Is the cruise suitable for children?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome and enjoy the relaxed pace and interesting sights.

Are drinks available onboard?

The boat is fully licensed with a well-stocked bar offering beverages for purchase.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Please contact Riverboat Postman directly to confirm current accessibility provisions.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

Outside food and drinks are not permitted, but the Ploughman’s lunch and bar options onboard are extensive.

What if the weather is bad?

Cruises operate rain or shine; in severe weather conditions, your booking may be refunded or rescheduled.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Brooklyn, New South Wales, near Sydney.

Hawkesbury River Cruise with Riverboat Postman

The Hawkesbury River, flowing through New South Wales just north of Sydney, offers a rare blend of natural beauty, rich history, and tranquil waters. At the heart of this experience is Riverboat Postman’s Sunday on the Hawkesbury—a three-hour cruise that delivers a vivid snapshot of this unique river landscape. Departing from Brooklyn, the vessel cuts through calm stretches of water, revealing rugged shorelines, dense patches of native eucalyptus, and the storied islands that punctuate the river's course.

This cruise highlights several key natural landmarks such as Lion, Dangar, Spectacle, and Long Islands, each with its distinctive rock formations and forested slopes. Passengers glide past Cowan Creek, a secluded waterway often missed by other tours, and get a close look at extraordinary Aboriginal rock carvings at Eagle Rock near Broken Bay, connecting the present to millennia of Indigenous heritage.

What sets this journey apart is the onboard experience blending local flavors with scenic views. A classic Aussie Ploughman’s lunch serves up fresh, savory bites including shaved ham, beef, salami, and artisan cheeses paired with crisp vegetables and fresh bread. Add to that a fully licensed bar, and the slow cruise becomes a social occasion as much as a sightseeing trip.

Riverboat Postman’s Sunday on the Hawkesbury offers a distinct perspective on this iconic waterway, steering clear of the typical tourist track for a more intimate, authentic connection with the river’s environment and culture. Its combination of history, indigenous art, and natural splendor make it a standout destination for families, friends, or anyone looking to witness one of Australia’s most peaceful waterways from an immersive vantage point.

About Riverboat Postman

Riverboat Postman operates from Brooklyn, New South Wales, offering guided cruises and island tours along the Hawkesbury River. The operator preserves a living mail delivery tradition that dates to 1910, combining daily river service with interpretive commentary from local skippers. Cruises visit multiple water-access-only settlements and historic sites, including the wreck of the HMAS Parramatta beneath sandstone cliffs and ancient Aboriginal rock carvings on sheltered island shores. Signature departures include the Riverboat Postman mail run, the Seven Islands of the Hawkesbury cruise, the Bar Island Tour and Cruise, the Dangar Island Tour and Cruise, and the three-hour Sunday on the Hawkesbury experience. Tours are offered aboard locally operated vessels such as the M.V. Emily Melvey, M.V. Zarapito, and M.V. Bayrunner. Guests receive regional refreshments on many departures, including homemade ANZAC biscuits, morning tea, and Ploughman-style lunches on selected tours. The Bar Island itinerary highlights a restored island, historic cemeteries, and memorial sites, while the Dangar Island option focuses on local settlement history and shoreline views. The Seven Islands cruise emphasizes natural sandstone scenery and maritime history. The Sunday cruise combines a three-hour schedule with a ploughman’s lunch and island history. Riverboat Postman emphasizes safety, local knowledge, and a focus on cultural and maritime heritage, making its Hawkesbury cruises suitable for families, history enthusiasts, and visitors seeking accessible river experiences.

Most cruises depart from and return to Brooklyn, New South Wales, offering convenient access for day visitors and overnight guests staying nearby. Advance bookings are recommended for peak periods and special events.