal is calling then head directly to The Fiddler. The menu heaves with classics like pork knuckle and creamy mash, chicken parmis and Guinness pie. While the decor is bright and modern, The Fiddler actually remains the site of an historic Irish pub that dates back to 1826.

On Main Street, Lusso Tapas is the perfect dinner for two with share-friendly Mediterranean plates and terribly kind lighting. The menu takes inspiration from dishes from Spain, Turkey, Greece and Jordan, with big fat olives, slow-cooked lamb, crispy calamari, pork pinchos and seafood paella. Don’t leave without trying the gorgeous turkish delight cheesecake.

For excellent Indian food served with a super-cute atmosphere, Billu's menu of cross-regional curries, authentic tandoor specialties and wildly colourful starters is the ticket. Standouts include the pani puri, tawa‌ ‌‌goat‌, and magic bubble cocktails.

Where the locals go: The Australian Hotel and Brewery may resemble a warehouse from the outside but venture in and you’ll discover a pub lover’s playground, decked out in classic exposed brick, warm lighting, raw timber, and rustic iron accents. At the heart of it all is the brewery itself, crafting distinctive beers that include the much-loved Esker Beer.

Address: The Australian Hotel and Brewery, 350 Annangrove Road, Rouse Hill 2155

After a full day of coffee, culture, craft distilling, and a side of Aussie history, you’ll want a comfy place to rest your head. Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill  is perfectly placed next to The Fiddler (which serves food from breakfast to last drinks) and is within walking distance of the new Metro for faster trips into the Sydney CBD.

Rooms here are stylish and comfortable, with the signature, gel infused memory foam Mercure beds. There’s a fitness centre, an outdoor pool, and despite the handy location, it’s unexpectedly quiet. You’d never guess you were so close to everything.

Address: Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill, Cnr Of Commercial and Windsor Rd, Rouse Hill 2155

Spending a little time in Rouse Hill is a chance to slow down and let a less-hyped suburb show you a different side of Sydney.