Berowra

Berowra is a leafy bushland suburb on Sydney's Upper North Shore, where the Hawkesbury River meets rugged sandstone escarpments. It's a gateway to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and a haven for hikers, kayakers, and wildlife lovers. The village itself feels like a quiet retreat from the city, with a handful of cafés and a historic railway station that served as a backdrop for the film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Highlights & What to See

• Berowra Waters Inn – A legendary fine-dining restaurant accessible only by boat or seaplane, perched over the serene Berowra Creek. Book ahead for a long lunch on the deck.
• Berowra Valley Regional Park – Over 400 hectares of bushland with walking trails, from the easy Great North Walk section to the more challenging Berowra to Cowan track, offering panoramic river views.
• Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – Just south, this park boasts Aboriginal rock engravings at Basin Track, the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse, and abundant birdlife. The Sphinx walking track is a local favourite.
• Kayaking on Berowra Creek – Rent a kayak from Berowra Waters and paddle through mangrove-lined inlets, spotting pelicans and sea eagles.
• Berowra Railway Station – A heritage-listed 1920s building, often used in film shoots. Pop in for a coffee at the station café.

Suggested Time to Spend

Berowra makes an excellent half-day escape from Sydney, but to truly soak it in, plan a full day. Start with a morning paddle on Berowra Creek, then hike a short trail in Berowra Valley Regional Park. Lunch at Berowra Waters Inn (or a picnic by the water) rounds out the experience. If you're combining with Ku-ring-gai Chase, allocate a full day for both.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – A short drive south, with Aboriginal sites and bushwalks.
• Brooklyn – Charming Hawkesbury River village with fish-and-chip shops and river cruises.
• Hornsby – A bustling hub with shopping, the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, and the Great North Walk trailhead.
• Mona Vale – Coastal suburb with beautiful beaches and the Mona Vale Headland walking track.
• Gosford – Gateway to the Central Coast, with the Australian Reptile Park and waterfront dining.

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