General Information Auswalk’s Hawkesbury Trail is a journey of discovery through three diverse National Parks.It follows the Hawkesbury River downstream by foot and by ferry as it meanders its way through the dissected sandstone plateaux of the area.Walk through lush forests, pass by sleepy river communities that are accessible only by boat and stroll around bustling marinas housing lavish motor cruisers and sailing yachts.Some sections of this trip incorporate different types of river travel - a great way to meet the locals!Eventually the river reaches the sea and the dense forests and peaceful river inlets give way to the breathtakingly beautiful beaches and dramatic cliff tops of the coast.
Location: The Hawkesbury is about 1 hour north of Sydney. Frequent train service.
Grading: 30% easy, 50% moderate, 20% more strenuous. 12-15km (4-5½ hours) walking each day.
Typical Accommodation: Comfortable B&Bs & a waterfront apartment.
Regional Wine & Food: Noted for Hawkesbury River oyster industry.Accompany with award-winning wine from the nearby Hunter Valley.
What's Included:
7 day itinerary: 6 nights accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, luggage transfers, water taxi and vehicle transfers required for the itinerary, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, walking notes, maps.
5 day itinerary: 4 nights accommodation, 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners, luggage transfers, water taxi and vehicle transfers required for the itinerary, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, walking notes, maps.
Not Included:Local train travel (allow around $20), alcohol, additional meals.
The Best Time To Go: The summer months of December through March are usually warm, and sometimes have high temperatures. Summer can also be quite humid.By April temperatures and humidity are decreasing.May to September is usually very pleasant with cool to mild temperatures.By November the weather starts to warm up again and the humidity increases.
7-Day Itinerary (includes 6 nights accommodation & 5 days of walking) Day 1: Starts in Turramurra after 2pm.Accommodation: Turramurra
Day 2: The walk begins in the heart of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.Follow a branch of the Hawkesbury River past mangrove swamps and magnificent angophora forests to Bobbin Head marina.On the way you’ll see ancient Aboriginal rock engravings.Accommodation: Turramurra
Day 3: Descend through the forest to Gibberagong Waterholes.Aborigines lived in the Hawkesbury area for at least 47,000 years and this region is rich in Aboriginal sites.Waterholes such as this one provided an abundant source of food and allowed the early inhabitants to live peacefully in this idyllic environment.Next the route follows one of the branches of the Hawkesbury as it meanders past several picturesque inlets, each with a unique patch of rainforest habitat.The many isolated coves and sheltered bays make excellent swimming spots.Finish the day’s walk with a scenic railway trip.Accommodation: Brooklyn area
Day 4:Today starts with a ride by water taxi, downstream to pretty Patonga beach. The route then leaves the river behind and continues on foot tracks through lush forests over a headland to Pearl Beach. Photo opportunities abound with ocean vistas framed by the silky pink trunks of angophora trees. Visit the native plant arboretum then enjoy an easy stroll along the white, sandy beaches of Broken Bay. Accommodation: Ettalong.
Day 5:If today is a Saturday or Sunday you can visit the bustling Ettalong markets or enjoy a dip in the sea. Next you'll leave the sheltered bay and enter Bouddi National Park. Be prepared for a dramatic change of scenery. At Box Head you’ll be perched on a high vantage point overlooking the Hawkesbury River Heads. Precipitous sea cliffs and secluded coves are the hallmarks of this wild and exposed place! Accommodation: Hardy’s Bay
Day 6: Superb coastal walking today.Feel the wind in your hair as you stroll along the high cliff tops and scenic boardwalks that hug this rugged coast.In springtime the heathlands come alive with masses of colourful wildflowers.Picture-postcard bays, secluded sandy beaches and rocky headlands make this a fitting finale to an exceptional holiday. Accommodation: Hardy’s Bay
Day 7: Trip finishes after breakfast.
5-Day Itinerary (includes 4 nights accommodation & 3 days of walking) Day 1: Starts in Turramurra after 2pm. Accommodation: Turramurra
Day 2:The same as Day 3 (above). Accommodation: Brooklyn area
Day 3:The same as Day 4 (above). Accommodation: Pearl Beach.
Day 4:The same as Day 3 (above). Accommodation: Hardy’s Bay
