5 day Kayak Adventure down Hawkesbury River

5 day Kayak Adventure down Hawkesbury River

Get properly wild on this 5-day kayaking expedition down one of the world’s great Rivers. 60 km from Berowra Valley, past Marramarra Creek, onto the mighty Hawkesbury River, by Cowan Creek, into Pittwater, through Broken Bay, and out to the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean.

Choose your adventure - stay in waterfront cabins and dine on decadent degustations, or camp by the river and eat in the wild. All food and equipment and instruction provided. No experience necessary – all you need is an intrepid spirit and a sense of adventure!

5 days is a fairly relaxed pace, with plenty of time to explore - it can easily be done in less if you prefer.

See shipwrecks, waterfalls, historic islands, indigenous sites, beautiful beaches and hike to breathtaking lookouts. Amazing waterfront restaurants (and pubs!) to enjoy on the way if you like. This is Guringgai Country, where people have lived for thousands of generations.

Unplug from the world and reconnect with Nature.

Itinerary

Day 1: Berowra Valley

Stop At: Berowra Valley National Park, Crosslands Road, Hornsby, New South Wales 2077 Australia
Tour starts at Berowra Waters Boat Ramp. Alternatively, start at Crosslands reserve for an extra paddle, or more alternatively, start at Galston Gorge for an extra 6 km hike to Crosslands. Get safe and comfortable with the stable and stylish double sit on top kayaks.


Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Berowra Waters Inn, Public Wharves, Bay Rd, Berowra Waters NSW 2082, Australia
Pass by the iconic sandstone restaurant, or stop in for a meal if you're flush
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Crosslands Reserve, Somerville Rd, Hornsby Heights NSW 2077, Australia
If doing the extended route, this is a perfect opportunity for a picnic before taking off on our epic adventure
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Naa Badu Lookout, Benowie Walking Track, Berowra Heights NSW 2082, Australia
Pass beneath the high cliffs
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Berowra Creek Campground, Hornsby Heights NSW 2077, Australia
If doing the extra hike from Galston gorge at the start of the trip, guests will pass through the campground, with an opportunity to take a rest
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: A Chef Secrets, Lot 466 (Berowra side next to Boatshed Kiosk, Berowra Waters Ferry, Berowra Waters NSW 2082, Australia
Great opportunity for a hearty Italian, lunch right on the water, if guests choose
Duration: 45 minutes

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Stay at Milsons Passage, or Milson Island Sport and Recreation Centre, or Camp at Twin Beaches, all equipment provided

Day 2: Islands, Points, Passages

Stop At: Bar Island Historic Site, Berowra Creek Hawkesbury River, Berowra Waters, Hornsby, New South Wales Australia
See the ancient midden, the ruins of an old church, and a forgotten cemetery. Learn the significance of this site for the traditional owners, as well as the early settlers
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: HMAS Parramatta, Hawkesbury River, n/a, Bar Point NSW 2083, Australia
See the shipwreck and hear the history of this amazing boat
Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Milson Island Sport and Recreation Centre, PMB 11, Milsons Passage NSW 2083, Australia
Paddle around the island and hear the history of how this remarkable island went from drunk tank, to insane asylum, to recreation centre

Stop At: Hawkesbury River NSW Brooklyn NSW, New South Wales 2083 Australia
Join the mighty Hawkesbury which will take us towards the Ocean
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Muogamarra Nature Reserve, Old Pacific Highway, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
Opportunity for a hike to an incredible lookout from Milsons Passage
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Stay on Dangar Island, or Broken Bay Sport and Rec Centre, or camp at Rhino Beach / Juno Point, all equipment provided

Day 3: Big River

Stop At: Dangar Island, Hawkesbury River, Brooklyn, Hornsby, New South Wales Australia
Opportunity to stretch legs and enjoy a coffee and snack at the famous local cafe, or a drink and a meal at the Bowls club
Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Spectacle Island, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
Wildlife Sanctuary, great opportunity to see special birds

Stop At: Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre, Brooklyn NSW 2083, Australia
Enjoy the waters on the beautiful beach as we make camp for the night (unless staying in boat house)
Duration: 10 hours

Stop At: Long Island Nature Reserve, Brooklyn NSW 2083, Australia
Admire this beautiful island as we paddle the length (note - we paddle beside it, being a Nature Reserve, we are not allowed to actually walk on it)
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed, 6 Kowan St, Mooney Mooney NSW 2083, Australia
Stop in for some fresh oysters & seafood right from the River
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Hawkesbury River, Point Rd, Mooney Mooney, New South Wales 2083 Australia
The entire day takes place on the Hawkesbury River
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Stay at YHA Pittwater, or camp at The Basin, with Showers, toilets, shelters, BBQs, Boat House options also available

Day 4: Kayak Broken Bay

Pass By: Lion Island Nature Reserve, Patonga NSW 2256, Australia
Circumnavigate this special Nature Reserve, which has guarded over the entrance to the bay for millions of years

Stop At: Warrah Lookout, Tony Doyle Track, Patonga, New South Wales 2256 Australia
Short hike up to Warrah Trig lookout for incredible views up the river
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Patonga Beach House, Patonga NSW 2256, Australia
Iconic restaurant, just undergone a beautiful restoration
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, New South Wales Australia
Ku-Ring-Gai is the second oldest National Park in Australia. A massive swathe of untouched wilderness. There are several walks to choose from.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: West Head Lookout, West Head Rd Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
Incredible views up the river and over Broken Bay out to the PAcific Ocean
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: mackeral beach, Ross Smith Parade, New South Wales 2108, Australia
Pull in to admire some of the beachfront properties, have a swim or a hike
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Currawong Beach Cottages, Currawong, Currawong Beach NSW 2108, Australia
Stop for a splash at Currawong and have a look at this council-run retreat. Also an option to stay the night.
Duration: 20 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Stay at YHA Pittwater, or camp at The Basin, with Showers, toilets, shelters, BBQs. Boat House options also available

Day 5: Paddle Pittwater

Stop At: Barrenjoey Lighthouse, 1199D Barrenjoey Rd, Palm Beach NSW 2108, Australia
Short hike up the headland to the historic lighthouse, for unforgettable views up the river and out to the ocean. Perfect chance to try and spot some migrating whales
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: The Boathouse Palm Beach, Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach NSW 2108, Australia
Enjoy a coffee or a meal at this iconic restaurant
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: The Basin, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Pittwater, New South Wales 2084 Australia
Option for some light yoga and morning swims, or just relaxing at the campsite
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Lovett Bay Boatshed, Lot 6, Lovett Bay NSW 2105, Australia
One of many charming boat sheds we admire on the tour
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Ocean Rd, Palm Beach, Pittwater, New South Wales 2108 Australia
The beautiful headland at the very top of Sydney is the end of our tour
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.