Hornsby Heights Trip Overview
Take the trip of a lifetime, our trademark expedition. 5 days of paddling one of the world’s great waterways. From the beautiful Berowra Valley, past the mysterious Marramarra Creek, onto the mighty Hawkesbury River, through Broken Bay, into Pittwater, and out to the Pacific Ocean.
We provide all the food and equipment, all you need to bring is a sense of adventure. Cruise past the riverside settlements, and get out of the kayaks and hike through the bush to incredible lookouts. Treat yourself to some meals at the finest waterfront restaurants, or enjoy our delicious catering.
Explore 4 national parks, see shipwrecks, waterfalls, historic islands, indigenous sites, and beautiful beaches. No experience required. 5 days is a nice relaxed pace, with plenty of time to explore – the trip can easily be done in less.
Life is an adventure. Come and explore with us.
Additional Info
Duration: 5 days
Starts: Hornsby Heights, Australia
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
Explore Hornsby Heights Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Hornsby Heights, New South Wales, Australia
Take the trip of a lifetime, our trademark expedition. 5 days of paddling one of the world’s great waterways. From the beautiful Berowra Valley, past the mysterious Marramarra Creek, onto the mighty Hawkesbury River, through Broken Bay, into Pittwater, and out to the Pacific Ocean.
We provide all the food and equipment, all you need to bring is a sense of adventure. Cruise past the riverside settlements, and get out of the kayaks and hike through the bush to incredible lookouts. Treat yourself to some meals at the finest waterfront restaurants, or enjoy our delicious catering.
Explore 4 national parks, see shipwrecks, waterfalls, historic islands, indigenous sites, and beautiful beaches. No experience required. 5 days is a nice relaxed pace, with plenty of time to explore – the trip can easily be done in less.
Life is an adventure. Come and explore with us.
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, 1 Calabash Point, Berowra Waters NSW 2082, Australia
Pass by the iconic sandstone restaurant, or stop in for a meal if you’re fancy
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: Barnetts lookout, 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
Stop At: Berowra Waters, Berowra Waters, Hornsby, Greater Sydney, New South Wales
Pass through this iconic waterfront settlement
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Marramarra National Park, Canoelands, North Sydney, New South Wales 2157 Australia
Glimpse the entry to this mysterious wilderness as we make our way down the river
Stop At: Muogamarra Nature Reserve, Old Pacific Highway, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
Hike to an incredible lookout for breathtaking views over the river
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Bar Island Historic Site, Berowra Creek Hawkesbury River, Berowra Waters, Hornsby, New South Wales Australia
Visit the ruins of an old church, cemetery of the early settlers, and midden from the indigenous inhabitants.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Bar Point NSW 2083, Australia
Pass by the charming settlement on the northern side of the river, perfect place to stop for a drink
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Milsons Passage NSW 2083, Australia
Spend the night in this unique settlement on the banks of the Hawkesbury
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Stay at Milsons Passage, Milson Island, or Camp at Twin Beaches. All food and equipment provided.
Day 2: Hawkesbury River
Stop At: HMAS Parramatta, Hawkesbury River, Bar Point NSW 2083, Australia
Paddle alongside the shipwreck and hear the history of this remarkable vessel
Duration: 20 minutes
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 beautiful island went from a drunk tank, to an insane asylum, to a recreation centre
Stop At: Hawkesbury River NSW Brooklyn NSW, New South Wales 2083 Australia
Join the mighty Hawkesbury Proper, which will take us all the way towards the Ocean
Duration: 4 hours
Pass By: Peat Island, Mooney Mooney NSW 2083, Australia
Float past the abandoned asylum
Stop At: Kangaroo Point, Brooklyn NSW 2083, Australia
Option to stop in at the lovely Estuary restaurant, and nice new Savannah bar on the water
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Dangar Island, Dangar Island, Hornsby, Greater Sydney, New South Wales
Pull into a beach to explore this fascinating community, enjoy a coffee at the cafe or a drink at the pub, or just admire the boat houses from the water.
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Spectacle Island Nature Reserve, Spectacle Island, Mooney Mooney NSW 2083, Australia
Admire the rugged beauty of this wonderful wildlife refuge
Pass By: Mooney Mooney, Mooney Mooney, New South Wales
The northern gateway to the Hawkesbury
Stop At: Popran National Park, Ironbark Road, Mangrove Mountain, New South Wales 2250 Australia
The perfect place to stop for a coffee on the banks of the river
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Broken Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Enjoy the waters on the beautiful beach as we make camp for the night (unless staying in boat house)
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Stay in a tent or a cabin at Broken Bay
Day 3: Broken Bay
Stop At: Patonga, Patonga, New South Wales
Paddle around the headland to this charming beachside settlement
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Warrah Lookout, Tony Doyle Track, Patonga, New South Wales 2256 Australia
Hike the trail to this wonderful look out with views up the river, over the harbour and out to the ocean.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Flint & Steel Beach, Ku-ring-ai Chase National Park, Ku-ring-gai, New South Wales 2083 Australia
Stop in at this rugged beach on the bay for a breather and a short hike through the bush to another lookout
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: West Head Lookout, West Head Rd Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
One of the greatest lookouts in thew world, with jaw dropping views of Pittwater and beyond
Duration: 25 minutes
Pass By: Currawong Beach NSW 2108, Australia
Pass by this unique collection of cabins operated by the Council
Pass By: Great Mackerel Beach, Great Mackerel Beach, Pittwater, Greater Sydney, New South Wales
One of Sydney’s most famous settlements, see what makes it so special
Stop At: The Basin, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Pittwater, New South Wales 2084 Australia
Spend the night in this iconic campground, complete with showers and toilets
Duration: 2 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: Pittwater
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: Great Mackerel Beach, Great Mackerel Beach, Pittwater, Greater Sydney, New South Wales
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
Stop At: The Basin, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Pittwater, New South Wales 2084 Australia
Camp in comfort, with showers and toilets, we provide the rest
Duration: 5 hours
Pass By: Scotland Island, Scotland Island, Pittwater, Greater Sydney, New South Wales
Admire the properties and contemplate a different sort of life as we paddle around Sydney’s dream destination
Pass By: Church Point, Church Point, Pittwater, Greater Sydney, New South Wales
The gateway to Pitttwater
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp at the Basin, or Stay at YHA Pittwater. Boat House options also available.
Day 5: Pacific Ocean
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: 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
Stop At: Pittwater, Pittwater, Greater Sydney, New South Wales
The setting for our day’s adventure
Duration: 6 hours
Stop At: Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Pittwater, Greater Sydney, New South Wales
The very top of the Northern Beaches, we’ll see it from both sides as we paddle around into the ocean for a triumphant finish.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
