Last verified 05/26
Taking a Hawkesbury River cruise is a great way to explore this part of the NSW coast, whether you’re coming from Sydney or the Central Coast.
Just an hour from Sydney, the river feels like a world away from the city. As you cruise, you’ll pass quiet waterways, steep bush-covered cliffs, and riverside homes that you can only reach by boat. If you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins along the way.
Some cruises depart from Brooklyn on the Sydney side, while others depart from closer to the Central Coast.
You’ll find more variety here than you might expect, from relaxed lunch cruises and ferry-style trips to unique experiences like visiting a pearl farm.
So, how do you pick the right cruise?
Keep reading to help you decide.
Which cruise should I choose
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 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.
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.
Drive or catch the train on the Central Coast & Newcastle line and disembark at Hawkesbury River Station. (Note: you must climb 100 steps at Hawkesbury River Station.) Allow enough time to find parking if driving.
Prices: Adults $72; seniors $62; school aged children $25.
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 the Hawkesbury islands, including Lion, Dangar, Spectacle and Long Islands, as well as the hidden Cowan Creek.
This cruise serves Ploughman’s-style lunch, and you can buy a glass of wine or beer from the bar.
Departure: 11 am most Sundays; returns at about 2 pm.
Getting there: Same departure point as the Riverboat Postman.
Prices: Adult $72; senior $62; school aged children $25.
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.
Departure: The ferry runs on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Getting there: To get to Palm Beach, drive or catch public transport from Sydney. Allow plenty of time to find parking if driving.
Off-street parking is available and free in Patonga.
Prices: Adult 0ne way: $15; Adult return: $25; Concession one way: $12.50; Concession return: $20; Free for children under 5; half price for children over 5
Ferry tickets are available for purchase on board only.
Dogs are allowed onboard.
4. Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler
Enjoy a relaxing cruise down the Nepean River with plenty of delicious food aboard the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler.
Morning in the Gorge is a 1.5-hour cruise starting at 10 am. You’ll enjoy fresh scones with tea or coffee and beautiful views of the sandstone peaks of the Nepean Gorge. From $48pp.
Scenic Adventure Cruise is a 2.5-hour cruise starting at 12 pm. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Nepean Gorge and a delicious lunch. From $75pp.
Twilight River Feast is a 2.5-hour cruise starting at 6pm. Meander past the gorges and savour a tasty meal while taking in the scenic views. Twilight runs mid-Sept to mid-May. Adults $86 and children $43 (3-12 yrs).
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. Parking is available near the jetty.
Check the current cruise schedule or call 02 4733 1274.
Broken Bay Pearl Farm Cruises (Most Unique)
Broken Bay Pearl Farm offers one of the most unique experiences on the Hawkesbury River.
You’ll head out onto the river to visit oyster and pearl leases, learning how Akoya pearls are grown in this pristine environment.
The Oyster & Pearl Lovers Tour is the full experience (around 3 hours), combining the river cruise, pearl farm visit, grading room and oyster tasting.
The Farm to Plate Tour is a shorter, 1.5-hour option that focuses on the oyster farming side of the experience, with a cruise and tasting.
There’s also the Shellar Door experience, which is a shorter visit without the full cruise, where you can learn about pearls and browse locally grown jewellery and products.
Departure: Tours run Tuesday to Sunday. Duration ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the tour.
Getting there: Broken Bay Pearl Farm is located at Mooney Mooney on the Hawkesbury River. Free transfers are available from Hawkesbury River Train Station. Allow enough time for parking if driving.
Prices: From $93 to $139 per adult depending on the tour.
Find out more tours and experiences on the Central Coast.