Hawkesbury River Postman Boat Cruise

Brooklyn Rail Bridge over the Hawkesbury River

Hawkesbury River Postman Boat Cruise

The Hawkesbury River Postman provides passengers with a fantastic view of the river as he does his rounds. Starting at the Brooklyn public wharf, it is very easy to get to via the M1 motorway just north of Sydney.

The Riverboat Postman's Boat — The Riverboat Postman

What to Expect

As the boat does it’s rounds, you are able to see many of the small settlements on the Hawkesbury. There are many places without road access, so the river is their only means of access. The captain of the boat provides a fantastic commentary throughout the trip. We found it both informative and entertaining. As someone who has lived in the area and on the river his whole life his depth of knowledge and passion for the area was amazing.

As the trip starts passengers are given tea or coffee and an ANZAC biscuit. After this you are free to move around. Depending on your preference and the weather, you can stay inside, or do as we did and enjoy the scenery outside. As well as the little settlements, you can see the scenery along the river, including the Sydney sandstone exposures and the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park bush-land.

Small Settlement on the Hawkesbury River — Boathhouse on the Hawkesbury River

As the Hawkesbury River Cruise travels up river you pass under two bridges, giving some great photo opportunities of these structures. While passing the remains of an older bridge, you get a great view of the old sandstone footings.

One of the more amazing sights was the massed jellyfish in the river. There numbers were unbelievable. We were also able to see some sea eagles in the distance, unfortunately, not close enough to photograph.

When the cruise reached its maximum distance up river, lunch was served. This was a very delicious salad an a bread roll. We found it to be very fresh and satisfying.

A great day out, relaxing on the Hawkesbury and highly recommended

9 October 20246 October 2024

Barrenjoey Lighthouse Palm Beach

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

The Barrenjoey Lighthouse is located near Palm Beach near Ku-ring-Gai Chase National Park. Access and parking on busy weekends can be an issue as we found that the car park was almost full on the Sunday we visited. Parking is not free and you must pay at the meter and display the ticket in your car or face a fine.

One of Australia’s longest running TV shows, Home and Away uses this area as a setting. The Barrenjoey Lighthouse often features in the background scenery of the show and Palm Beach is where a lot of the action takes place. Many of the visitors are there to see where the show is produced.

To get to the lighthouse, leave the car park and walk down the beach. Not too far down, you will see a sign to the track. There are two options, a short but steep track, or a longer but not so steep track. We took the second option, which is a constant uphill grade, but well paved all the way. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views on the way up, so don’t rush.

Track to Barrenjoey Lighthouse Palm Beach NSW Australia www.destinationsjourney.com — Track to Barrenjoey Lighthouse

As well as the lighthouse and its buildings, you will find some fantastic views of Palm Beach and Broken Bay. Enjoy your time at the top before making your way back to the beach via either the steep steps of the flatter path.

20 August 202414 August 2024

ANZAC Memorial Sydney

ANZAC Memorial Hyde Park Sydney

The ANZAC Memorial was built to commemorate the Australian Imperial Force of World War I. It is the focal point of the southern section of Hyde Park, along with the Pool of Reflection. On ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, the memorial is the central focus of the ceremonies, so it can be extremely busy.

120,000 gold stars covered the domed ceiling, representing all those from New South Wales who served in World War One. The centre piece of the interior is a bronze statue of a deceased youth, representing a soldier, held aloft on his shield.

On the ground floor, a gallery has exhibits from military conflicts NSW citizens have been involved with. These range from the Sudan (1885) to Afghanistan, with an emphasis on the First World War.

To the north is the pool of reflection and a long tree-lined pathway. It is very shady and cool in the Australian summer. It is a great place to sit quietly and relax.