The Hawkesbury River: Best Adventures, Activities & Eateries
Things to do around Hawkesbury River: Wellness & Pampering
- The Hawkesbury River offers a unique blend of natural wellness and relaxation. While you won’t find traditional massage and beauty shops here, the serene surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for self-care.
- Imagine starting your day with a peaceful sunrise walk along a secluded beach or a calming paddle through tranquil waters.
- Embrace the healing power of nature with yoga sessions on the deck of your water-access accommodation.
- Or simply unwind with a good book or cast a line while listening to the gentle sounds of the river.
- For one of the best sunset views in the area, head to Lemon Tree Passage or the riverbanks near Brooklyn for a stunning panorama.
Things to do around Hawkesbury River: Explore & Discover
Fishing and Water Sports:
- Cast a line in any part of the 470km of the Hawkesbury River! There’s mulloway, bream, snapper, tailor, dusky flathead, Australian salmon, and whiting.
- Try water skiing and wakeboarding. The Hawkesbury River Water Ski Club – various skill levels, book lessons and rent equipment at Wismean’s Ferry Ski School.
- Kayaking companies like Hawkesbury River Kayak Tours and Southern Cross Kayaking offer rentals and guided tours for all skill levels.
- For a boating trip, head to the Cowan Creek section of the river. Explore crystal-clear waters, dense bushland, and secluded spots like Castle Lagoon or Jerusalem Bay.
Exploring Islands and Beaches:
- Dangar Island is a peaceful retreat with walking trails, scenic waterfront spots, and a village atmosphere.
- Secluded beaches such as Berowra Waters and Cowan Creek are perfect for a relaxing picnic. Bask in the fresh air and take in the stunning surroundings.
- For those feeling energetic, take the boat upstream on Marramarra Creek to Marramarra Creek campground. From here, explore the Marramarra Ridge to Smugglers Ridge Walking Track, which offers spectacular views and a refreshing swim at the end.
- There’s plenty of opportunity for birdwatching at Twin Beaches campground, where you might spot black cockatoos, white-bellied sea eagles, and even goannas wandering through the campground.
Cultural and Wildlife Experiences:
- Take a tour at the The Broken Bay Pearl Farm, where you’ll learn about pearl cultivation, from seeding oysters to harvesting pearls. Don’t miss lunch with freshly shucked oysters and a visit to the Shellar Door pearl outlet for a special gift.
- If you love animals and want an authentic experience, visit the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy walking tracks that lead to ancient Aboriginal sites, or book a ranger-led Wild Night Out for a true Australian bush experience.
- Experience the unique history of the region on a Riverboat Postman. This 2.5–3 hour journey from Brooklyn Wharf gives insights into the area’s mail delivery service, along with stunning scenery and the option for morning tea or lunch.
Things to do around Hawkesbury River: Good Eats
- Water Vista Fish Cafe – A local favorite offering fresh seafood in a relaxed, casual setting. It’s a popular spot, so be prepared to wait, but it’s worth it for a satisfying meal by the water
- Life Boat Seafood – 9 Dangar Rd, Brooklyn. Enjoy fresh local seafood in a casual garden courtyard or take it to go. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a meal with friends, this spot offers great seafood in a laid-back atmosphere.
- The Anchor – Spencer. A casual café offering burgers and breakfast & lunch snacks with a relaxed vibe. Grab a bite and enjoy a drink while relaxing on the pier with views of the river.
- Coastal Dining – 5 Kowan St, Mooney Mooney. A relaxed dining experience offering seafood and vegetarian options. This cozy spot with scenic views is perfect for a casual meal with the family or friends.
- Brooklyn’s Corner – Shop 1/1 Bridge St, Brooklyn. A charming local café that serves tarts, roasted carrot and capsicum soup, and wholemeal bread with sour cream. Ideal for a light meal or snack, this cozy spot is great for a casual bite in the heart of Brooklyn.
- Stop by the Dangar Island Depot on the wharf or enjoy a meal at the Dangar Island Club. The waterfront café serves up breakfast and lunch with a focus on sustainably sourced and locally produced ingredients. BYO and the peaceful island setting make it a great choice for a relaxing dining experience. Accessible by boat or ferry from Brooklyn.
- Richie’s Convenience and Bottle Shop – 9 Dangar Rd. A one-stop shop for fresh produce, homemade curries, pies, cheeses, and deli-style dips. If you need bait & tackle, fuel, or a quick snack, this is a great option for grabbing essentials while exploring the area.
- The Boathouse at Patonga – offers coastal dining with an outdoor beer garden. They now don’t accept bookings but welcome walk ins. Be prepared to wait.
Things to do around Hawkesbury River: Foodies Delights
Gourmet Flavours, Oyster Sheds and Farm Tours
- Water Vista Fish Cafe – be prepared to wait as this place is very popular.
- Peat’s Bite – Bookings essential. Enjoy a long lunch with a unique set menu designed to be savoured over several hours. This immersive experience is perfect for food lovers who appreciate a slow, indulgent dining experience by the river.
- A Chef’s Secrets – Bookings essential. Experience a carefully crafted Italian menu with authentic and high-quality ingredients. Ideal for those seeking a chef-driven, gourmet dining experience.
- Sydney Oyster Farm Tours – Immerse yourself in an authentic oyster farming experience. After a scenic boat tour to the oyster leases, harvest your own oysters and enjoy them fresh from the water you’re standing in. This is a must for foodies who love to get hands-on with their food.
- Oyster Shed, Mooney Mooney – Known for its plump fresh oysters and friendly service, with outdoor seating offering scenic views of the water.
- Berowra Waters Inn – Bookings essential. This fine dining spot offers sophisticated, creatively presented dishes with an emphasis on modern Australian cuisine. Wine pairing is available to elevate your experience, making it perfect for a special occasion or food adventure.
- Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed – 2023 Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Local Business Award Winner for Fresh Food Outlet. Famous for its high-quality oysters, this family-run farm prides itself on sustainable harvesting and offers some of the freshest oysters you can taste in the region.
- Cottage Point Inn – Bookings essential. A fine dining experience with modern Australian cuisine, offering creative and artfully presented dishes in a serene riverside setting. Ideal for those seeking a special occasion meal or a top-tier dining experience.
- The Angler’s Rest – You can’t go wrong with the delicious and inexpensive seafood platter for 2-3 people at $45 (2025) with a pot of chilli tomato mussels, two large peices of fish, chips, a mountain of calamari and side salad.
Things to do around Hawkesbury River: Retail Escapes
Arts & Crafts:
- Brooklyn Art Gallery – A great place to discover handmade crafts and local artwork inspired by the river. It’s not only a gallery but also a place to learn about the region’s history and its cultural heritage.
- Dangar Island Studios – Find unique handmade goods and notable local artwork from the island’s artist studios, often located in private residences. The Dangar Island Community website provides updates on local exhibitions, events, and more.
- Contemporary Quilt Makers at the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery – Check out upcoming art exhibits such as the Contemporary Quilt Makers at the gallery, where you can enjoy unique, locally-inspired art.
- Hawkesbury River Markets – Keep an eye out for local markets featuring crafts and artisanal products from regional artists and makers. These markets are a great place to discover one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
- The Cottage Point Kiosk – Along with delicious food, the Cottage Point Kiosk offers a selection of local crafts and souvenirs, perfect for a light shopping experience in a relaxed setting. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, only 40 mins north of the Sydney CBD.
- The Cottage at Brooklyn – The Cottage is a place to view art, learn about the history and the local area and meet local artists, like Emmelle Rose. 10 Dangar Road, Brooklyn, NSW.
Pearls & Souvenirs:
- Pearl of the Hawkesbury – Explore the fascinating world of pearl cultivation and shop for exquisite pearl jewelry. This is a must-visit to the shellar door, Mooney Mooney, for those looking for unique, locally crafted jewellery that captures the essence of the Hawkesbury region. Immerse yourself in the story of the Australian pearl from its ancient Indigenous beginnings through modern farming and grading techniques, all the way to the finished piece of unique pearl jewellery.
Need Roadtrip Inspiration?
Check out our fabulous scenic Roadtrips at Travellarks Getaways.
Looking for handpicked accommodation in these parts?
If you’ve decided the Hawkesbury region sounds like an amazing holiday destination, why not browse our Stays with a WOW options.
