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An Unexpected Escape to Brooklyn

Location: Brooklyn Marina, NSW Australia

A bird's-eye drone view of the enclosed river baths, jetties, and the ferry moving across the green waters of Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River.

Heading up to Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River was a completely spur-of-the-moment decision.

Largely inspired by realising just how quick and easy the drive is now using the tunnel, being only about thirty minutes from home.

Yet the moment you arrive, the small footprint of the village immediately shifts you into a different gear. Passing by the cute little Brooklyn Motel with its nostalgic charm feels like stepping back in time. It makes the whole trip feel worlds away from the usual routine.

Even with the village buzzing on a gorgeous weekend, our Saturday afternoon visit ended up being a lovely exercise in slowing right down.

A Warm Welcome and Riverside Coffee

One of the nice surprises was how welcoming the locals were. Wherever we went, people stopped to ask what his name was and if they could give him a pat.

Despite its tiny size, Brooklyn has a surprising choice of little eateries, including spots to grab fresh local Sydney Rock Oysters straight from the river. Everything was quite busy under the bright Saturday afternoon sun, so we ended up at the King Tide Cafe right on the water.
Rather than getting takeaway, we sat down, where Monte was given a big cup of milk before we headed out for our walk.

Sitting by the water with a coffee set a great tone for the afternoon.

  • A ceramic cup of coffee with latte art on a wooden table, with the sparkling Hawkesbury River and marina softly blurred in the background.
  • Close-up from behind of Monte, a fluffy brown Miniature American Shepherd, looking out over the metal railing at boats moored in the marina at Brooklyn.
  • Monte, a fluffy brown Miniature American Shepherd, eagerly enjoying a cup of milk provided by King Tide Cafe in Brooklyn.

Strolling the Water’s Edge and Dangar Island

We followed the path alongside the water. It is an easy, scenic stroll with plenty of spots to sit and watch the river. There are also a few different access points leading up to another elevated picnic area that looks right out over the Hawkesbury.

  • Monte, a happy brown Miniature American Shepherd, sticking his head out of the car window with the wind in his fur on the drive to Brooklyn.
  • The white weatherboard facade and red awnings of the Brooklyn Motel featuring large framed photographs of local marine views on the exterior walls.
  • Exterior storefront of Brooklyn's Corner cafe with outdoor tables, umbrellas, and a brick building facade on a sunny day in Brooklyn.
  • Low-angle view of tall, slender palm trees stretching up toward a bright, clear blue sky during a sunny day out in Brooklyn
  • A charming white weatherboard cottage with a red tin roof, front porch, and white fence surrounded by trees and green grass in Brooklyn.
  • A sunny outdoor dining area with wooden tables and umbrellas in front of the turquoise weatherboard Lifeboat Seafood shop in Brooklyn.
  • Low-angle view of tall, mature pine trees with distinctive pom-pom foliage growing among sandstone boulders and leafy parkland in Brooklyn
  • Wooden counter and chalkboard menus inside King Tide Cafe with outdoor waterfront dining overlooking the Hawkesbury River in Brooklyn.
  • A high-angle drone shot looking down at the lush green headland, marina docks, and sparkling waters of the Hawkesbury River in Brooklyn.
  • A sunny view of the paved walking path along the Brooklyn waterfront, with boats and the Dangar Island ferry on the sparkling Hawkesbury River.
  • Aerial drone view of the historic baths and moored yachts in Brooklyn
  • Weathered concrete steps with yellow caution signs leading straight down into the sparkling water of the Hawkesbury River in Brooklyn.
  • Monte, a happy brown Miniature American Shepherd with his tongue out, sitting proudly on a large rock with the sparkling Hawkesbury River behind him
  • A weathered sandstone boulder with a delicate flowering tree growing beside it on the grassy foreshore overlooking the Hawkesbury River in Brooklyn.
  • An aerial drone perspective of the lush, tree-covered island surrounded by deep blue water, jetties, and moored boats on the Hawkesbury River.
  • Weathered concrete stairs with a grey metal handrail ascending a bushland hill toward the upper picnic lawn at McKell Park in Brooklyn.
  • Low-angle upward view of a massive eucalyptus gum tree trunk with smooth, weathered bark reaching toward a clear blue sky in Brooklyn.
  • Weathered concrete stairs with a grey metal handrail ascending a bushland hill toward the upper picnic lawn at McKell Park in Brooklyn.
  • Calm blue waters with moored sailboats and rocky shoreline along the walking track in Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River.
  • A smooth, paved walking path shaded by trees running right along the sparkling waterfront in Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River.
  • Rustic, weathered stone stairs carved into the hillside alongside large boulders and leafy trees in McKell Park, Brooklyn.

While we were near the waterfront, we noticed the cutest little ferry heading out into the harbour. We realised it crosses over to nearby Dangar Island, which has a highly recommended café. Unfortunately, we couldn’t head over because we didn’t meet the requirements to get onto the ferry with Monte.

As always, it is a perfect excuse to head back up there, though next time I will likely go midweek to avoid the crowds.

A quick aerial peek at the peaceful village and sparkling waterfront.

Quick Visit Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Location📍Brooklyn, Hawkesbury River (approx. 35 mins from the Hills district via tunnel)
Dog-FriendlyYes, very welcoming village and on-lead walking paths along the water
Ferry Dog RequirementsDogs are permitted on the Brooklyn to Dangar Island ferry, provided they are suitably muzzled and on a lead (or safely contained)
Best Time to VisitMidweek for a quiet, relaxed escape; weekends are vibrant and popular in good weather
HighlightsRiverside walking paths, local eateries, and easy waterfront access

A Bit of Local History

If you love a little trivia, this quiet riverside pocket actually holds some fascinating history:

  • The Name: The construction camp here was originally nicknamed after the famous New York bridge. This was back when American engineers helped build the massive railway crossing over the river in the late 1880s.
  • Engineering Marvel: When that original railway bridge opened in 1889, it was celebrated as the greatest engineering feat in the Southern Hemisphere. It finally connected the rail network from Adelaide to Brisbane.
  • The Riverboat Postman: Brooklyn is home to one of Australia’s most unique mail runs. It has been operating since 1910 to deliver mail and supplies to isolated riverside communities with no road access.

Final thoughts

All in all, it was a pleasant and rather unexpected little outing. We were only there for the afternoon, but the change of scenery made it feel a lot longer than it was, almost as if we had a mini holiday.

It has something nostalgic about it that draws me back, and it is a relaxed, laid-back escape I will definitely visit more often.

If you end up heading up to Brooklyn for a coffee by the water with your dog, I would love to hear all about it.
And if you have ever taken the ferry over to Dangar Island with your pup, I would love to hear your experience and any tips you have!

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