THEATRES COWAN

The Riverboat Postman - an iconic cruise just one hour from the centre of Sydney - delivering the mail to river residents on behalf of Australia Post (as well as other daily essentials like milk, papers, the odd bottle of rum). Enjoy morning tea and lunch on board, complete with an entertaining and informative commentary from the local skippers. Departing Brooklyn Public Wharf at 10am each weekday, returning at about 1.15pm, you'll find them right next to the Hawkesbury River Train Station at Brooklyn. The direct train from Central Station in Sydney departs 8.45am, usually platform 12. The boats are large, stable and comfortable catamarans, each with a well-stocked bar on board so you can have a glass of wine or beer with your lunch. Bookings are essential for catering purposes, but payment is made on the day of travel. They look forward to welcoming you on board soon.

Berowra Waters Retreat is a luxury three bedroom holiday house plus a garden suite to accommodate up to eight people. It is situated right on the river offering water views from every bedroom and balcony. This is a water access only property with an undercover entertainment area offering stunning river views complete with crockery, cutlery, barbecue, fridge and microwave perfect for al fresco dining. There is a private spa, tinny, kayaks, stand up paddleboard and fishing rods available....

Imagine finding a place in Sydney, hidden away, with water views in the middle of the bush with a unique vehicular ferry. At Berowra Waters Marina you can have a day out fishing on the river, have a relaxing picnic, sit by the water with a glass of wine and some delicious fish and chips or dine in the restaurant for a great family occasion enjoying fresh seafood. From the Marina you can hire a Barbecue Boat as well as an open or canopy aluminium boat, with no licence required to operate, its perfect to cruise down the Hawkesbury River. There are single and double kayaks to hire which give you a chance to get up and close with bird life, marine life and ancient Aboriginal carvings. There is also a gourmet deli plus a bottle shop with great specials and deals on wines, beer and spirits....

Located in the northern outskirts of Sydney, Muogamarra Nature Reserve is an extraordinary place, and it’s easy to see why. It's open around spring time for just six weekends a year to preserve the fragile ecosystems and Aboriginal heritage, transforming into a brilliant display of colour when spring wildflowers come into bloom. When you visit Muogamarra, you’ll see majestic angophoras, old-man banksias, pink boronias and delicate native orchids. The reserve is also home to many native animals like the iconic echidna, and for birdwatchers there's plenty of birdlife to see. Look up to catch a glimpse of a soaring wedge-tail eagle or keep an eye ahead for a lyrebird. To visit Muogamarra Nature Reserve, join a Discovery tour and hear the secrets of Muogamarra from our volunteer guides. See Aboriginal rock engravings and learn about the area's significance on a Muogamarra Indigenous heritage walk. Or if you'd prefer to take things at your own pace, simply pack a picnic and a pair of binoculars and take in spectacular views on a self-guided walk. If you're interested in taking a self-guided walk, phone Kalkari Discovery Centre to get more information on walking track options....

Take time out from the rushed pace of life and take your lunch or coffee down to Barnetts Road Reserve and the Barnetts lookout. The creek looks so peaceful from up here and your troubles just seem to fly away over the valley. You can enjoy a picnic with a view, plus there's a small playground near the picnic area, so you can bring the kids along for some time in the great outdoors....

Ever dreamt of completing the legendary Great North walk? Why not try a taster, without wearing out your walking boots? Great North walk - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a challenging section that winds through dense bushland within the park. Starting from Cowan Train Station, it’s not just the scenic wilderness views that will take your breath away. It’s definitely a track for the experienced bushwalker. Descending steeply, you’ll hardly believe you’re only an hour from the centre of Sydney. The track leads past the ruins of Rhodes boatshed and on to Jerusalem Bay. Stop here for a break and take in the spectacular views over Cowan Water before tacking the hard climb to Brooklyn. You might be in need of a beverage or two at the pub before catching the train at Hawkesbury River Train Station. Continue your Great North walk exploration by linking with Great North walk – Berowra Valley National Park towards Sydney or continue north along Great North walk - Brisbane Water National Park....