HAWKESBURY / PITTWATER NO 1. (Sydney’s best secret spot)

Discover the beautiful deep waters of the Hawkesbury River and the elongated graceful waterway of Pittwater, running from Newport to Palm Beach. Broken Bay is dominated by Lion Island with plenty of small inlets and coves to cruise your yacht, cruiser or house boat through. Set amongst four National Parks, Kur-ring-gai Chase, Marramarra, Dharug, Brisbane Water and Bouddi, there are gorgeous beaches, historic villages, mangroves, with abundance of flora and fauna. This area is similiar in scenery to the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland but is only one hour drive from Sydney. It offers beautiful scenery set amongst National Parks and sandstone headlands..

 

Lion Island.

The best method to get to Pittwater and the Northern Beaches is to use the L90 bus from Wynyard, which goes all the way to Palm Beach. Sit on the right hand side going and the left returning as the views are good.

There are numerous ways to see Pittwater/Hawkesbury River, the best being hiring a houseboat and crusing the Cowan River and Berowra Waters.The other alternative is to take a cruise on Palm Beach and Hawkesbury River Cruises and  spend a day enjoying the beautiful waterways, stopping off for lunch at Bobbin Head.Another suggestion is to get off at Cottage Point Inn and have lunch overlooking Coal and Candle Creek, they also have overnight luxury accommodations available but you need to book (612 9456 1011).The cruise leaves Palm Beach Wharf at 11.00am daily and returns at 3.30pm. There is also a twilight cruise which departs at 5.30pm and returns at 7.30pm.  www.palmbeachferry.com.au 

Broken Bay and Lion Island 

 Lion Island and Broken Bay.

Another great way to see the river is to catch the Riverboat Postman, this is a service that delivers mail to isolated houses it takes approx 3 hours and runs Monday to Friday. Catch a train from Central Railway Station in the city at 8.16am to Hawkesbury River Railway Station in time to catch the mailman. (02 9985 7566) for more details.Palm Beach ferries also offers an unique way to see Pittwater which operates from Palm Beach Wharf (02 99182747) you can catch a ferry to Ettalong, The Basin, Patagona, Pearl Beach and Woy Woy. www.sydneyferries.info   www.palmbeachferry.com.au 

 

Pearl Beach

If hiring a boat take the train to Brooklyn it has a railway station called the Hawkesbury River railway station. However, you must check that your train will stop at this station. On arrival at the Hawkesbury River station, just phone Ripples Houseboats, and they will come and pick you up free of charge. Or North Shore Airport Service takes you to door from the airport. Other companies do the same, or drive to Church Point/ Palm Beach 45 mins from Sydney and catch the ferry/ water taxi to location.

Broken Bay and Lion Island.

Another interesting thing you can do is join the " Crab n Oyster" cruise which leaves from Brooklyn, catch your own mud crabs and eat them fresh with your freshly picked oysters. Opeartes on Tues/Thurs/Sunday from 9am - 11.30am  www.crab-n-oystercruises.com.au

Apart from being on a boat, the other excellent way to take in the beauty of the Hawkesbury River, Pittwater and Brisbane Waters is observing the landscape by air. Take a sea plane from Sydney (Rose Bay) and see our wonderful coastline from CBD to Palm Beach. There are numerous tours available through different companies but all offer fabulous service and unique experiences.

www.southerncrosseaplanes.com.au    www.seaplanesafaris.com.au  www.seaplanes.com.au 

www.viator.com/sydney-tours  www.sydneybyseaplane.com

 

Lobster Beach.


  • Waterfront Restaurants: Cottage Point Inn /Waterview Restaurant/Riverside Brooklyn/Peat’s Bite/Dangar Island Café/Berowa Waters/Cottage point kiosk/Forgotton Valley Restaurant/Newport arms Hotel/Akuna Bay/Newport Yacht Club/Newport Boating Club/Mooney Mooney Workers Club/ Pearl Beach Restaurant.

 

Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.

  • Restaurants in Palm Beach

Barrenjoey House : 1108 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach   / Beach House - 1 Beach Road, Palm Beach


  • Places of Interests:The Basin /Refuge Bay/Smiths Creek/ Cowan Creek/ Kangaroo Point/ Cottage Point/ Dangar Island/ Bar Island/Milsons Island/ Berowa Waters/ Brooklyn/Akuna Bay/ Newport/ Palm Beach/ Church Point/ Scotland Island/ Brisbane Waters/ Ettalong Beach / Pearl Beach/ Patonga Beach/ Mackerel Beach.

 

Hallards Beach.

Refuge Bay - natural waterfall

  • Websites for boat hire

                      www.clippercruises.com.au/
                      www.luxuryafloat.org/
                      www.yachtcharter.com.au
                      www.ripples.com

Or Stay at Headlands – Broken Bay. Voted the best small hotel in NSW, and catch ferries to explore other places. www.headlands.com.au  a five star stunning hotel set amongst National Parks overlooking the beautiful waters of Pittwater. (Expensive)

 

Hawkesbury River.

For the budget traveler you can take the ferry from Palm Beach Wharf to The Basin and camp in the National Park perched on the waterfront. You must ring and book a site, showers and toilets are available and a shop to buy essentials(opened only in summer)02 9974 1011. Another budget accommodation is Pittwater YHA (9999 5748) catch the 156 bus from Manly Wharf to Church Point and then a ferry to Halls Wharf. Then take a ferry to Scotland Island and do the walk around the Island.

Refer to   http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g25...  for palm beach details.

 

Little Shark Bay.

Kur-ring-gai National Park.

Hawkesbury River