hawkesbury trail
a journey down river

• INN-to-INN walking holiday

• Self guided departures 

• 6 day itinerary  (includes 4 days of walking)

highlights

• Follow the mighty Hawkesbury River on its tortuous journey to the coast

• Hike beneath a canopy of towering Angophoras (Sydney red gums)

• See ancient Aboriginal engravings important in ceremonial traditions and culture of the Guringai people

• Over 900 plant species occur in Ku-ring-gai Chase, some of them found nowhere else in the world

Auswalk's Hawkesbury Trail is an INN-to-INN accommodated walking holiday.  You walk downstream following the Hawkesbury River to the sea then northwards along the coast.  We move your luggage for you while you are out walking.  This holiday is Self-Guided.

Note: If you would like to do a guided walking holiday that includes some walking in this region, have a look at our Sydney's Bushtracks, Bays & Beaches trip.

Boats moored in a branch of the Hawkesbury

The Hawkesbury Trail is a journey of discovery through three diverse National Parks. Our walk is akin to a journey, travelling downstream into ever less visited landscapes. It commences in a Sydney suburb, then plunges into an oasis of forest and river tranquility. Along the way, you will follow the river from one of it’s tiny tributaries, splashing through rainforest, over delicate waterfalls, into a crystal clear oyster and mangrove lined arm of the river.

After the Hawkesbury reaches the sea

The journey follows the Hawkesbury River downstream by foot and by boat 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. The Hawkesbury River flows along a twisted, torturous route, carved through sandstone valleys. This beautiful deep river is fed by many smaller streams flowing through surrounding forests. Some sections of this trip incorporate different types of river travel - a great way to meet the locals!

Eventually the river reaches the ocean through a fast-flowing tidal estuary and the dense forests and peaceful river inlets give way to the breathtakingly beautiful beaches and dramatic cliff tops of the coast. Your journey will then continue along an impressive section of ocean coastline, to end beside a tranquil coastal lake.

Click here to read a client's story about this trip.

Click here to see clients' photographs of this trip.

Angophora trees frame this view to Umina Beach

location
The Hawkesbury is about 1 hour north of Sydney. The area is easily accessible by a local train service. 

grading
30% easy, 50% moderate, 20% harder. 12-15km (4-5½ hours) walking each day. The tracks are well formed and easy to follow. Occasionally you will encounter rough, uneven sections that require reasonable nimbleness. There are also some steps along the way. Your walking notes describe how to increase or decrease the amount of walking on most days. Most days have about 4-5 hours of walking time, with descriptions of extra walks if you want more. Most walking days finish with a short road section to reach your accommodation.

accommodation
Typical accommodation includes B&Bs and a waterfront apartment - private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

regional wine & food
The area is noted for the extensive Hawkesbury River oyster industry. Accompany with award-winning wine from the nearby Hunter Valley.

what's included
6 day itinerary: 5 nights accommodation, 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 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
Alcohol, additional meals, local train travel (allow around $20).

the best time to go 
The summer months of December through March can be hot and humid. By April the temperature and humidity starts to decrease. May through September are usually mild to warm. By November the weather starts to warm up and the humidity increases.

The coast in Bouddi National Park is rocky and wild

departure dates
Self-Guided INN-to-INN - Any day from 01 Mar to 30 Nov except Thursdays & Fridays, with a minimum of 2 people booking together. 

itinerary guide - 6 days
(includes 5 nights accommodation & 4 days walking)