Fun for all the family

If you missed out on booking some school holiday accommodation at Berowra Waters don’t despair, there is plenty to do if you want a day out with the family.

However just a tip, with limited accommodation at Berowra Waters it’s best to get in early and book your September school holidays or Christmas holiday accommodation sooner rather than later so as not to be disappointed!

Also note that Berowra Waters does not flood like at lot of the Hawkesbury River areas.

Five top family friendly things to do at Berowra Waters for a day:

1. BBQ Boat – hire a BBQ Boat from Berowra Waters Holidays and take the family and/or friends out for a day on the water. A great way to check out the river community, take in the natural beauty of the surroundings, have a fish, go for a swim and cook up a feast on the BBQ. These boats come complete with BBQ, swim ladder, toilet and do not require a boat licence to drive.

2. Kayaking/Boat Hire – offering single kayaks and double kayaks, hire these beauties and explore the waterways towards Crosslands. You can even take a picnic and stop off along the river and relax surrounded by National park bushland. Alternatively hire a motorized tinny, no boat licence required and explore the Hawkesbury River and lovely river beaches.

3. Fish and Chips – Who doesn’t like a good serve of Fish & Chips? Bring the family down for a bite to eat at What The Fish! Located right next to the water, this restaurant offers a range
of food to please everyone. Fully licensed plus BYO, this is casual, family dining at its best.

4. Great North Walk – take a hike along the Great North Walk either up the hill towards Cowan for a great view looking down on Berowra Waters (ideal photo opportunity) or head towards
Crosslands and follow the flow of the river through stunning bush. Grab an ice-cream, drink or snack from Berowra Waters Boat Hire as a treat!

5. BYO Picnic – bring a picnic down to the Berowra Waters Marina park. Plenty of space for the kids to run around and free gas BBQ’s to cook up a storm. Fish off the seawall and if you don’t have fishing gear, hire a kit from Berowra Waters Boat Hire. Maybe take out one of the boats from Berowra Waters Boat Hire and explore the river, starting from $80 for two hours in a tinny or $120 for two hours in a blue polycraft. Fun for all the family and no boat licence
required.

Berowra Waters, located right on your back doorstep, is a great place for a weekend or a family holiday. Berowra Waters Holidays offer a range of accommodation options for all budgets. Studio
apartments for couples through to a five-bedroom apartment accommodating up to 10 people. All properties have stunning water views and most are water access only and come with a motorised
tinny (no licence required), kayaks, SUP’s & fishing rods. There are a range of activities available for everyone, whether you are looking at keeping the kids busy, seeking fine dining with your partner or just relaxing with a book. Swimming from the private pontoon or secluded river beaches, kayaking through some beautiful waterways, fishing, crabbing or hiking along the Great North walk are just some of the activities right on your doorstep and easily accessible from your holiday accommodation.

Make sure you book early as there is limited accommodation options at Berowra Waters.

Visit www.berowrawatersholidays.com.au to view options, email info@berowrawatersholidays.com.au or call 0405 565 256 for further information.

“River-time”, the ultimate reset right here on the fringe of the city; where time slows, the phone reception fades and birdsong fills the air while you cruise the river at your leisure, being kindly reminded of the beauty (and necessity) of taking a weekend to reset, refuel and revive your senses by the great Hawksbury River.

Less than an hour from the hustle and bustle of Sydney CBD is the tranquil riverside village of Berowra Waters, an absolute gem tucked in within Berowra Creek and surrounded by Muogamarra Nature Reserve. The moment we drove onto the cable ferry to be transported over the river we felt we were in another world entirely, and the weekend just continued to get better.

We parked the car and made our way to the Marina, where we were met with a large smile and directions to the jetty where our boat transfer would take us to our waterfront property for the weekend. We swayed a little on the jetty as our land legs got used to the gentle movement underfoot, we immediately found ourselves admiring the beautiful boats moored in the private marina and enjoyed the serenity of being tucked at the bottom of the lush overhead hills with calm water in every direction catching the changing colours of the sunset.

Sue and her pooch Bella, soon arrived in her boat to collect us and took us down the river to our accommodation – The Lower Deck. We were greeted on the Deck’s private jetty by owner Rob who courteously led us up to our private one bedroom waterfront villa, just in time for us to catch the final rays of sunshine sinking behind the surrounding mountains while we enjoyed the complimentary bottle of wine by the fireplace.

The Lower Deck is a luxuriously furnished waterfront retreat, designed for privacy with the most majestic gum tree that wraps the front of the property and striking limestone cliffs behind. The apartment sleeps two and is self-contained, our host ensured we had everything we needed for breakfast, with the fridge stocked with fresh milk, eggs, sourdough, bacon, fruit and yogurt – as well as a block of chocolate and a bottle of red wine! It would have been easy to not leave the comfort of this beautiful property for the entire weekend, enjoying unlimited rounds of scrabble or cards, or choosing from the huge selection of movies to watch by the fire place, but the river was calling!

We’ve never driven a boat before, but Rob gave us the run down on how to use to property’s runabout and after a very cautious start, we were enjoying the river at our own leisure, heading into the marina to pick up some take away coffees and cruising along the majestic waterways admiring the vast beauty of Berowra Waters in every direction. We had so many questions about the place after our outing, and were lucky enough to be met by Chantel who took us on a private river cruise later that morning.

A truly personal river tour, Chantel took us down the river to enjoy even more of the breathtaking scenery, we learned about the rich history of the Dharug tribe and were lucky enough to visit rock carvings and middens as well as getting the chance to learn about the unique characters who now call the river home.

Back at the Deck, we had the option of fishing, using the kayaks, taking the picnic basket to enjoy on the water or relaxing on the sun lounges and indulging in one of the many books to choose from. We took the runabout for another adventure, stopping to pick up fresh fish and chips from Berowra Waters Fish Café and enjoyed watching the vintage cars come across on the ferry for their weekend drives up the mountain on the far side of the river through more breathtaking scenery.

Completely relaxed, the afternoon meandered by and we had almost forgotten about out dinner reservations at the exclusive Berowra Waters Inn (how could we almost forget that?!)
From the moment we arrived (boat or seaplane arrival access only) we were wined and dined with the most scrumptious food, beautiful views and delectable choice of beverages. This was not a dinner to be rushed, reminding us again to slow down and enjoy the serenity that is River Time.

We enjoyed the beautifully curated degustation menu that included kangaroo pastrami on rye, fresh oysters with pepper berry vinaigrette and my personal favourite crab custard and miso. The matching wine menu was exceptional but more surprising was the sober beverage matches all made in-house (think naturally fermented cucumber and lemon balm or cherry, wattleseed and davidson plum to perfectly pair with their chosen courses) Unfortunately the restaurant manager was stuck in Melbourne which turned out to be very fortunate for us as the Inn’s owner and exec chef Brian Geraghty was on the floor instead, amusing us by answering our multitude of food and menu questions about his refreshingly unique menu. It was a food experience to be remembered.

As the morning mist lifted off the water to reveal another stunning winters day on the river, it was difficult to pack up our belongings and farewell this tranquil retreat. Two nights and two days of River Time was all it took to feel completely refreshed and revitalised, and less than two hours from our home north of Newcastle it’s nice to know we can come back as often as we need to without having to leave the country, or even the state – now that’s a spot worth sharing.

Until next time, we’ll try and remember the bliss of going just a little bit slower…

Words: Rheannon Murray – Winner of COAST magazine competition 2021
Accommodation: The Lower Deck, Berowra Waters / Berowra Waters Holidays
Activities: Hawkesbury River Cruises, Chantel Herlihy
Lunch: Berowra Waters What the Fish
Dinner: Berowra Waters Inn

Fishing, water skiing or just a river cruise…
Hawkesbury River

Whether you are looking for a day out on a boat for fishing, water skiing or just enjoying a river cruise, consider hiring one of the  BOAB Boats Hawkesbury River. Boat Boats, your Mate with a Boat!

No ongoing expenses of owning your own boat,  just book a hire boat, pick your day and the boat is ready.

Once you confirm your date the boat is waiting for you all ready to go. You will be met at the boat ramp at Berowra Waters, Dusthole Bay Boat Ramp to be precise.




Or perhaps you want to explore a different part of the Hawkesbury? You have the option of picking up the Boab boat and towing it to another location or we can arrange to have the boat transported there for you. With Berowra Waters as our launching base, you have easy access to secluded beaches, great historical points of interest, an abundance of fishing spots/holes, excellent water-skiing locations and a wide range of restaurants and cafés to suit all budgets.

Fish, Sea Eagles, Mud Crabs and Sea planes will all be seen through this majestic waterway system only an hour from the Sydney CBD.

There are two types of Boab boats available:

The Runabout: – Length: 4.5m, Width: 1.9m, Engine: 40 HP Honda, Inshore use only, 4 adults max, GPS, fish finder & depth sounder.


The Sportsrider: – Length: 5.7m, Width: 2.17m,90 or 135 HP Honda, Offshore Limit: 5nm, 6 adults max, GPS, fish finder & depth sounder.

 
So whether it is fishing you are into, water skiing or just a family day out on the Hawkesbury River, make an online enquiry via  Berowra Waters Holidays, or Roger on 0479 084 649 for further information, or  click here  to check out rates and make an online booking.

Get your hiking shoes on…The Great North Walk calls…

And what better time than now given the glorious winter weather we have been having.

However anytime of the year The Great North Walk, Berowra Waters section is amazing, offering stunning views from around the Berowra Waters area, beautiful flora and the occasional fauna when you stumble across it. Plus don’t forget the Aboriginal carvings and middens scattered throughout the Berowra Valley National Park. Today was a picture perfect day to hike up The Great North Walk from Berowra Waters heading towards Cowan. Given we have had a pretty dry winter, the undergrowth is not as green and lush as it usually is, but the ground and rocks are not slippery with moisture and moss making it an easy uphill hike.

Starting at the Public Pontoon on the East side (Berowra side) of the river we headed down river along the path which runs past the residents car park. Once passed that you come across a path and guess what? Right there at the beginning of the path is one of the many Aboriginal rock carvings.

Further along the path you can take in stunning river views looking towards the ‘water access only’ residences and the hatted Berowra Waters Inn – a unique degustation dining experience combined with boat transfers to and from the restaurant, as it too is water access only. Don’t forget that you can book your own ‘water access only’ accommodation for a Berowra Waters holiday, weekend away, Sydney escape or a Dine & Stay experience.

Following this path will eventually take you to a set of iron stairs leading upwards. The Great North Walk now turns into an uphill challenge, take it slowly, stop and take in the views, check out the flora and if you are lucky, the fauna. From beautiful wild flowers, stunning rock formations and the quietness of the bush, your hike up this path will be further rewarded once you get to the top.

After a leisurely 20 min hike we arrive at the top of the hill to be amazed at the stunning river views from above.  You can see the Berowra Creek meandering around the hills, the houses with their private pontoons extending into the river, the Berowra Waters Marina and all the boats floating leisurely in the water. Absolutely worth the hike up hill to get a glimpse of this view! Now to head down!


For further information and Great North Walk walking maps:
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/great-north-walk-berowra-valley-national-park http://thegreatnorthwalk.com/Cowan_Crosslands_guide

Things to See & Do during Winter at Berowra Waters, Hawkesbury River

Thinking of a Sydney winter getaway but the colder weather is putting you off? Well not anymore. Berowra Waters is Sydney’s best kept secret, only 45 mins from Sydney CBD and offers a slice of paradise to all who venture here, summer or winter.

Berowra Waters, located on Berowra Creek which runs off the Hawkesbury River, offers a peaceful and serene location perfect for a relaxing Sydney winter getaway or if you are more active, then there is lots to see and do here.

Our beautiful waterway offers a range of Berowra Waters accommodation to suit all budgets. Most come with kayaks and a tinny to explore the river and some offer stand up paddleboards and fishing rods. A few places even have combustion fire places or gas fire places for that winter romantic weekend.

Here are the top 10 things to see and do when visiting Berowra Waters for a Sydney winter getaway:

For the less active:

1. Long lunch or dinner at Berowra Waters Inn – a degustation menu with matching wine and excellent river views.

2. Hire the Berowra Waters Holidays BBQ Boat for a luxury cruise down the river – perfect for a couple or a family as it can cater for up to eight people.

3. Enjoy a seafood buffet at the Waterview Restaurant – nice and casual offering excellent fresh seafood and great desserts.

4. Take your tinny (if staying at one of the water access only accommodation options) and explore the numerous bays, coves and river beaches.

5. Enjoy a river taxi ride to Brooklyn and enjoy a lunch at Estuary Restaurant offering a la carte menu and excellent river views

For the more active:

6. Take a hike along the Great North Walk – Towards Cowan for spectacular river views or towards Crosslands for excellent picnic spots

7. Enjoy a guided kayak tour exploring the mangroves,hidden beaches. waterfalls , aboriginal midens and rock art.

8. Organise a guided fishing trip to find the catch of the day

9. Book a walking tour and learn about the history of the Hawkesbury River and it’s people

10. What about a personal yoga class at your water access only accommodation – a beautiful and serene setting, perfect for getting in tune with your body.

Winter time on the river doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. The sun is shining during the day and with the right attire and attitude a Sydney winter getaway at Berowra Waters is a perfect choice.

Dine & Stay Package at Berowra Waters

Berowra Waters is a beautiful and well kept secret location only an hour from Sydney. It is surrounded by natural bushland and offers a relaxing and peaceful place to unwind. One of the most unique restaruants is located at Berowra Waters. This restaurant is only accessable by boat and offers stunning river vews.

The Berowra Waters Inn is definitely a “must experience” restaurant. Brian Geraghty, Head Chef, does not offer his guests a meal, he offers them a Berowra Waters Experience! The degustation menu with matching wines is an excuse to expereince excellent food, fantatic wines and the uniqueness of Berowra Waters river and bushland.

The downfall, if you see it as a downfall, is the winding road that leads into Berowra Waters. Not an ideal road to be driving home on after an afternoon or evening of dining and drinking at the Berowra Waters Inn. But fear not, the best way to experience the whole package is by staying the night, or weekend if you have the time, in one of the few water access only properties located right on the river. Let us organise everything when you book a Dine & Stay package.

What better way to finish up lunch or dinner with your partner or friends, with a short boat ride to your riverfront property. Once there you can relax and enjoy the river views. Most properties offer a tinny to explore the river as well as kayaks and some even have a stand up paddle board that you can try. There are generally fishing rods and crab nets available as well.

SO stop procrastinating and take your partner, family or friends to experience all that Berowra Waters has to offer.  Experience fine dining at the Berowra Waters Inn and stay the night or weekend to make the most of the water activities, walking, hiking and tours. Check out our Berowra Waters Experience package or Dine & Stay package.

Boat Hire Sydney For a Day on the Hawkesbury River Berowra Waters NSW

So there you are thinking here comes another weekend, what are we going to do? Well here is one way that will definitely impress your partner, family or friends. Why not think about a boat hire Sydney experience by hiring a luxury BBQ Boat for the day? Our boat hire Sydney based at Berowra Waters allows you to explore the Hawkesbury river from Berowra Waters through to Peat’s Bite just shy of Mooney Mooney and Brooklyn.

The Luxury BBQ Boat requires no one to have a boat licence, allowing everyone to have a turn at driving this easy to use picnic boat. The flat floor and spacious area is ideal for young and old. Complete with an internal marine toilet, stainless steel BBQ, stereo, padded seats, anchor and swim platfom with ladder, the BBQ boat is built for an ideal day out on the Hawkesbury River with family and friends.

The luxury BBQ Boat can accommodate up to eight adults and makes for a great day out on the river. Swimming and fishing can be enjoyed from the well appointed boat and the swim ladder and swim platform make it idea for getting in and out of the water. If you wish to add a kayak, stand up paddle board or fishing rods, these can be hired with the BBQ Boat on the day.

So contact Berowra Waters Holidays today for further information or to book your perfect day on the river. Phone Sue on 0405 565 256 or send an email

 The weather is getting better….here is your ideal Sydney Weekend Getaway

Berowra Waters, less than an hour from Sydney is your ideal weekend getaway. With the weather getting better and the sun shining on the water, come along and book your weekend getaway in one of our unique, water access only properties. Your accommodation rate includes boat pick up/drop off as well as access to kayaks, stand up paddle boards, a tinny and fishing rods.

Berowra Waters is surrounded by natural bushland and once you arrive you can feel the stress leave your body. With amazing water views and beautiful bush walks, this area is the ideal place to relax and revitalise your body.

A perfect location to celebrate something special with a dining experience at Berowra Waters Inn or just a romantic weekend away relaxing in your luxury accommmodation. Equally perfect for the fitness freak who loves to get up and excerise. There are kayaks and stand up paddle baords available to explore the river and it is perfect to swim in. The Great North Walk runs through Berowra Waters with some challenging walks to the top of mountains to waterholes and waterfalls. Enjoy fishing? Fish right from your private pontoon.

Prefer to relax then why not a leisurely boat ride to Mooney Mooney Club for lunch, or to Peats bite for a unique water access only dining experience taking in the stunning water views right at your feet.

With so many things to see and do, head to Berowra Waters for your next Sydney weekend getaway.

Come & Enjoy Berowra Waters….