Hawkesbury River Cruising Guide for Yachts
The Hawkesbury River cruising guide for yachts begins at one of the most iconic, expansive and sheltered cruising grounds in New South Wales. The Hawkesbury is not a single river but a vast network of tidal waterways, deep channels, sandstone gorges, forested bays and quiet anchorages stretching from Broken Bay to Wisemans Ferry. For yachts cruising between Pittwater, Sydney Harbour and the Central Coast, the Hawkesbury is a premier all‑weather refuge, offering deep water, reliable holding, abundant moorings and a level of shelter unmatched anywhere else on the NSW coast.
The river system is fed by Cowan Creek, Pittwater, Brisbane Water and the main Hawkesbury channel, creating a labyrinth of protected waterways ideal for extended cruising. Unlike the bar‑dependent rivers of the North Coast or the compact harbours of the South Coast, the Hawkesbury is accessible in almost all conditions, with deep water right to the shoreline and anchorages that remain calm even during heavy weather offshore. For coastal passage planning, the Hawkesbury is a destination in its own right, a place where yachts can rest, explore, provision and wait out weather windows in complete security.
Hawkesbury River Cruising
Guide for Yachts - Approach
The approach to the Hawkesbury River begins at Broken Bay, a wide, deep entrance shared with Pittwater and Brisbane Water. Depths in the approach typically range from 20–40 m, and the entrance is open, unobstructed and safe in almost all conditions. There is no bar, no breaking surf and no swell‑affected channel. Even in strong southerly or easterly weather, the entrance remains navigable for keel yachts.
Once inside Broken Bay, the river system divides into three major waterways:
- Cowan Creek to the south
- The Hawkesbury River to the west
- Brisbane Water to the north
The main Hawkesbury channel is deep, with depths commonly in the 10–25 m range, and the river remains navigable for many miles upstream. Cowan Creek is similarly deep, with steep sandstone walls and depths often exceeding 15–20 m right up to the shoreline. The entire system is tidal, with a typical range of 1–1.5 m, and tidal flow is noticeable but manageable.
Navigation is straightforward, with well‑marked channels, clear leads and no shifting sandbanks. The river is free of swell, and the only operational considerations are tidal flow, ferry traffic and occasional floating debris after heavy rain.
Hawkesbury River Cruising
Guide for Yachts - Marinas
The Hawkesbury River offers some of the most comprehensive yacht facilities on the NSW coast. Multiple marinas, fuel wharves and service pontoons are located throughout the system, including:
- Brooklyn. Has fuel, water, berths
- Kangaroo Point
- Bobbin Head. Full marina, fuel, water, repairs
- Akuna Bay. Full marina, fuel, water, repairs
- Berowra Waters. Fuel, water, limited berths
- Koolewong. (Woy Woy and Gosford). Full marina, fuel, water,
Pump‑out facilities are available at several marinas, and water access is widespread. The region is designed for recreational boating, and visiting yachts will find everything needed for extended stays.
Mechanical and Electrical Repairs
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Hawkesbury River Cruising
Guide for Yachts - Marine services
Marine services in the Hawkesbury region are extensive. Full‑service marinas at Bobbin Head and Akuna Bay offer haul‑out facilities, mechanical repairs, electrical work, rigging, antifouling and chandlery support. Brooklyn provides additional services, including slipways and small‑engine specialists. For yachts requiring maintenance, the Hawkesbury is one of the best‑equipped waterways in NSW.
Hawkesbury River Cruising
Guide for Yachts - Provisioning
Provisioning on the Hawkesbury varies widely between destinations, and skippers treat the region as one where major stocking must be completed before arrival. Brooklyn is the only true provisioning hub, with IGA Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Community Markets when operating, and Linton’s Seafood providing the river’s sole access to groceries, fresh produce and seafood. Kangaroo Point offers only a small general store for basic top‑ups, while Akuna Bay, Cowan Creek and the upper river provide no meaningful provisioning at all. Each anchorage and settlement has been detailed individually in the guide, but the overarching rule remains simple: arrive fully stocked and use Brooklyn only for short‑term replenishment during longer stays.
Hawkesbury River Cruising
Guide for Yachts - Anchorages
The Hawkesbury River is renowned for its sheltered anchorages, deep water and reliable holding. Some of the most popular anchorages include:
- America Bay. Offers deep water in 10–18 m, excellent protection from all but strong westerlies, and reliable holding across the entire bay.
- Refuge Bay. Provides outstanding shelter in 8–15 m, with secure holding and calm conditions even in fresh southerlies and easterlies.
- Yeomans Bay. Is a quiet, forested all‑weather anchorage with consistent depths of 10–16 m and dependable mud holding.
- Jerusalem Bay. Delivers calm water in 12–20 m, with steep sandstone walls and strong protection from all directions except westerlies.
- Cowan Creek. Side bays (including Waratah, Smiths and Castle Lagoon) offer multiple anchoring options in 8–18 m, with deep water, good mud holding and reliable shelter.
- Porto Bay, Pinta Bay and Coal & Candle Creek. Provide secluded, scenic anchorages in 6–12 m, with steady holding and protection suitable for overnight stays in most conditions.
Moorings: Public moorings are available throughout Cowan Creek and its side bays, with most rated for vessels up to 20 m and maintained by NSW National Parks. America Bay and Refuge Bay each have several blue NPWS moorings positioned in 10–18 m, offering secure overnight options when anchoring space is limited. Yeomans Bay and Jerusalem Bay also provide a small number of NPWS moorings in 10–16 m, giving skippers reliable all‑weather alternatives in deep water. Additional moorings are scattered through Coal & Candle Creek, Porto Bay and Pinta Bay, generally in 6–12 m, suitable for short stays and well protected in most conditions. All moorings operate on a first‑come basis, and skippers treat them as supplementary to anchoring rather than guaranteed availability
Hawkesbury River Cruising
Guide for Yachts - Operational
considerations
The Hawkesbury River is one of the safest and most accessible cruising grounds on the NSW coast. There is no bar, no swell and no shifting sandbanks. The primary operational considerations are:
- Tidal flow, which can be strong in narrow sections
- Ferry traffic, particularly around Brooklyn and Dangar Island
- Floating debris after heavy rain
- Depth, which is generally excellent but requires attention near oyster leases
For coastal passage planning, the Hawkesbury is an ideal location to wait out weather windows. Yachts can remain at anchor for days or weeks in complete shelter, with easy access to marinas, fuel and provisioning.
Hawkesbury River Cruising
Guide for Yachts - Weather
The river system is completely protected from ocean swell. Wind‑driven chop is minimal, and the anchorages remain calm even during heavy weather offshore. The only weather‑related concerns are strong westerlies in exposed bays and occasional gusts funnelling through sandstone gorges. Overall, the Hawkesbury is one of the most reliable all‑weather refuges on the NSW coast
Hawkesbury River Cruising
Guide for Yachts - Summary
The Hawkesbury River cruising guide for yachts ends with a clear operational message: this is a deep, sheltered, all‑weather cruising ground offering exceptional anchorages, comprehensive facilities and safe navigation in almost all conditions. With its tidal waterways, dramatic scenery and extensive marine services, the Hawkesbury is a premier destination for yachts cruising the NSW coast, ideal for extended stays, provisioning, rest and weather‑window planning. Hawkesbury River Cruising Guide for Yachts has useful information.