hawkesbury river cruises penrith

THE HAWKESBURY PADDLEWHEELER

The hawkesbury paddlewheeler the hawkesbury paddlewheeler.

The moment you step aboard The Hawkesbury Paddlewheeler engage all your senses and experience the magic and majesty of one of the most colourful water ways in Australia.

Embrace the nostalgia of the riverboat days, the fun-filled atmosphere created by our friendly crew, the mouth watering smell from the chef’s galley, visit the wheelhouse to chat to the skipper, be entertained by the music or just sit and gaze at the changing reflections in the water and listen to the lilting rhythm of the churning paddles.

The Hawkesbury Paddlewheeler is a locally, family owned and operated Award winning, Iconic tourist attraction of the area. We have been proudly cruising the majestic waters of the Hawkesbury River for over 35 years from historic Windsor. Our guests enjoy delicious meals prepared and cooked freshly every day on the boat by our fully trained staff. We boast a range of first class musicians and entertainers, with live commentary on the history of the boat, the river and local legends of years gone by. We pride ourselves in providing a family friendly, fun filled atmosphere with delicious meals and drinks at a reasonable price, and creating memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

The Hawkesbury Paddlewheeler is available for charter 7 days and nights a week, bookings are essential.

WE WILL BE BACK

Due to factors outside of our control, our service has temporarily ceased. please check back soon to see when we will be resuming trading and bringing our amazing cruises back to the hawkesbury river., the perfect venue for any occasion .

Image courtesy of Robert Kingsley Gammage

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Riverboat Postman 3-hr Hawkesbury River Cruise

4.5 based on all time ratings

The Riverboat Postman has been delivering mail to river-access-only properties along the Hawkesbury River since 1910. Book the Hawkesbury River cruise and you can be part of this unique tradition! A must-do experience on the Central Coast of NSW, the Riverboat Postman invites you and your group to a relaxing sightseeing and dining experience on the serene Hawkesbury River. Experience the majestic Hawkesbury River and all its splendid nooks and crannies up close from the riverboat. Cruise past river-access-only settlements – Dangar and Milson Islands, Bar Point, Marlow Creek, Kangaroo Point, Fisherman’s Point and Milson’s Passage – as mail and other essentials get delivered!  See how fast the crew work – delivering the mail or parcel as the boat slows down, before getting back on board in time. The Skippers are locals who have lived around these parts their whole lives. They’ll crack you up with some fun anecdotes about the river and its people. You get a steaming cup of coffee, tea, and crunchy homemade ANZAC biscuits on your cruise. Come midday, a ploughman's style lunch is also served on board. There is also a well-stocked licensed bar with wines, beer and other beverages, available for purchase. The Hawkesbury River is a sanctuary to plenty of local bird species, so be sure to bring some cameras or binoculars if you wanna get a good look at them. So in a nutshell, the Riverboat Postman cruise is a fantastic option for residents and first-timers to relax in the midst of a serene river. You’ll see mail get delivered, enjoy the breathtaking riverbanks, and share stories about the river’s past – it’s much more than a boat ride. Book now.

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Departure Details

Departure Location Brooklyn Postie Wharf, Dangar Rd

Boards 09:45

Departs 10:00

Returns 13:00

• 3hr sightseeing cruise on the lower Hawkesbury River
• Cruise on the Riverboat Postman, as part of the oldest mailboat delivery system in Australia
• Cruise past Dangar and Milson Islands, Kangaroo Point, Bar Point, Marlow Creek and other river-access-only settlements
• Commentary from Skipper and crew about the river and its history
• Hot coffee, tea, and homemade Anzac biscuits
• Ploughman’s-style lunch served on board
• Licensed bar on board with beer, wine etc available for purchase

Tea, coffee, ANZAC biscuits and a Ploughman’s style lunch served on board.

Beverage Package

• We use any one, or sometimes all three, of our boats on the run, depending on the number of people joining us. It’s best to always book as a group if applicable rather than individually to ensure you are all allocated to the same boat.

Additional Information

Please refer to our full passengers terms and conditions on the following link; https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/national-terms-of-services

Book & Cruise

Adult - Online (max 8) - January 2019 forward

Group Bookings

Cruising with a group of 10 or more? Get in touch with our team to get the best price.

Exclusive Hire

This boat is available for private charter – See how we can tailor the experience for your next event.

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3hr Sunday On Hawkesbury Cruise

Duration 3hr

32 The Promenade, King Street Wharf, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

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4 Hawkesbury River Cruises

Embarking on one of these great Hawkesbury River cruises is a great way to explore the stunning reach of the lower river.

Contemplate scenic waterways, rugged cliffs, trees and wildlife. Savour tasty food, hear entertaining commentaries, and see a dolphin or two if you’re lucky (I can assure you they’re there!) …

The Hawkesbury River is not very far from Sydney, only an hour away. Yet I can’t think of a greater contrast between the tranquil river and the hectic city.

Thinking of it, these Hawkesbury River cruises below offer a fabulous escape from the daily grind.

But which one to choose? Decisions, decisions, decisions…

Make an informed choice by reading below...

1. Riverboat Postman 

Experience one of Sydney’s best day out and most popular cruise on the Hawkesbury River…

The Riverboat Postman is easy to access from Sydney or the Central Coast, and this cruise is excellent value for money.

The Riverboat Postman will transport you into another world; it will take you back in time.

The cruise is, in fact, the last official water-run postman in Australia. Since 1910, they have been delivering mail to the isolated communities between Brooklyn  and Spencer that can only be reached by boat. Today visitors can take part in the experience.

The skippers on the Riverboat Postman give informative, interesting and entertaining stories of the Hawkesbury River and settlements while the boat delivers the mail. The skippers have lived in the area all their lives, so they know a great deal about the river.

It’s interesting to see how people live in the various isolated settlements dispersed around the islands. It’s also amazing these secluded communities today exist so close to a large city.

Together with the interesting tour, you'll be served fresh food…

Soon after departure, they serve their famous Anzac cookie and tea or coffee. Then at midday, they serve a fresh ploughman's lunch with cold meat, salad and bread roll. You can also buy beer or wine at a reasonable price from the bar.

Sit inside the cruise on the lower deck or outside on the upper deck and enjoy the breeze.

Departure : 10 am from Brooklyn Public Wharf and returns at 1.15 pm every weekday except public holidays.

Getting there : Brooklyn Public Wharf is located right beside the Hawkesbury River Station.

D rive or catch the train on the Central Coast & Newcastle line and disembark at Hawkesbury River Station. The cruise and train schedules are well coordinated. (Note: you must climb 100 steps at Hawkesbury River Station.) Allow enough time to find parking if driving.  

Prices : Adults $64; seniors $54; school aged children $20.

You can book online here , or call 0400 600 111.

2. Sunday on the Hawkesbury

If you can’t take a cruise on a weekday, experience Sunday on the Hawkesbury . It's run by the same company as the Riverboat Postman: Hawkesbury Cruises.

You'll cruise and learn about the history of these seven islands: Lion, Dangar , Spectacle, Long, Milson, Peat, and Bar Islands, travel past isolated communities that can only be reached by boat, and see the wreck of the HMAS Parramatta.

This cruise serves fresh fish n chips for lunch, and you can buy a glass of wine or beer from the bar. 

Departure : 11 am and returns at about 2 pm on Sundays.

Drive or catch the train on the Central Coast & Newcastle line and disembark at Hawkesbury River Station. The cruise and train schedules are well coordinated. (Note: you must climb 100 steps at Hawkesbury River Station.) Allow enough time to find parking if driving.  

Prices : Adult $64; senior $54; school aged children $20. 

Book online here , or call 0400 600 111.

3. Boathouse Ferry Co.

Operating the original Palm Beach ferry ‘Merinda II’, the Boathouse Ferry Co. offers scenic rides between Patonga and Palm Beach.

Enjoy stunning views of the Barrenjoey headland and West Head along the way.

It's a great way to enjoy a day at Patonga Beach and the Boathouse Hotel or Palm Beach.

Read more on the best things to do in Patonga . 

Read more on the best things to do in Palm Beach . 

Departure : 

The ferry runs Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It runs daily during the school holidays. Check the timetable here . 

Getting there : 

To get to Palm Beach, drive or catch the L90 bus from Sydney Central, Town Hall or Wynyard. Allow plenty of time to find parking if driving. 

Off-street parking is available and free in Patonga.  

One way: $15; Return: $25;  Free for children under 5; half price for children over 5

Visit Boathouse Ferry Co. website .  

4. Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler

Enjoy a relaxing cruise down the Nepean River with plenty of delicious food aboard the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler . Pick a morning cruise, a 2.5-hour midday scenic cruise or a longer twilight journey.

Morning in the Gorge is a 1.5-hour cruise starting at 9.30am. You'll enjoy fresh scones with tea or coffee and beautiful views of the sandstone peaks of the Nepean Gorge. From $41pp. 

Scenic Adventure Cruise is a 2.5-hour cruise starting at 11.30am. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Nepean Gorge and a delicious lunch. From $66pp. 

Twilight River Feast is a 3-hour cruise starting at 5.30pm. Meander past the gorges and savour a tasty meal while taking in the scenic views. Adults $79 and children $39 (3-12 yrs).

During the Christmas season, the Twilight River Feast is replaced by the 3-Course Christmas Season Dinner Cruise.

The Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler operates from Wednesdays to Sundays, rain, hail or shine.

It's suitable for people of all ages. They can accommodate a limited number of walking frames, prams and have highchairs available. Let them know at the time of booking, or choose the appropriate option when booking online.

Also, let them know at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.

The paddlewheeler is air conditioned!

Getting there : Tench Reserve, Tench Avenue, Jamisontown.  Click here for directions . Parking is available near the jetty.  

Book online here  or call 02 4733 1274.

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The Riverboat Postman

Just an hour from Sydney’s CBD and connected by both train and freeway, the historic Hawkesbury River mailboat at Brooklyn is the perfect day trip for locals and visitors

Take a Tour…

…and then buy the book…and some gift vouchers…

Sunday on the Hawkesbury

Looking for a cruise on the weekend? Join us for morning tea, lunch, and some spectacular scenery…

What People Are Saying

“ Delightful cruise along the Hawkesbury River from Brooklyn

“The Riverboat Postman is ostensibly a working boat taking mail and provisions to outlying communities some with no road access. It has been turned into a lovely vacation experience pottering along for about 3 hours in a round trip from Brooklyn. We were treated to snacks and coffee then a handsome ploughman’s lunch. During the trip the skipper kept up a very informative commentary on local geological and historical events affecting the region as well as contemporary comments on what it is to live in these riverside villages. A very good day out and well worth the journey from Sydney or Newcastle.”

– Crispin N, London

“ Wonderful trip

“This is a wonderful experience in a beautiful part of the world. Friendly staff, good lunch and terrific commentary. The Hawkesbury River is a real gem and is an important part of the Indigenous and colonial history of Australia.”

– Janet Sta, Sydney

“ Riverboat Postman, an excellent day out

“The first time we tried to book on this excursion it was booked out, so the next time I booked two months ahead, now I know why it gets booked out, even on a Monday…The overall experience was one of feeling looked after from the moment of boarding to disembarkation. Highly recommended..”

– John E, Mt Barker

Plan a journey with us today., tel. 0400 600 111.

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Hawkesbury River Activities

There are many memorable ways to enjoy the beautiful Hawkesbury River, from houseboat holidays to river cruises, kayaking, fishing and boating. You’ll find all these activities and much more in the Hawkesbury, as the river meanders past historic towns and magnificent national parks.

The river begins at the confluence of the Nepean and Grose rivers near Yarramundi , just west of Windsor , the third British colonial settlement in Australia. The waterway runs to its mouth at Broken Bay where it flows into the sea. Tidal influences reach as far as the upper Hawkesbury River.

Houseboat holidays

Once described by a colonial judge as the ‘Nile of New South Wales’, the tranquil waters are perfect for a weekend escape or short break. A wonderful way to relax and soak up the natural beauty of the river is a houseboat holiday. You don’t need a boat licence to hire and captain a houseboat.

Able Hawkesbury River Houseboats is at Wisemans Ferry, near the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Great North Road walking track in Dharug National Park . There are eight types of houseboats for hire that suit various budgets, from two-berth houseboats to luxury houseboats with rooftop spas.

Steer upstream to Windsor and downstream past wilderness to places such as Spencer, Berowra Waters and Brooklyn. Able Hawkesbury also offer kayaks, half-cabin boats and runabouts for day hire.

Fishing & kayaking

Cast a line for fish along the river and tributaries. Near the river mouth bream, snapper, mulloway, tailor and whiting all bite. There are boat ramps at various locations, including Governor Phillip Park in Windsor and Wisemans Ferry.

Kayaking is a lovely way to enjoy the river. You hire kayaks from Hawkesbury Kayaks at Wisemans Ferry. Or join a guided kayak tour with Southern Cross Kayaking . Kayak tours depart from various locations, including Windsor and Cattai National Park .

For thrill seekers, the Hawkesbury is a popular waterway for a range of water sports. Waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing are just a few of the fun activities. The Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic is a prestigious race from Broken Bay to Windsor. The annual race was first held in 1961.

Cruise the waters

Other things to do include relaxing on a riverboat while enjoying morning tea or lunch. Aboard the Hawkesbury Paddlewheeler take a trip back to the 1800s when steamships travelled the waterway. (Note that cruises are currently on hold and will restart in spring 2021.) Or hop aboard the River Postman in Brooklyn and follow the mail route along the calm waters.

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Discover The Hawkesbury

Open 9am-3pm Anzac Day

• Penrith (22km)
• Sydney (62km)
• Blue Mountains (47km)
• Singleton (179km)
• Bilpin Renowned for stone fruit, apples and mountain gardens
• Kurrajong Tranquil, rural village in the Blue Mountains foothills
• Richmond Country town charm with historic parks and buildings
• Windsor Gateway to the Hawkesbury featuring beautifully preserved historic buildings
• St Albans Surrounded by wilderness this tiny village makes an idyllic destination
• Wilberforce Home to Australiana Pioneer Village, a glimpse of our colonial heritage
• Wisemans Ferry Magnificent Hawkesbury vistas, convict trails and water activities
• Ebenezer On the banks of the rivers, home to Australia’s oldest church
• Pitt Town Small historical village established in 1814
• Blue Mountains National Park
• Dharug National Park
• Wollemi National Park

Welcome to the Hawkesbury

Take time to enjoy a short break and relax. Well known for the beautiful Hawkesbury River, the region is surrounded by world heritage national parks and is rich with history and heritage. We are within easy reach of Sydney at the foot of the Blue Mountains.

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Pick your own produce on local farmgate trails

Ghost hunting, river cruises – be spoilt for choice

Australia’s third oldest European settlement - so much to explore

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Council acknowledges the Dharug and Darkinjung people as the Traditional Custodians of the Hawkesbury and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

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Hawkesbury river charter.

This is more than a vacation, it’s an experience worth remembering & one you will keep coming back to.

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Come aboard our Hawkesbury River Houseboats with a difference. Unforgettable ways to enjoy the beautiful Hawkesbury River include our houseboat holidays, river cruises, picnics, fishing and boating. The Hawkesbury River meanders through historic towns and magnificent national parks. Boarding at Berowra Waters puts you in the middle of the Hawkesbury River.

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• : Visitor Information
• : Welcome to the Hawkesbury

The Hawkesbury has been the food basket for Sydney since colonial times. The need for viable farming land to feed the rapidly growing Sydney community led to the discovery and the settlement of the Hawkesbury Valley region, and for many years afterwards it remained the primary produce market for the Sydney settlement.

Today the region is still well known for its quality apples, stone fruits, oranges, honey and vegetables - many of them grown organically – and it is still the home to a variety of produce farms, small business and markets which provide goods to the Sydney market.

Depending on the season visitors can stop in at a range of properties or markets to sample produce and fill up the boot! The Farmgate Trail is a self drive tour through the Hawkesbury with stops at orchards, cheese makers, smokehouses, wineries and much more – a gastronomers delight!

The Hawkesbury region stretches from the Gateway of the Hawkesbury River around Brooklyn all the way through the Heartland of the fertile Valley to the Highlands at the foot of the Blue Mountains.

Just north of Parramatta, around 30 minutes from Sydney you can discover the best of nature mixed with the sparkle of cosmopolitan life at Sydney’s door within Hawkesbury’s Sydney Hills region.

Further west, just over an hours drive north-west of Sydney is the beautiful Hawkesbury Valley located at the foot of the Blue Mountains featuring the Historic towns of Windsor and Richmond.

Stretching even further west into the foothills of the Blue Mountains, along the Bells Line of road is the tranquil Hawkesbury Highlands offering a diversity of mountain scenery with great walls of sandstone and endless canyons, combined with charming orchards and fruit and vege stalls offering all local varieties of stone fruit in season and autumn apples.

Inland around 80km north west of Sydney you can experience Wisemans Ferry and the Hawkesbury Heartland area, one of the most attractive and interesting tourist destinations in New South Wales, yet surprisingly still unknown to the great majority of visitors to Sydney.

The Hawkesbury region is also nestled amongst the vast wilderness of the Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Parks, where pristine creeks feed into the magnificent Hawkesbury River.

The great river meanders from Brooklyn through Wiseman’s Ferry and the townships of Richmond and Windsor, where some of the earliest colonial settlements were born.

Originally the home of the Darug Clan of the Aboriginal people, the area was discovered by Europeans in 1789 by Governor Arthur Phillip in search of fertile farmland. The rich riverland was settled in 1794 and the district holds a wealth of heritage with numerous well preserved historical buildings still in use.

Descendents of the original settlers are still prominent in the Hawkesbury with many continuing the family tradition on the land, side by side with the second and third generation farmers from early European migrants.

Known as the "food basket" for Sydney, the Hawkesbury area grows a vast range of produce including stone fruits, oranges, apples, pecan nuts, berries and various vegetables, many of which are for sale at various stalls dotted around the roads.

Many of the orchards are open for "pick you own" customers. The orange orchards are found on the plains around Freemans Reach and Agnes Banks whilst the apple and stone fruit orchards are located further up the hills of Bilpin, Grose Vale and Kurrajong.

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Exploring Sydney’s heavenly Hawkesbury River

We take a tour of secret sacred Indigenous and historical sites around the Hawkesbury River in New South Wales.

The historical Hawkesbury has been home to Skippy, Indigenous Australians, colonists and thriving current communities. With abundant eagles, cockatoos, parrots, pelicans, swans, mud crabs, flathead, blackfish and bream, the Hawkesbury’s habitat is surprisingly pristine. You may recall this iconic New South Wales region from shows A Country Practice and Home and Away as well as the movie Oyster Farmer . Author Kate Grenville in her novel Sarah Thornhill paints an evocative picture: “The Hawkesbury was a lovely river, wide and calm, the water dimply green, the cliffs golden in the sun, and white birds roosting in the trees like so much washing. It was a sweet thing of a still morning, the river-oaks whispering and the land standing upside down in the water.”

But this 120-kilometre river surrounding Sydney from Broken Bay to Penrith has been a place of promise and imprisonment. If the gum trees could talk, they’d tell tales of debauchery, intoxication, murder, incarceration, insanity and pioneering. Known as Deerubbun or “wide, deep water” by the main Indigenous tribes — the Dharug, Wannungine, Darkinung, Eora and Kuring-gai people — it was renamed after Baron Hawkesbury by Captain Arthur Phillip in 1789. Without its rich farmlands the Sydney colony may have failed if the fertile soil wasn’t cultivated by 22 settlers on 30-acre allotments in 1794. With no dams or locks, its tide flows from Windsor to the sea, weaving a vital part of the social, cultural and economic fabric of the Hawkesbury’s habitants. Sadly, however, disease and destruction annihilated the area’s Indigenous population.

Hawkesbury River resident and River Adventures director Daniel Morrison explains why it was dubbed the colony’s cornfield: “In the early days of settlement, it was an agricultural highway used to transport food from the farms in the west of the Sydney Basin along its smooth waters, out through Broken Bay into the sea, before heading a few miles south down the coast and into Sydney Harbour to unload at Circular Quay.” Until the 1940s boats carried produce upstream to the Windsor’s railhead or downstream to Sydney.

Once Sydney’s lifeblood, it’s now a nature lover’s paradise. Much of the river’s relatively undeveloped coastline is only accessible by boat, a haven for hermits, holidaymakers, artists, boaters, anglers, oyster farmers and retirees.

Once Sydney’s lifeblood, it’s now a nature lover’s paradise. Much of the river’s relatively undeveloped coastline is only accessible by boat, a haven for hermits, holidaymakers, artists, boaters, anglers, oyster farmers and retirees. It hosts colourful annual events including the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, the Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic from Dangar Island to Windsor, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series and the Circuit Boat Race. Whether by water or land the Hawkesbury offers endless opportunities to enjoy and explore. Here are some of the highlights.

Lion Island

This sphinx-shaped island off Palm Beach is 8 hectares of protected nature reserve, requiring a permit from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to visit. It is the breeding ground for little penguins and shearwaters, medium-sized long-winged seabirds.

Named for the local Indigenous word for oyster, Patonga is a calm cove only a short boat trip from Palm Beach or a 90km drive north of from Sydney on the Newcastle Freeway. Play in the clear bay, feast at the revamped Boathouse, view the gallery or take the 30-minute hike to Warrah Lookout via the Dark Corner track for a spectacular view.

Cottage Point

This unspoilt seaside enclave is perfect for a city escape. Only 38km from Sydney CBD it offers a ritzy restaurant and a casual kiosk, with a bounty of boats and kayaks for hire. Nestled in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park at the confluence of Cowan Creek, Coal and Candle Creek, it’s a water wonderland. Wear sensible shoes as the steep walk from parking is challenging, unless you’re arriving via seaplane! Explore the beautiful beaches and look out for Looking Glass Rock, shimmering like a breaching whale.

Bobbin Head

If you want to appreciate authentic Indigenous art head to Bobbin Head. Ray Norris’s excellent online resource, Sydney Aboriginal Rock Engravings, provides co-ordinates to ancient carvings including the echidna, goanna, glider bird, wallaby and male and female figure off the Bobbin Head track. Be careful not to walk over them as the desecration of an Indigenous heritage site can attract fines of up to $1.2 million under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Bobbin Head hasn’t changed much in decades. The spacious waterfront picnic area is perfect for games and barbecues. With a plethora of paddleboats and a playground, kids are in their element. Stroll around the marina superyachts or go bird spotting on the mangrove boardwalk. Absorb the beautiful bushland on the 10km Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head loop track where you’ll see an impressive memorial to fallen AIF soldiers. It’s easily accessible via the Bobbin Head Road through North Turramurra or Kuringai Chase Road, Mount Colah near Hornsby.

Travel back to the Dreamtime on the Basin Track Aboriginal Site Tour run by Guringai Aboriginal Tours.

Immerse yourself in the Hawkesbury’s incredible Indigenous culture with traditional custodian Laurie Bimson, aka Uncle Laurie. Bimson sits on the advisory committee for National Parks and Wildlife Service Metro North East and is also a director of the Guringai Tribal Link Aboriginal Corporation. After meeting at West Head’s Resolute Picnic Area you’ll receive a warm welcome to country ceremony and ochre face paint as a sign of respect for the region. Bimson’s passion is palpable as he shares stories of how his Indigenous ancestors appreciated the land, living in harmony with the fabulous flora and fauna. Captivating tales bring the rock carvings, traditional tools and instruments to life. Bimson even offers boomerang-throwing lessons and a delicious lunch. You’ll leave with an enriched appreciation of Indigenous wisdom and Australian history.

The Riverboat Postman

On the arrival of spring the Riverboat Postman embarks on its virgin voyage after five months off due to COVID-19 restrictions. Skipper “Salty” Robert Gordon plus crew Nat and Tom are chuffed to be back at the world’s best office. Gordon’s suggestion to stay “spaced out” is easy as the comfortable cruise is hypnotically relaxing and roomy. Embarking at Brooklyn, an hour’s train trip from Sydney, passengers enjoy old-school hospitality with elegantly set tables soon to be adorned with real coffee, steaming tea, homemade Anzac biscuits and a fresh ploughman’s lunch. The Riverboat Postman is the last mail boat in Australia and offers a glance at the Hawkesbury’s coastal communities living amid the luscious landscape.

There are seven stops for mail delivery on the 40km route which takes around three hours. The brief mail drops include Dangar Island, Kangaroo Point, Milson Island and Bar Point on the way up, and Fishermans Point and Milsons Passage on the way back.

As the quiet boat glides past sandstone cliffs, mystical mangroves, verdant bushland and bridges, abundant birds sweep the sky. Amiable Gordon paints a chequered picture of the area with a wry and captivating commentary. First port of call is Dangar Island.

Dangar Island

“Spotted a 15-metre humpback there a few months ago,” skipper Gordon glances towards the sparking water en route to Dangar Island. There’s also a ferry or water taxi available from Brooklyn for the 15-minute trip. Dangar Island is the only inhabited island on the Hawkesbury with around 300 residents. Initially called Mullet Island after Arthur Phillip’s successful fishing there in 1788, it was renamed Dangar by the island’s 1864 owner Henry Cary Dangar. It takes five minutes to walk across and a few hours to walk around the idyllic island covering 30 hectares, including 3 kilometres of shoreline. The quiet, car-fee oasis only has wheelbarrows and a few communal buggies. On the islands south side Bradley Beach has as a sandbar for safe swimming. There’s a comfortable café, social hall, school library and a bowling club. Enjoy the Indigenous cave and rock art at the island’s peak, Kilparra Park.

Kangaroo Point

Passing under the historic Hawkesbury River Railway bridge, Gordon informs us that tragically 11 men died while working on it from 1941 to 1946. Long Island on the left is a natural reserve, requiring permission to visit its thriving wildlife of wallabies, possums, snakes and birds. Spectacle Island on the right has been a nature reserve since 1972 and was listed in the Register of the National Estate in 1978 for its abundant Indigenous sites and diverse vegetation. Its name is either from its shape, or the skipper suggests it expresses Europeans’ impression of the large corroborees there as “spectacles”. A permit from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is necessary to visit.

Explore the beautiful beaches and look out for Looking Glass Rock, shimmering like a breaching whale.

Kangaroo Point at the Mooney Mooney Bridge is next with the civilised Estuary restaurant and kiosk perfect for champagne-fuelled catch-ups. Check out the impressive 6000-year-old rock carving of a stingray.

• Broken Bay Pearl Farm

Curve right and you’ll arrive at NSW’s only pearl producer, Broken Bay Pearl Farm, run by the Brown family from Broome in an environmentally sustainable way since 2003. The tours take you to the pearl longlines where you’ll learn how pearls are produced and prepared to produce the exceptionally high-quality, rare Broken Bay Akoya pearl. Browse the gallery showcasing a lustrous rainbow of white, cream, yellow, orange, silver, blue, green and pink cultured pearls.

Peat Island

Continuing our sojourn upstream, deep waters darken as we approach Peat Island, previous home to alcoholic women, forgotten children and the insane. Originally called Rabbit Island, Peat Island was an asylum for alcoholics in the 1890s, recording 300 deaths. In 1911 it was a hospital for intellectually disabled boys, housing over 600 cramped residents in the 60s, earning its nickname “hospital of forgotten children”. Until 2001 it was a mental health hospital which noted neurologist Dr Ted Freeman who worked there in the 1980s has described as Australia’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The dark dormitories are awaiting rezoning permission to be transformed into a 250-berth marina and multimillion dollar residential resort though a few heritage-listed buildings will be restored. The spooky dormitories are still scattered with former inmates possessions and haunting graffiti. Off limits to the public for a century, it’s separated from the mainland by a 400m rusting causeway which is closed to visitors. Dr Freeman described Ward 4 as a hell hole with men “shouting, screaming, yelling, banging their heads … rocking back and forth.” Horrific stories surrounding the island include young boys drowning, suffocating and being caged and abused. We passed Peat Island by with a prayer and a symbolic sage stick.

Milson Island

This secluded island’s Sport and Recreation Centre is a stunning setting for Famous Five adventures including abseiling, archery, bushwalking, high ropes courses, rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking. Originally called Mud Island it was granted to Aboriginal Granny Lewis who sold it to Robert Milson in 1865. Milson Island also has a shady past, having been a bacteriological lab, quarantine station, a hospital to treat World War I soldiers with venereal disease, a mental hospital, a rehab centre for alcoholics and a women’s prison. Today with seven lodges — Possum, Koala, Waratah, Kookaburra, Lorikeet, Platypus and Cockatoo — and five holiday units, it’s a beautifully landscaped escape for events, school camps and holidaymakers.

Milsons Passage

The Hawkesbury highlight is meeting residents as they collect their mail, usually barefoot with scruffy dog sidekick. Their laid-back pace and laconic conversation is contagious as passengers let city stresses drift away. The most memorable resident is self-appointed president of Sydney’s smallest suburb Milsons Passage, John Carrick, waving from his throne as we sidle up to the dock. Resplendent in presidential mud crab crown, sash and guard dog, Carrick cuts an eccentric figure proud of his “republic”. His white dog is a “specially bred albino dingo who keeps sharks away.” Author of his self-published book The History of the River Settlement of Milsons Passage, 2006, Carrick is a wealth of wisdom about the area, inhabited by the Darug people for thousands of years. Today with just over a hundred residents, this isolated hamlet is a happy place to rent an Airbnb and relax. As we chug away Carrick calls out for us not to break the 11th commandment — “Though shalt not get caught!”

One with the water

Another wonderful way to immerse yourself in the enchanting environment is on a jet ski or kayak tour.

River Adventures and Out and About Adventures offer kayak tours to special places: shipwrecks, waterfalls and bushwalks to breathtaking lookouts. Paddling beneath the towering sandstone cliffs and pulling into a deserted beach such as Refuge Bay for a refreshment, it’s enough to forget the woes of the world, and transport you to a land before time.

Things to do and see

• Hawkesbury River Resident and River Adventures
• Cottage Point Kiosk
• Basin Track Aboriginal Site Tour run by Guringai Aboriginal Tours
• Riverboat Postman
• Jet Ski Safaris
• Out and About Adventures
• Sport and Recreation camp
• Estuary restaurant and kiosk

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Caroline Robertson

Caroline Robertson is a naturopath and homoeopath with thirty years experience. For phone or skype consultations please contact [email protected].

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The ultimate guide to a holiday in the Hawkesbury

Carla Grossetti

Sub-Editor & Journalist

16 February 2023

There’s something to be said for travelling close to home, as Sydneysiders discover when they holiday in and around the Hawkesbury to rediscover some of life’s simple pleasures.

The Hawkesbury region is an excellent place to escape from Sydney, offering so much more than just a place to summer holiday. It’s beautiful in winter, autumn and spring too, as are some of the surrounding boroughs such as Berowra and Broken Bay.

It doesn’t need to be summer for a brilliant holiday in the Hawkesbury. (Image: Berowra Waters Inn)

From the retro houseboats floating up and down the river , like glowing lanterns, to the posh stays a-plenty that are fastened like pretty brooches to the hills, and water-based activities for families who like to roll in with the tide on weekends, here’s our guide to making the most of a holiday in and around the Hawkesbury, on the Traditional Lands of the Darug and Darkinjung people.

Spot houseboats floating up and down the river. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay on the Hawkesbury

In the past decade or so, the accommodation options nestled into the natural surrounds have made the region even more of a draw. From Brooklyn to Berowra Waters, located on a tributary of the Hawkesbury, life here feels a little quieter and more peaceful when the only way to access your accommodation is by boat or seaplane.

The exclusivity of boat or seaplane-only access to your accommodation. (Image: Isaac Tseng)

Calabash Bay Lodge

Calabash Bay Lodge is part of the Wild Luxury portfolio of eco-positive boutique retreats that aim to connect visitors seamlessly to the outdoors.

Stay at the eco-positive boutique retreat, Calabash Bay Lodge.

Following a recent refurbishment led by award-winning interior designer Carole Whiting, the four-bedroom lodge is now more luxe than ever with designer touches such as a decadent Agape Immersion bathtub, Astra Walker tapware, an elegant kitchen with Vagli Oro marble and local Australian and Indigenous art from Joshua Yeldham and Tracey Deep and sheepskin and wool rugs softening the spotted gum floors.

Award-winning interior designer Carole Whiting is behind the stylish refurbishment of the four-bedroom lodge.

While Berowra Waters is not technically in the Hawkesbury region – it’s on Berowra Creek – it’s perfectly positioned as a launching pad for exploring the area.

Soak up the views from your private deck at Calabash Bay Lodge.

Level up your stay in the region by booking local chef Manuel Affarian, of Secret Dining , who will pick you up from the Berowra Marina and deliver you to the door of the boutique retreat where he will proceed to cook up a three-course feast while you curl up on the L-shaped couch in front of the fire.

Try the Secret Chef for a private dining experience in the retreat.

Apart from the luxury of having your own private chef, every room and living area in the house has a water view, which means there’s a lot to love and the touches of Hawkesbury sandstone connect you back to the surrounding views. Wake up at the first pink glimmering of daylight to a chorus of birdsong and mist mingling with the water, with the trees illuminated in silvery light.

Oh Buoy comes with all the retro trappings you’d expect from a boat of this vintage. Soak in the beauty of Berowra Creek, a tributary of the Hawkesbury in the backwaters of Berowra, on dinky floating digs that stands apart for its mid-Century styling, look and feel.

Spend your Hawkesbury holiday onboard the vintage Oh Buoy houseboat. (Image: Oh Buoy )

From its walnut-toned wall panelling to its 1950s-style furniture, warm saffron tones, and ornate lamps, you can be at one with the water birds while curled up like a comma in the hammock on the sun deck. Plan a day of fishing and a quiet evening in as you won’t want to go anywhere.

Marramarra Lodge

In addition to the more high-end accommodation and houseboats, there are a plethora of places that offer families an affordable holiday on the Hawkesbury. But if you’re angling to have an adults-only break, Marramarra Lodge is a must.

The view of the Hawkesbury from inside the Peninsula Tents at Marramarra Lodge. (Image: Isaac Tseng)

The retreat, which is surrounded by Marramarra National Park, has a rich history, with the leisure facilities and billiards room housed in Carter House, which was built in the 1920s.

Sit and watch the world go by at Marramarra’s boathouse.

Marramarra Lodge is located at Fisherman’s Point, on the Traditional Lands of the Darug people.

Arrive by boat at Marramarra Lodge.(Image: Isaac Tseng)

What to do in the Hawkesbury

Adventure. Heritage. Hikes. Farmgate tours. A distillery. Historic pubs. Fine dining. Casual cafes. You won’t run out of things to do in the Hawkesbury, where the people-to-place ratio in towns such as Bilpin, Ebenezer, Kurrajong, Pitt Town, Richmond, St Albans, Wilberforce, Windsor and Wisemans Ferry will lean in your favour. Here, a cheatsheet of top things to do on a Hawkesbury holiday.

You won’t run out of things to do in the Hawkesbury.

Sydney Oyster Tours

Not far from the township of Brooklyn, at the entrance of the Hawkesbury River, is where you will find an in-water table, clad in white linen, just a short oyster shell’s throw away from the hundred or so oyster trays that dangle deep in the nutrient-rich water.

Sydney Oyster Tours offer an immersive oyster experience like no other.

Sheridan Beaumont is a third-generation oyster farmer and she’s prising open the freshly harvested oysters for a couple who are honeymooning on the Hawkesbury and standing around the table, which seems to be floating over the still water.

Sydney Oyster Farm Tours are literally the most immersive way to enjoy the bivalve molluscs, which have a buttery, briny taste that is typical of Sydney rocks.

Taste freshly-shucked oysters on a Sydney Oyster Farm Tour.

The tasting table is a top spot to enjoy the prized shellfish, au natural alongside a glass of sparkling wine. This is an arena for connoisseurs as well as those who are new to the business of inhaling the glistening contents of a half shell of oyster.

The Immerse Yourself experience at Sydney Oyster Tours.

The Immerse Yourself experience follows a boat tour out to the oyster leases where visitors don waders in order to taste what will be some of the freshest oysters you’ve tasted in your life.

Go on a guided audio art walk

The first of 11 audio walks along the Dyarubbin/Hawkesbury River has been released to share the history of the local First Nations people, the Darug, as well as colonial and convict history, stories of floods and farming as told by more than 100 participants.

The inaugural instalment for 11 Stories from the River Dyarubbin series of audio walks is led by composer/producer Oonagh Sherrard. The Hawkesbury Regional Museum is also worth a visit.

See some of Australia’s early colonial architecture

Plot your course between Australia’s oldest church in Ebenezer, one of the Hawkesbury Valley’s colourful villages, wander along the convict-built Old Great North Road, a World Heritage-listed site, get a glimpse into the past at the Australiana Pioneer Village, in Wilberforce and take some happy snaps of the colonial architecture on show in Windsor and Richmond where some of Australia’s oldest sandstone buildings can be found.

Admire the colonial architecture on show in Windsor. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Settlers Arms pub at St Albans, established in 1836, is possibly one of the most charming pubs in the country. Hole up here in one of four cosy double rooms in the former coaching inn, a destination for city dwellers on a weekend getaway.

The Settlers Arms pub at St Albans was established in 1836. (Image: Destination NSW)

Kayak up the river

You will feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, in the best possible sense when you’re staying at Calabash Bay Lodge as you can grab a couple of the lodge’s courtesy kayaks and paddle up Calabash Creek, the mist still layered over the landscape like a piece of pink muslin.

Calabash Bay Lodge offers guests courtesy kayaks to use.

Located at the waterfront junction of three national parks – the Marramarra, Ku-ring-gai Chase, and Berowra Valley – on a sparkling tributary of the Hawkesbury River, the secluded lodge, accessible only by boat or seaplane, is the perfect jumping-off point for cruising up the river, where it’s likely you won’t see a single soul.

Marramarra Lodge also has courtesy stand-up paddle boards and kayaks.

Follow the farm gate trail

Pick your own cherries, apples, pears, stone fruit and strawberries (depending on the season) at one of the many farms that are at the heart of the Hawkesbury.

Children will love visiting the alpaca farming community, and buying fruit and vegetables direct from some of the apple-cheeked farmers many of whom have goats and chickens on their properties, too.

In addition to the many cider sheds, you’ll find quirky local cafes, orchards, a distillery, breweries and even a few cellar doors .

Bilpin Apple Pie Trail

Visitors can also uncover the region’s charm by following Bilpin’s Apple Pie Trail , cycling along quiet country roads and picking fresh produce from local orchards and even enjoying an immersive farm stay.

Go apple picking in Bilpin. (Image: Destination NSW)

Action heroes can also pencil in events such as the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, which starts in Windsor and ends at Mooney Mooney and tick off bucket-list dining experiences in nearby Berowra (located on a tributary of the Hawkesbury River).

Take a tour of a working Australian pearl farm

The story behind the Australian pearl industry is fascinating, spanning generations and bridging cultural divides. Learn all about how the lustrous gem is grown at NSW’s only operating pearl farm, Broken Bay Pearl Farm , where the staff are passionate about sharing their expertise about the only precious gem on the planet that is intrinsically sustainable and born within a living organism: the oyster.

The passionate staff at Broken Bay Pearl Farm share their knowledge.

The farm, which has its origin at the confluence of the Hawkesbury River, Pittwater and Brisbane River, and flows into the Tasman Sea, started welcoming visitors to the working farm in 2018 and one of the most fascinating aspects of the tour is learning about the power of positive pearling.

Learn how to farm the pristine Akoya pearl.

A two-hour Private Discovery Experience with Pearls Australia includes a short presentation about the history of the Australian pearl industry, a pootle upriver by punt to see a pearl oyster lease, an immersive pearl grading experience and a lesson on how to farm the pristine Akoya pearls.

A two-hour Private Discovery Experience with Pearls Australia is an immersive experience.

As well as admiring elegantly crafted pearl jewellery at the sustainable farm’s shellar door, visitors will get the opportunity to indulge in Sydney rock oysters and Akoya pearl oysters, too.

Visit the sustainable farm’s shellar door.

Where to eat and drink in the Hawkesbury

From fresh local produce to fine dining at waterfront restaurants, a holiday in the Hawkesbury delivers some pretty tasty options when it comes to where to eat.

For waterfront dining in the Hawkesbury doesn’t get much better than at Berowra Waters Inn. (Image: Sebastian Photography)

Berowra Waters Inn

While Berowra Waters Inn might be the long-lasting legacy of the late, great Tony Bilson, it very much belongs in the hands of talented chef Bryan Geraghty who has made the iconic Berowra Waters restaurant his own. Chef Bryan worked under Bilson for many years. And when the opportunity to take over the premises arose, he jumped at it. Located on Berowra Creek, on a tributary of the Hawkesbury River, it is destination dining at its very finest. Bucket-list stuff.

The views at Berowra Waters Inn are as memorable as the food. (Image: Sebastian Photography)

Find a sunny spot on the deck at Berowra Waters Inn. (Image: Sebastian Photography)

Indulge all your foodie fantasies with the set menu and drink pairing, which changes with the seasons and includes such delights as pork, maple, hazelnut and turnip, Murray cod, oysters and ham, kingfish, pepper, finger lime and sea fennel. There’s a free shuttle that ferries diners to and from the Berowra Marina or their riverside accommodation.

Each dish at Berowra Waters Inn is a work of art.

Secret Dining

Got a special occasion planned during your stay in Berowra? Call long-time local chef Manuel Affarian of Secret Dining , who can whip up a three- or four-course feast or deliver it to your dinghy, pontoon or preferred picnic spot. The bespoke catering service can tailor a menu to suit and having Manny on hand to regale you with colourful tales of life on the river is part of the experience, as is being immersed in this lyrical landscape with the go-slow vibes.

A Chef’s Secrets

There’s a reason the word ‘secret’ has crept into two of the most popular dining experiences on the Hawkesbury. To outsiders, everything here feels hidden and confidential. But by the looks on the faces of the smug locals, this is the kind of place they want to keep all to themselves. Located right near the Berowra Marina, the lunchtime crowd at A Chef’s Secret is a mix of Sydneysiders in the know and locals who have pulled up to the restaurant pier in their dinghies and greet Roman-born chef and restaurateur Mario Nogarotto like an old friend.

The restaurant, located in an 1898 boat shed, is open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday and dinner Fridays and Saturday nights. The dining experience is in perfect symbiosis with the waterway which Mario says reminds him ‘of a little slice of Lake Como’. Enjoy Sydney rock appellation oysters, fried school prawns and fingerlime, cured hiramasa kingfish and the testun al barolo (drunken cheese) with fruit mustard for afters.

The Richmond Good Food Market

Want to learn about the hero ingredients available in and around the Hawkesbury? Head to the Richmond Good Food Market , which is held every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. Have you even been to the country if you don’t leave with an esky full of food and drinks? This dinky little market only has a couple of produce stalls, along with local honey, homemade cakes, coffee and biscuits. And it’s for this reason you know the hyperlocal ingredients will sing of the seasons.

George St Loft, Windsor

Even your most strident atheist will find something to admire about the historic churches in Windsor. After visiting Ebenezer Church , the oldest existing church in Australia, you can head to another place of worship: George St Loft where locals gather for coffee and brunch. The café, which is open seven days a week, serves coffee directly sourced from a local supplier, Underground Roasters. Stalk the café’s Instagram to find out when they are holding one of their regular themed ‘Middle Feastern’ Tables.

Karu Distillery

The rustic Karu Distillery, located in Grosevale, won double gold at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Morita Chipotle Vodka. Visit the brand-new distillery door in the Devil’s Wilderness where you will be regaled by compelling stories by husband-and-wife team Nick and Ally, who offer tutored tasting of gin and vodka crafted by hand on site.

Bilpin Cider Co.

This is the kind of roadside pit stop that has saved the sanity of many parents passing by. Enjoy a picnic on the sprawling grounds of the Bilpin Cider Co property, where you can enjoy a pre-prepared picnic hamper on weekends and public holidays (bookings essential). In addition to the apple orchard, the farm is home to friendly sheep and alpacas who roam the garden, which has great views of the Blue Mountains.

Meet the alpacas at the Bilpin Cider Farm. (Image: Destination NSW)

Getting there

It’s about a 60 to 90-minute drive to the Hawkesbury from Sydney depending on whether you travel west via the M2 Motorway, Old Windsor Road and Windsor Road, or head north via the Northconnex to Berowra Waters at the eastern end of the river. It’s about 89 kilometres from Lithgow to Windsor, 22 kilometres from Penrith, 32 kilometres from Parramatta and 62 kilometres from Katoomba. The Hawkesbury River is at the heart of the region, which has four free vehicular ferries linking roads and communities. The ferries operate around the clock except during flooding or when closed for maintenance. To check on the ferry operation and timetable, call the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre on 02 4560 4620.

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Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler

Scenic Adventure Cruise

2.5 hour river cruise through the Nepean Gorge in the Blue Mountains National Park west of Sydney. Includes hearty lunch with dessert plus tea and coffee

Experience the Incredible Scenery of the Nepean Gorge While Enjoying a Delicious and Hearty Lunch

Duration: 2.5 hours boarding time: 11:30 am cruising time: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm, pricing per person - 1 april 2024 - 31 march 2025 weekdays: adults $72, seniors $65, children 3-12yrs $27, infants 0-2yrs free * weekends: adults $79, seniors $71, children 3-12yrs $31, infants 0-2yrs free * * infants 0-2yrs free when eating from parents’ plate all bookings incur an additional 1.5% booking fee.

Relax and unwind on the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler as you meander through the spectacular Nepean Gorge*. There’s nothing quite like the stunning ascending rock formations carved out by the Nepean River - one of Australia's beautiful and largely unknown, natural archaeological splendours at the base of the Heritage Listed, Blue Mountains National Park.

The combination of the unique scenery and the majestic Nepean Belle provides excellent photo opportunities you can treasure for years to come.

* The route taken on the river is dependent upon navigation conditions on the day.

Scenic Adventure Cruise Summer Lunch Menu Mid September 2023 to Mid May 2024

Main Meal Seasoned House-Made Roast Chicken with a light Apricot stuffing and Gravy served on a shared platter, garnished with honey roasted vine tomatoes accompanied by… - Flavoursome creamy sautéed potato - Al dente penne in a creamy basil pesto sauce - Greek Salad (with Feta on the side)

Dessert Alternately served - Individual pavlova with vanilla bean cream topped with our house-made berry compote. - Rich Chocolate Mud Lava Cake drizzled with raspberry coulis.

Includes freshly brewed loose leaf Tea and Coffee. A selection of Herbal Tea is also available.

Winter Warmer Scenic Adventure Cruise Lunch Menu Mid May to Mid September (Except July)

Main Meal Seasoned House-Made Roast Chicken with a light Apricot stuffing and Gravy served on a shared platter, garnished with honey roasted vine tomatoes accompanied by… - Flavoursome creamy sautéed potato - Selection of hot seasonal vegetables

Dessert Alternately served - House made Vanilla Panna Cotta drizzled with Butterscotch Sauce - Warm Chocolate Mud Lava Cake with Salted Caramel Pieces and Raspberry Coulis Includes freshly brewed loose-leaf Tea and Coffee. A selection of herbal tea is also available.

Yulefest Christmas in July Lunch Cruise Menu July Only (Sample Menu)

MAIN MEAL - Shared Platter At Your Table Tender Roast Chicken with Festive Stuffing and Cranberry Jus Sliced Hot Christmas Ham off the Bone with a Honey & Caraway Glaze Served on a shared platter garnished with honey roasted vine tomatoes accompanied by our Famous Creamy sautéed Potato and a selection of hot seasonal vegetables.

DESSERT - Individual Alternate Serve Warm Sticky Date Pudding with Hot Caramel Sauce Pavlova with Vanilla Bean Cream topped with House-Made Berry Compote

Includes freshly brewed tea and coffee (served at the end of meal). Herbal teas are also available.

Special dietary requirements including vegetarian and gluten free are available.

Dietary requirements including vegetarian and gluten free are available and must be advised on booking.

Enter the number of passengers and all available cruises will be displayed. if you have a valid promotion code or gift voucher, please enter the code below. all bookings incur an additional 1.5% booking fee.

If you are booking for a group over 10 passengers, or if have any issues with your booking, please contact us . Phone: 02 4733 1274 Email: [email protected]

“ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ The three of us came on a [Scenic Adventure] lunch cruise. It lasted two and a half hours, had tasty food, and was very relaxing. The crew went to great lengths to be friendly and inclusive. I would definitely do this again. 😀 ”

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Please be aware that the route taken on the river is dependent upon navigation conditions on the day and is at the discretion of the Captain.

All prices subject to change without notice From 1 February 2022 all bookings will incur a 1.5% booking fee

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Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler

Things to do penrith , penrith , new south wales.

Soak up some old-world charm aboard the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler as you cruise the Nepean River into the foothills of the Blue Mountains and the majestic Nepean Gorge.

“The Belle”, as she’s affectionately known, is an icon in western Sydney. With a design based on Mississippi sternwheelers, she has been parading her classic looks up and down these waters since 1982.

Regular cruises include Morning in the Gorge, the Scenic Adventure Cruise, the Twilight River Feast and the Historical Discovery Cruise. You can even take an Afternoon Tea Psychic Cruise, featuring a one-on-one psychic reading.

Food ranges from Devonshire teas to three-course dinners, with all meals freshly prepared on board each day, and special cruises are held throughout the year to celebrate occasions such as Mother’s Day and New Year’s Eve.

The Belle is fully air-conditioned. You can also head outside to soak up the fresh mountain air from its viewing decks, and watch the river roll by.

Experience the Incredible Scenery of the Nepean Gorge While Enjoying a Delicious and Hearty Lunch Duration: 2.5 Hours Boarding Time: 11:30 am Cruising Time: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm Pricing 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023 Weekdays: Adults $66, Seniors $59, Teen 13-16yrs $49, Children 3-12yrs $25 Weekends: Adults $73, Seniors $65, Teen 13-16yrs $55, Children 3-12yrs $29

Relax and unwind on the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler as you meander through the spectacular Nepean Gorge. There’s nothing quite like the stunning ascending rock formations carved out by the Nepean River – one of Australia’s beautiful and largely unknown, natural archaeological splendours at the base of the Heritage Listed, Blue Mountains National Park.

The combination of the unique scenery and the majestic Nepean Belle provides excellent photo opportunities you can treasure for years to come.

Disabled Access

Nearby Things to Do

Narrow Escape Rooms

Penrith Whitewater Stadium

Cranebrook, Penrith

Footgolf Werrington

Werrington County, Penrith

Yandhai Nepean Crossing

Penrith Skatel

Emu Plains, Penrith

Red Hands Cave

Blue Mountains National Park, Wollondilly

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