Brooklyn

Brooklyn is a sleepy riverside hamlet on the Hawkesbury River, just a stone’s throw from the northern edge of Sydney. It feels a world away from the city’s hustle, with a laid-back, almost forgotten charm. The main street hugs the water, and the air smells of river salt and eucalyptus. This is a place to slow down, cast a line, and watch the houseboats drift by.

Highlights & What to See

• Hawkesbury River – The lifeblood of Brooklyn. Hire a kayak, take a scenic river cruise, or simply find a bench and watch the water traffic. The river is wide and serene here, flanked by steep, bush-clad hills.
• Brooklyn Hotel – An old-school riverside pub with a beer garden that hangs over the water. Great for a cold schooner and fish and chips while watching the boats go by.
• Dangar Island – A car-free island accessible by ferry from Brooklyn. Wander its sandy tracks, swim at the beach, and feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
• Milk Beach – A tiny, hidden swimming spot on the river. Perfect for a quiet dip away from the crowds.
• Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – The park’s northern edge borders Brooklyn. Walk to the historic Great North Walk trailhead or explore Aboriginal rock art sites nearby.

Suggested Time to Spend

Brooklyn is a half-day stop or an overnight escape. Most visitors come for a few hours to enjoy lunch at the pub and a short walk, or to catch the ferry to Dangar Island. If you’re combining it with a self-drive along the Hawkesbury, aim for a leisurely afternoon. For a longer stay, book a houseboat or a cabin at the local caravan park and spend a full day exploring the river by kayak or boat.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mooney Mooney – Just north, with the famous Mooney Mooney Bridge and a handful of oyster farms where you can buy fresh shucked oysters.
• Gosford – The main hub of the Central Coast, with shops, restaurants, and the Australian Reptile Park.
• Woy Woy – A charming waterfront town on Brisbane Water, known for its pelicans and fish-and-chip shops.
• Patonga – A pretty fishing village at the mouth of the Hawkesbury, reachable by ferry or a short drive.
• Berowra Waters – A bushland haven with a famous floating restaurant accessible only by boat or seaplane.

Please check official sources for current details.