Hawkesbury River National Park

Just a stone's throw from Sydney, Hawkesbury River National Park feels a world away. This rugged wilderness of deep river gorges, sandstone cliffs, and ancient Aboriginal rock art is best explored by boat or kayak, offering a truly immersive escape into the wild heart of New South Wales. The park's remote, water-bound setting means you'll often have entire beaches and walking tracks to yourself — a rare gift so close to the city.

Highlights & What to See

• River kayaking or boat hire: The Hawkesbury River is the park's main artery. Paddle through tranquil inlets, past towering cliffs, and pull up at secluded sandy beaches for a picnic. Several operators in nearby Brooklyn and Wisemans Ferry rent kayaks or run scenic river cruises.
• Great North Walk: A section of this epic hiking trail passes through the park, offering spectacular ridgetop views over the river. The walk from Brooklyn to Patonga is a classic day hike with sweeping panoramas.
• Aboriginal rock art: Discover ancient hand stencils and engravings in sandstone overhangs around the river. The best examples are found at sites like the Basin Track near Cottage Point, where you can see ochre paintings of fish and kangaroos.
• Muogamarra Nature Reserve: Adjacent to the national park, this reserve is a spring wildflower hotspot. Visit between August and October to see the heathlands ablaze with flannel flowers, boronias, and waratahs.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for sea eagles soaring overhead, goannas sunning on rocks, and the occasional swamp wallaby. The river is also home to dolphins and, in summer, the endangered green turtle.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly appreciate the park's wild character, plan for a full day — ideally, hire a kayak for 4–6 hours to explore the river's quieter reaches. If you're joining a cruise or doing a shorter walk, a half-day can still be rewarding, but you'll miss the sense of solitude. For a weekend escape, combine the park with a stay in a riverfront cabin at Wisemans Ferry or a glamping tent in the nearby Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park — just south, with Aboriginal engravings, the Basin campground, and West Head lookout
• Wisemans Ferry — historic ferry crossing and gateway to the Dharug National Park
• Brooklyn — charming riverside village with seafood cafés and ferry access to the park
• Central Coast beaches — Avoca Beach, Terrigal, and Bouddi National Park are a 30-minute drive east
• Mangrove Mountain — scenic drive through rainforest and orchards, with the Girrakool picnic area

Please check official sources for current details.