A first timer's guide to houseboating on the Hawkesbury

Whether you’re organising a get-together with extended family, planning a weekend getaway with a group of friends, or looking for a romantic and unconventional break for two, there’s a houseboat to suit.

While Australia has plenty of boating holidays up its sleeve, there’s nothing quite like a jaunt on the Hawkesbury River. At the heart of the river, inland between Sydney and the Central Coast, lies the charming riverside village of Wisemans Ferry – it’s here, at the oldest ferry crossing still in operation in NSW, that your houseboat sojourn on the Hawkesbury will begin. But before you set out, there are a range of details on what to do, where to go, who to book with and what it will cost that first-timers will need to know. Find our guide to everything you need to know about hiring a houseboat on the Hawkesbury below.

Where to book a houseboat on the Hawkesbury

There are a number of different operators on the Hawkesbury, offering everything from rather rustic and dated rooms on water, to sizable, streamlined modern vessels with all the bells and whistles you could possibly want.

Bear in mind that most houseboats sleep 10-12 at a maximum, pets are typically not allowed onboard, and many vessels are not wheelchair accessible. It’s also worth noting that houseboats typically offer a mixture of sleeping arrangements, such as bunk beds and lounge areas that convert into beds, in addition to private double or queen bedrooms – it pays to check these details in advance, particularly if you value your privacy. Find the main operators below.

Aerial view of a houseboat on the Hawkesbury — There are a number of different houseboat operators on the Hawkesbury to book with. (Image: Destination NSW)

Able Hawkesbury River Houseboats

Able Hawkesbury River Houseboats has nine different vessels for hire, from the basic Aquavan two- to four-berth boats (that measure just eight metres by 2.5) that feature just the bare essentials (two double berths that convert from day lounges, a two-burner cooker and grill, a combined shower and WC, a small fridge and a small TV) to the top-of-the-range 20-metre by eight-metre Five Star Spa, which features five queen bedrooms each with their own en-suite and LCD TV, plus a fully equipped kitchen, a heated 10-person spa and 10-seat outdoor dining set on the upper deck, and outdoor speakers.

Luxury Afloat

Luxury Afloat offers small six-berth houseboats through to more modern 12-berth houseboats, the latter of which are wheelchair accessible. Compared to some other providers on the Hawkesbury, its houseboats are a touch on the smaller side. Luxury Afloat’s houseboats feature in one of two categories: Original Fleet and Star Flight. The former feature a more old-fashioned design and are more compact, while the latter are more spacious and edge toward the luxury end of the spectrum.

Holidays Afloat

Holidays Afloat has a large fleet of 20 houseboats which range from two- to 12-berth. Their largest 47′ vessels are spacious, modern catamaran cruisers that comfortably sleep up to 12 people. The smallest are modern, European-style cruisers sleeping two people. In between are the traditional houseboats sleeping four to 10 people.

Astoria Houseboat

If you fancy the novelty of a houseboat, without the hassle of actually driving up and down the river, then consider the Astoria Houseboat – a super chic and rather spacious two-berth option, that’s anchored in the Berowra Waters area.

Hawkesbury Afloat

Hawkesbury Afloat has a number of vessels for hire, including a very spacious 33-foot two- to four-berth boat (the Horizon) and a number of more modern (if spartan) options that can sleep up to 12. Several of its boats have recently undergone renovations (hence the modern fit-outs) and a couple of its houseboats were only just built (dating between 2019 and 2021).

Jumping off a houseboat on the Hawkesbury River — Houseboating is a great group getaway option. (Image: Destination NSW)

The cost of hiring a houseboat on the Hawkesbury

The cost of hiring a houseboat on the Hawkesbury can fluctuate wildly depending on several different factors, including the size and facilities of the boat, the season, the length of your stay, and whether you opt for a midweek or weekend sojourn.

Expect to pay more over public holidays and in peak season (aka summer), as well as for weekends and for big and luxurious boats. The per night hire price often reduces the longer the stay you book.

At the lowest end of the range, expect to cough up around $400 per night for a midweek stay on a basic two-berth boat outside of peak season. While at the top end, you can expect to pay around $4,000 a night under the same conditions (a midweek stay outside of peak season) for a luxury 10-berth boat. In the height of peak season (most operators class these as the summer holidays) you’ll likely need to add a further 50% to that per night figure.

Beyond the cost of hiring the boat itself, keep in mind that there are several additional charges that you will need to factor in, including the cost of fuel, and sometimes also gas, used during your stay onboard. The former is typically charged per gallon, and based on current fuel prices, which staff should be able to supply you with. Top tip: travelling with the tide results in more economical fuel usage.

All companies also require a security deposit, with a value that reflects the size and cost of the boat. This fee is collected either at the time of booking, or in the final weeks leading up to your stay.

Sunset from the houseboat on the Hawkesbury — The cost of hiring a houseboat on the Hawkesbury varies wildly. (Image: Destination NSW)

There are several other optional charges too, which some companies levy, including:

Some companies also offer secure car parking for the duration of your houseboat stay for an extra fee (typically around $5/day).
While insurance is almost always included in hire packages, an excess waiver is sometimes offered as an optional extra, the price of which varies depending on the vessel size and type. Check with your provider.
Many operators do not provide linens (think sheets, pillows, pillowcases, doonas and towels), but these can be hired for a separate fee. Expect to pay around $35 per bed.

What to expect from a houseboat holiday

No experience or boat license is required as vessels do not exceed 10 knots. To get guests up to speed, many local operators will provide a full briefing onboard the vessel, providing a demonstration of how the boat’s controls work, and some show guests a short safety DVD. Some operators also offer to drive guests in and out of the marina, so that they don’t have to worry about docking or launching the boat. You’ll also find a detailed manual on board for reference. And bear in mind that the same road rules regarding drink driving apply to the waterways too! Houseboats are also prohibited from cruising at night due to maritime legislation.

Puttering past a house on Dangar Island. (Image: Alicia Taylor)

Although some of the high-end boats offer the luxury of a little more space, bear in mind that your quarters will likely still be somewhat cramped: it pays to pack light. There may also be restrictions on what electrical items you can use onboard too, as the voltage (often 12 volts) will prevent the use of items such as hairdryers, hair straighteners and cooking appliances.

Many houseboat operators can help out with catering or providing groceries upon request, as long as you give enough advance notice, but there are a small number of general stores that lie in the villages along the Hawkesbury, such as in Brooklyn, Akuna Bay and on Dangar Island. For the best range and price, however, it makes sense to stock up beforehand. There are several restaurants in the region that are well worth your time too, some of which are only accessible by boat.

Inside Berowra Waters Inn — Berowra Waters Inn serves up Modern Australian cuisine. (Image: Berowra Waters Inn)

For something a little stylish, dine in at Peats Bite, a Hawkesbury icon. Its seasonal, seven-course lunch (from $135/pp) is renowned. Modern Australian restaurant Berowra Waters Inn is another local standout, offering a six-course degustation from $195/pp. Cottage Point Inn is also a contender worthy of the title ‘best restaurant on the Hawkesbury’ and accessible via houseboat; it has both an a la carte and a tasting menu. Reservations are recommended at the region’s higher-end restaurants.

A meal plated at Cottage Point Inn — Take a night off from cooking onboard and treat yourself to a meal at Cottage Point Inn. (Image: Cottage Point Inn)

Best things to do on the Hawkesbury

The Hawkesbury River may be sleepy, but there’s plenty to check out. If you’re not content with idling away time watching the world go by, playing cards with friends, or cooking up a storm on the barbie then try one of the below activities out for size…

Golfing

There are three golf courses close to the Able Marina, and all three are accessible by water. They include the Wisemans Ferry Golf Club, the Del Rio Riverside Resort 9-hole Golf Course, and the Riverside Oaks PGA golf course and clubhouse.

Fishing

There’s plenty to catch on the Hawkesbury. Depending on the season you might find jewfish, mulloway, mullet, bream, flathead, flounder, snapper, or whiting at the end of your line. Remember that you need a current NSW fishing licence.

Picnicking

Look closely and you’ll find lots of hidden little inlets perfect for a picnic. Appletree Bay is one popular local spot, with a kiosk in summer, as well as toilets and public barbecues.

Walking

There are plenty of walks to take on in these parts, where rugged bushland thrives. Your houseboat provider may be able to offer a few helpful tips. For starters, there’s a nice walking track around Dangar Island that takes about 90 minutes to complete, and offers wonderful views across the water to Long Island, Brooklyn and Little Wobby Beach.

Scenic sunrise over the Hawkesbury River from Del Rio Resort — Putter over to Del Rio Resort for a day of golfing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swimming

It’s perfectly safe to swim in the river, and many of the larger houseboats even have swimming ladders attached to the back deck, but it’s best to avoid dawn and dusk, and also to swim at the side of the river as the tides can be strong.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

A first-timer’s guide to houseboating on the Hawkesbury