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.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

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