Adventure Brief
Join Riverboat Postman for a three-hour cruise along the Hawkesbury River. Enjoy stunning river views, ancient Aboriginal rock carvings, and a hearty Ploughman’s lunch aboard.
3 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Join Riverboat Postman for a three-hour cruise along the Hawkesbury River. Enjoy stunning river views, ancient Aboriginal rock carvings, and a hearty Ploughman’s lunch aboard.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
The Hawkesbury River area holds deep significance as traditional land of the Guringai people, with rock carvings dating back thousands of years.
Conservation
Riverboat Postman emphasizes environmentally responsible operations to protect fragile river ecosystems and cultural sites.
Riverboat Postman
Join Riverboat Postman for a three-hour cruise along the Hawkesbury River. Enjoy stunning river views, ancient Aboriginal rock carvings, and a hearty Ploughman’s lunch aboard.
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.
Tours Offered
5 tours
Signature Hawkesbury itineraries.
Heritage
Since 1910
Long-running mail delivery tradition.
Vessels
M.V. Emily Melvey, M.V. Zarapito, M.V. Bayrunner
Locally operated river vessels.
Base
Brooklyn, NSW
Gateway to the Hawkesbury River.
Secure seats on signature island tours and the historic mail run — departures from Brooklyn, NSW.
Book Early for Sundays
The Sunday cruise fills quickly; reserving your spot ahead ensures you don’t miss out.
Pack a Camera
Bring a camera or smartphone to capture views of Lion Island and Aboriginal rock carvings at Eagle Rock.
Arrive 15 Minutes Before Departure
Arriving early at Brooklyn Wharf lets you get settled and enjoy pre-cruise views before boarding.
Dress for Changing Weather
Layer up to adjust for river breezes and sun exposure throughout the 3-hour cruise.
Layered Clothing
Allows comfort on the open deck as temperatures shift throughout the cruise.
fall
Sun Hat
Provides shade during the sunny stretches on the water.
summer
Sunscreen
Protects skin from UV exposure during the outdoor cruise.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Captures photos of stunning scenery and historical features.