Last verified 02/26
Brooklyn, NSW, is a small riverside village at the entrance to the Hawkesbury River, about one hour north of Sydney. It’s an easy day trip by train and one of the most relaxed waterfront escapes near the Central Coast.
I’ve been to Brooklyn many times, and it always feels quieter than you’d think. As soon as you get off at Hawkesbury River Station and head towards the water, everything slows down.
The train ride is part of the fun, especially when it crosses the Hawkesbury River Bridge and you see the wide river views.
Despite its size, there’s plenty to do. You can swim at McKell Park, take a cruise on the Hawkesbury River, visit Dangar Island, or start a bushwalk along the Great North Walk. The mix of water, bushland and old-town charm makes it feel a world away from the city.
Brooklyn is part of Greater Sydney and sits just south of the Central Coast, between Cowan and Woy Woy, where the Hawkesbury River widens before reaching Broken Bay. Dangar Island lies across the water, and you can catch a ferry there from the wharf beside the station.
If you want river views, relaxed cafés, and a slower pace for a few hours or a whole day, Brooklyn is definitely worth a visit.
Is Brooklyn Worth Visiting?
- Best for: Relaxed day trips, train-access escapes, riverside walks
- Great if you want: Easy river swimming, ferry rides to Dangar Island, bushwalking with a train return
- Not ideal for: Nightlife or large attractions
About Brooklyn
At the southern edge of the Central Coast, Brooklyn sits between river and bushland.
The village is compact, with a few streets surrounding the train station and the waterfront, creating a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
In the late 1800s, Brooklyn was a remote fishing and oyster-farming community. Everything changed in 1887 when the railway arrived. Fresh seafood could then be sent straight to Sydney, and visitors found it much easier to get to the river.
Not long after, the first Hawkesbury River Railway Bridge was built, finishing the rail connection between Sydney and Brisbane. Back then, it was seen as a major engineering achievement and made Brooklyn a well-known stop for travellers heading north.
Today, the Hawkesbury River Bridge still stands out on the skyline. If you walk along the foreshore and look closely, you can spot the old sandstone piers from the original bridge rising out of the water nearby. They might be easy to overlook at first, but once you see them, they serve as a reminder of how much the railway shaped Brooklyn into the day-trip spot it is today.
Best Things to Do in Brooklyn
Take a Scenic Walk Around Brooklyn Village
One of the simplest and most enjoyable things to do in Brooklyn is to explore the village on foot. Start near Hawkesbury River Station and wander through the small streets lined with cottage-style homes, timber awnings and old brick houses that reflect Brooklyn’s late 1800s origins.
From there, walk downhill towards the waterfront. You’ll start to see fishing boats tied up along the river and people sitting on benches facing the water.
Along the way, you’ll pass the distinctive cabbage tree palms that were planted for the Prince of Wales during his visit in 1920.
You can also hear the sound of trains crossing the bridge.
It’s an easy, flat walk that suits all ages and requires little planning. Allow 30 to 45 minutes to stroll slowly, take photos and enjoy the scenery before settling by the water or continuing to McKell Park.
Relax at McKell Park
McKell Park is the heart of Brooklyn and one of the best spots to spend a few hours by the water. Located at the end of Dangar Road, this peaceful foreshore park overlooks the Hawkesbury River and is popular with families, swimmers and day-trippers.
There are picnic tables, BBQ facilities, and open grassy areas, making it easy to bring lunch or grab takeaway fish and chips from the village. The protected swimming enclosure is ideal for a safe dip on a warm day, and there’s also a playground nearby for younger children.
If you have time, walk around the small headland for wider views of the river. A short set of stairs leads to the remains of an anti-aircraft gun installed during World War II to protect the Hawkesbury River Bridge and surrounding waterways. It’s a small historical detail that adds character to the walk.
If you arrive early, it’s much quieter and the river is often glassy.
With water, bushland and the occasional train passing over the bridge, it’s easy to settle in and spend longer than you planned.
Cruise the Hawkesbury River on the Riverboat Postman
One of the most unique things to do in Brooklyn is to cruise the Hawkesbury River on the Riverboat Postman. This working mail boat has delivered post to river-access-only homes and islands for over 100 years, and passengers can join the journey.
The cruise runs Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), departing at 10 am and returning around 1.15 pm. Along the way, you’ll pass secluded waterfront homes, bushland and small islands as the crew shares stories about the river’s history and its people.
Some of the homes are only accessible by water, which makes the delivery stops feel unique.
Morning tea and lunch are included, and drinks are available for purchase.
If you visit on a weekend, the Sunday on the Hawkesbury cruise follows a similar route, departing at 11 am and returning around 2 pm. It focuses more on the history of the seven islands and the broader Hawkesbury region.
This cruise is ideal if you want to see parts of the river you can’t access by car and get a deeper understanding of Brooklyn’s connection to the Hawkesbury.
If you’re looking for more options, see my guide to Hawkesbury River cruises.
Visit Dangar Island
Dangar Island is only a 15 to 30 minute ferry ride from Brooklyn, leaving from the wharf next to Hawkesbury River Station. This small, car-free island is even quieter than Brooklyn and is known for its relaxed vibe, waterfront scenery, and easy walking tracks.
Most people spend a few hours walking the loop track around the island, taking in the river views and stopping at the café near the wharf. Since there are no cars—just wheelbarrows—the island feels peaceful and like a small village.
Plan for at least 2.5 to 3 hours to explore, or longer if you want to have lunch or go for a swim.
If you’re already in Brooklyn, visiting Dangar Island is a great way to round out your day. It’s an easy addition and gives you a new view of the Hawkesbury River.
The ferry ride is short but scenic, especially if you sit on the outer deck.
For more information, check out my detailed guide to visiting Dangar Island.
Hire a Houseboat on the Hawkesbury River
Renting a houseboat is a great way to experience Brooklyn and the Hawkesbury River. Rather than just stopping by for a few hours, you can stay overnight or for a weekend, cruising past quiet bays, bushland, and homes only reachable by water.
At night, the river becomes still and quiet apart from the occasional boat passing.
There are several companies near Brooklyn and the lower Hawkesbury that rent out everything from simple fishing boats to houseboats with kitchens, sleeping cabins, and outdoor decks. Some popular choices are Holidays Afloat, Luxury Afloat, and Hawkesbury Afloat.
Houseboating is great for families, small groups, or couples who want a slower and more immersive trip. You usually don’t need a boating licence, but it’s important to book ahead, especially during school holidays and long weekends. If you want a unique short break near Sydney or the Central Coast, this is a top choice.
Go Kayaking on the Hawkesbury River
Kayaking lets you get close to the Hawkesbury River. Starting from Brooklyn, you can paddle through calm bays, explore near Dangar Island, and see the bushland and waterfront homes from a new angle.
You can rent single or double kayaks from Hawkesbury River Kayaks at Parsley Bay. The water near the shore is usually calm, so beginners can enjoy it, but tides and boat traffic can change things. Always check the weather before you go.
Plan to spend 1 to 2 hours for a relaxed paddle.
Early morning is the best time to paddle, as the water is usually calm before motorboats start moving.
If you like being on the water and want more activity than a cruise, try kayaking.
Bushwalk from Cowan to Brooklyn
If you like bushwalking, the stretch of the Great North Walk from Cowan to Brooklyn is a local favourite. The trail passes through Brisbane Water National Park, then descends to the Hawkesbury River and ends in Brooklyn.
The walk is about 12 kilometres and usually takes 4 to 5 hours, depending on how fast you go. There are some steep, uneven sections, so it’s best for people with a moderate level of fitness.
The final descent opens up to wide river views before you reach Brooklyn.
A lot of people take the train to Cowan and finish the walk in Brooklyn, which makes it easy to do as a one-way hike. You can find detailed track notes and elevation information for the Jerusalem Bay Track section between Cowan and Brooklyn on Wildwalks.
Where to Eat & Drink in Brooklyn
Brooklyn isn’t a big dining destination, but that’s part of the charm. Most places sit right on the water or within a short stroll of the wharf, so eating here usually comes with river views and a relaxed pace.
Most people take their food down to the foreshore rather than eating inside.
You’ll find a mix of casual cafés, classic takeaway, and a couple of waterfront options that are perfect for a long lunch. Fresh seafood is a highlight, as you’d expect in a riverside village, and simple café breakfasts work well if you’re catching an early train or ferry.
Where to Stay in Brooklyn
Brooklyn is often seen as a laid-back spot for day trips, but you can also find a few places to stay if you want to spend the night and enjoy the Hawkesbury River at a more relaxed pace.
Brooklyn Motel is the most central place to stay. You can easily walk to the waterfront, cafés, McKell Park, the Riverboat Postman, the Dangar Island ferry, and Hawkesbury River Station. It’s a convenient choice if you prefer not to drive everywhere.
Getting There
You can easily reach Brooklyn by train or car, making it a great day-trip destination from Sydney or the Central Coast.
By Train
If you take the train, Hawkesbury River Station is on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line.
The trip takes about an hour from Central Station in Sydney or 15 minutes from Woy Woy. The station is in the middle of the village, just a short walk from the waterfront, cafés, and the ferry wharf.
The train crosses the Hawkesbury River just before arriving, which gives you one of the best views of the area.
By Car
If you’re driving, Brooklyn is just off the M1 Pacific Motorway. As soon as you leave the freeway, you’ll notice the shift from busy traffic to a peaceful riverside village. You can park near the waterfront and the station, but parking fills up on weekends, public holidays, and during peak summer, so it’s best to arrive early.
Best time to visit Brooklyn
You can visit Brooklyn any time of year, but each season offers something different. In summer, it’s great for swimming at McKell Park, kayaking on the Hawkesbury River, or catching the ferry to Dangar Island. Weekends can get crowded around lunchtime, especially near the swimming area and fish and chip shops, so it helps to arrive early.
Autumn and spring are usually the most comfortable times to visit. The weather is mild, the bush tracks are nice for walking, and the village is quieter than in the busy summer months.
Winter is a good choice for bushwalkers and anyone who likes fewer crowds. The Cowan to Brooklyn part of the Great North Walk is cooler and better for long hikes, and the river views are still beautiful on clear days.
Find out more great day trips from the Central Coast.