Hawkesbury River

Flowing through sandstone gorges and past sleepy river towns, the Hawkesbury River is a serene escape from Sydney’s bustle. This watery artery winds for 120 kilometres from the Blue Mountains to the sea, offering a landscape of rugged bushland, historic homesteads and calm waterways. It’s a place where time slows – you’ll explore by boat, kayak or foot, discovering Aboriginal rock art, convict-era farms and a thriving food scene centred on oysters and river fish.

Highlights & What to See

• Cruise the river: Hop on a Hawkesbury River Cruise from Brooklyn or Berowra Waters. The gentle journey reveals isolated waterfront cottages, ancient Aboriginal engravings at West Head and the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Muogamarra Nature Reserve.
• Explore Dangar Island: This car-free island is a time capsule of fibro shacks and Norfolk pines. Hire a kayak from the ferry wharf, paddle past mangroves and spot sea eagles, then grab a coffee at the island’s general store.
• Visit historic Wisemans Ferry: The oldest continually operating cable ferry in Australia (since 1827) still shuttles cars across the river. Nearby, explore the convict-built Great North Road, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Cobb & Co Coach House museum.
• Taste river-to-table produce: The Hawkesbury is famous for its rock oysters and mud crabs. Head to the Hawkesbury Oyster Farm at Mooney Mooney for a fresh dozen, or book a table at the historic Settlers Arms Inn in St Albans for a classic pub meal.
• Bushwalk with views: The Great North Walk passes through the area, with highlights including the 4km loop to the top of Mount Tumbledown Dick (panoramic river views) and the gentler track to the Aboriginal shelter at Deerubbin Reserve.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day on a cruise or kayaking trip, but to truly soak up the atmosphere, base yourself for two nights in a riverside holiday rental. A weekend allows time for a boat tour, a bushwalk and a leisurely meal at one of the riverfront eateries. If you’re short on time, a half-day cruise from Brooklyn still gives you a taste of the river’s beauty.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kuringgai Chase National Park – just south of the river, this park has superb Aboriginal rock engravings, walking trails and the picturesque Basin picnic area.
• Central Coast – head north to the beaches of Avoca and Terrigal, or the wetlands of Tuggerah Lake, all within an hour’s drive.
• Blue Mountains – the western end of the Hawkesbury system meets the mountains; combine a river cruise with a day in the World Heritage-listed national park.
• Hunter Valley – less than two hours north, the wine region offers cellar doors, gourmet food and hot-air ballooning over vineyards.
• Gosford – this lakeside city has the Australian Reptile Park and the scenic Bouddi National Park coastal walk.

Please check official sources for current details.