Lion Island rising 93 meters above sea level is just off Palm Beach and lies guard to the entrance of Broken Bay at the mouth of the mighty Hawkesbury River.

From crystal clear ocean swells to its tranquil upper reaches the Hawkesbury River offers a cruising ground of outstanding scenic and historic interest. Sandy beaches fringe the surrounding Hawkesbury Sandstone National Parks beckoning bushwalks and picnics ashore. Waterfront restaurants, houses on the water's edge, fishing, touring and holidaying, these are what the river is well known for.

The Dream Time lives in the sandstone gorges and waters of 'Deerubbun'.

(The aboriginal name for the Hawkesbury River is 'Deerubbun'.)

The Ku Ring Gui and Dharug aboriginal tribes who inhabited the river region for many thousands of years treasured the local seafood especially our world famous rock oysters. The rockart, engraving sites and the tribal names preserved in the identity of the many National Parks surrounding the Hawkesbury River link the Dream Time with the present.

Surrounded by National Parks of 200 million year old rugged Hawkesbury Sandstone, dotted with secluded river communities, the Hawkesbury River is navigable for over 100 kilometres with 1100 kilometres of foreshore fringe. You could cruise and explore these waters for weeks and still not see it all. Spend a peaceful overnight anchorage in a hired boat or a waterfront house and wake up to the call of Kookaburras, Whip Birds, Sea Eagles and the lapping of the tides. Wild flowers bloom in the surrounding National Parks that range from rainforests and mangroves to drier open woodlands creating habitats for diverse bird and animal populations.

Though the Hawkesbury River is known for its tranquillity, twice a year the world renown water ski and jet boat races known simply as the 'Bridge to Bridge' shatter the piece in spectacular fashion. These events held in November and May each year attract contestants from all over the world to compete in these grouling races that start from the Hawkesbury River Bridge Brooklyn and finish at the Hawkesbury River Bridge Windsor some 110 kilometres upriver. Adding to the excitement on the water, spectators are treated to the skills of helicopter pilots vying for the best vantage position to film the race for the world media. Other events include the Canoe Classic and numerous fairs and festivals held in the numerous townships along the river including Brooklyn, Berowra, Cottage Point, Spencer, Wisemans Ferry, St Albans, Windsor and Richmond

Set in the Ku Ring Gai National Park, Brooklyn Village is just 45min. drive through Sydney's leafy northern suburbs and is the gateway to the lower Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay. Brooklyn is an ideal departure point to explore these waterways, where you can take a tour or hire a boat and explore islands, discover Wondabyne's Sandstone Sculptural Park, swim in secluded sandy beaches or fish for your favourite seafoods.

Renown as one of Australia's most scenic railway journeys, the trip on Sydney's northern railway line to the Hawkesbury River Railway Station, Brooklyn takes 55min. with frequent daily services.

HAWKESBURY WATERWAYS TOURISM directory

Hawkesbury River Tourist Information Centre

5 Bridge Street Brooklyn 2083 

Ph:  02 99857064   Fax:  02 99857330

Email:    hawkesburyriver.com.au 

Open 7 Days.

Ripples Houseboats.  87 Brooklyn Road Brooklyn ph:02 9985 5555  fax: 02 9985 7700

Luxury A Float.  Pacific Highway Brooklyn ph: 02 9985 7691

Clipper Cruiser Holidays. (d'Albora Marina Akuna Bay) P.O. Box 180 Terry Hills NSW 2084 ph: 02 9450 0000

Stuart Pearce Marine Engineering

Skippered Boat Charter companies.

Hawkesbury Expeditions.  33 Point Road Mooney Mooney ph/fax: 02 9985 9349 

MV Emily

MV Bayrunner

Accommodation.

Boat House on Hawkesbury    ph: 02 9985 8505 fax: 02 9985 8305

Wisemans Country Retreat Old Northern Road Wisemans Ferry ph:02 4566 4330 Fax: 02 4566 4358

Brooklyn On Hawkesbury

Hawkesbury Accommodation Centre