Experiences
Create unforgettable memories with the diverse experiences waiting to be explored right at The Villa’s doorstep. Savour the freshness of locally sourced oysters on an Oyster Farm excursion, embark on an adrenaline-pumping Jet Ski adventure, immerse in history at Bar Island, cruise along the waterways aboard The Riverboat Postman, or lose yourself in the beauty of Marramarra National Park, where endless possibilities await, from canoeing and kayaking to bushwalking and birdwatching, ensuring an enriching and memorable stay.
Pearls of Australia – Pearl Tour
Pearls of Australia – Pearl Tour
www.pearlsofaustralia.com.au
Ph:02 9985 1479
Discover the story of the Australian pearl at Pearls of Australia Broken Bay Shellar Door in Mooney Mooney NSW. Meet the people behind the pearls as they share their expertise with passion as you delve into this unique and Australian industry. Join a tour (there are various options to suit your needs), browse locally grown pearl jewellery and immerse yourself in this fascinating Australian story. A Brochure is attached for your information. Bookings are essential and recommended to be made well in advance of your stay. Pick up and drop off for the tour are to be discussed directly with Pearls of Australia at the time of your booking and are by pre arrangement directly with them only.
Sydney Oyster Farm
Sydney Oyster Farm
www.sydneyoystertours.com
Ph: 0402 686 267
Sydney Oyster Farm Tours guides people through their operating Broken Bay oyster farm for an authentic oyster farm experience. Customers get to meet second and third generation oyster farmers, visit the oyster leases on the Hawkesbury River, and taste the famous Broken Bay Oysters.
Sydney Oyster Farm Tours offers an authentic tour of our Broken Bay oyster farm, on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, 45 minutes north of Sydney’s CBD. Their tours deliver a truly knowledgeable and authentic travel experience, all promising that added personal touch. Take a look at the tour descriptions on their website and in the brochure attached and get in touch if you would like to learn how you can book a tour with them directly.
Jetski Safaris NSW
Jetski Safaris NSW
https://www.jetskisafarisnsw.com.au/
19/9 Dangar Rd, Brooklyn NSW
It doesn’t get any better than this… Let us introduce you to the most unique, specialised and exciting on-water experience in Sydney! Ride your own jet ski, without the need for a license, (that’s right, NO LICENSE REQUIRED) and feel the freedom and exhilaration that Jet Ski Safaris has to offer as you explore the stunning Hawkesbury River on the northern edge of Sydney.
WE ARE THE ONLY TOUR COMPANY IN SYDNEY NSW TO OFFER UNLICENSED JETSKI TOURS!!
Whizz past islands and under towering sandstone cliffs, cruise under the railway and freeway bridges, snake along isolated mangrove sections of the meandering river and learn about the history of this majestic river. Stop off at Spencer for a break where you can have something delicious to eat and a nice cold beverage. With big hairpin bends and Aussie flora and fauna around every turn, it’s a ride that you’ll never forget!
For the ultimate watersport adventure, choose Jet Ski Safaris!
Hawkesbury Fishing Charters
Hawkesbury Fishing Charters
https://hawkesburyfishingcharters.com.au/
Phone: 0407 661 397
Phone: 0407 661 397
The Hawkesbury River is well known for it’s fishing thanks to the mighty Jewfish which is a highly sort after catch for any local fisherman. Jewfish can grow in excess of 60kg with a 30kg Jewie or Mulloway as they are also known as being a more likely catch. We fish the lower Hawkesbury River where as well as the Jewfish other fish can also be targeted such as; Kingfish, Australian Salmon, Bream, Flathead, Luderick, Hairtail, crabs and squid.
Bar Island
Bar Island
https://discoverhornsby.com/waterways/bar-island/
Rich in Aboriginal and European history, this uninhabited island is well worth a visit. Among the historic sites are a cottage, church and cemetery, as well as Aboriginal middens. Enjoy the native flora and fauna, making sure to keep an eye out for the threatened glossy black cockatoo and whistling kites
People have been visiting Bar Island for many centuries. Signs of occupation together with its strategic location suggest it may have once served as a place of meeting and shared resource for the Darug, Guringai and Darkinjung language groups. The island is thought by some to mark a boundary between these groups. Please respect any sites or artefacts you may encounter. Not only are they protected by law, but they still hold a profound significance for present day descendants of these communities.
The Riverboat Postman
The Riverboat Postman
https://riverboatpostman.com.au/
Tel: 0400 600 111
bookings@riverboatpostman.com.au
Dangar Road Brooklyn, NSW
The Riverboat Postman – an iconic cruise just one hour from the centre of Sydney – delivering the mail to the isolated water-access-only residents of the magnificent Hawkesbury River 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 every weekday with the mail from The Postie Wharf, you’ll find them right next to the Hawkesbury River Train Station at Brooklyn.
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 as they are often full, but payment can be made either on the day or online. The Riverboat Postman looks forward to welcoming you on board soon!
So what do we do on a Sunday when there’s no mail? We cruise in the opposite direction towards the National Parks and Broken Bay!
Starting at 11am (Sundays deserve a sleep-in), join us for a 3 hour cruise of the spectacular Hawkesbury River. Bring along your family and friends and enjoy morning tea and our delicious Ploughman’s-style lunch on board as you sit back and see the grand old Hawkesbury at its lazy best.
We follow part of the itinerary of our popular ‘Seven Islands of the Hawkesbury’ cruise – learn some of the history and heritage of the area and its beautiful islands: Lion, Dangar, Spectacle and Long Islands, as well as the isolated and secretive Cowan Creek.
This cruise is designed to showcase the opposite end of the river to The Riverboat Postman, so the two cruises can be taken without much overlap.
The views to the ocean behind Lion Island make for some spectacular photos, as will the close-up (tide dependent) view of some ancient Aboriginal rock carvings at Eagle Rock near Broken Bay.
Southern Cross Kayaking
Southern Cross Kayaking
https://www.southerncrosskayaking.com.au/
Once providing an abundant lifeforce for the Dharug and Guringai People, historic Berowra Waters, is home to many beautiful waterways. Calabash Bay is located on the western shore of Berowra Creek, downstream from Dusthole Bay. The name Calabash refers to various pumpkins and gourds that were often used as containers when hollowed out
Our connection to the waterways and country where we conduct our tours is genuine and from that we have created fun, informative and memorable paddling experiences in Sydney, Berowra, Rylstone and beyond. Established in 2011, Southern Cross Kayaking is a reputable and respected ecotourism business offering guided kayak tours in many locations in NSW and kayak and SUP hire at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp in the Wollemi National Park NSW.
By combining our interests, our skills and our qualifications into Southern Cross Kayaking, we have created a safe, positive and enjoyable outdoor ecotourism experience for people of all ages.
We have paddled in many waterways around the world and have given a great deal of thought as to where we conduct our kayak tours, choosing waterways that are less busy, in areas of natural and historical significance and offer a safe setting.
We use quality equipment, current techniques and best practices in guiding and teaching procedures. We also contribute towards conservation, building environmental and cultural awareness and respect, and promoting responsible travel in our areas of operation. All of course whilst having a lot of fun.
At Southern Cross Kayaking, we believe that kayaking is not only a wonderful activity, but that it also provides people with access to many beautiful natural areas and waterways, normally unreachable by land. This heightened experience, immerses our customers into the natural, cultural, and historical aspects of our tour locations and often unconsciously encourages them to assist in aiding in their conservation
We strive to conduct an ecologically sustainable ecotourism operation, avoiding negative impacts on the environment in all aspects of our business. This is clearly demonstrated by our operation at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp, where our ‘pop up’ base operates completely off the grid, using renewable energy to power communications, refrigeration, showers and lighting. At the end of the season, we depart only leaving a piece of our heart behind and nothing else.
Southern Cross Kayaking Tours are a great way to enjoy special and memorable time with family, friends or work colleagues. Our kayaking tours make the perfect gift, shared experience and team building activity as well. If you are ready to explore, escape and experience the magic of a kayak tour, please contact us.
Marramarra National Park
Marramarra National Park
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/marramarra-national-park
Marramarra National Park is a one of the Hawkesbury’s best-kept secrets. It’s great for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, cycling, camping, bushwalking, picnicking and birdwatching.
Marramarra National Park is one of the Hawkesbury’s best-kept secrets and has to be among the most exciting national parks in the country. Hidden away in the northern outskirts of Sydney at the junction of Hawkesbury River and Berowra Creek, it’s a peaceful pocket of Aussie bush on Sydney’s doorstep, just waiting to be explored.
It’s so close to the city, but you’ll barely see another soul. Go boating, kayaking and canoeing on the beautiful waters of Hawkesbury River and Marramarra Creek. Enjoy bushwalking on the many walking tracks and go cycling on your mountain bike along Canoelands Ridge management trail. Take in spectacular views while discovering more about the area’s Aboriginal heritage, and see historic heritage sites from early European settlement.
From all this exploring, you’ll probably be looking for somewhere to take a break. Get back to basics and spend a night camping at Gentlemans Halt or Marramarra Creek campgrounds on the shores of Hawkesbury River. Or simply drop in for the day and enjoy this beautiful place to picnic, not far from Hornsby.
Explore & experience!
Getaway to The Villa & enjoy everything the local area has to offer