Mooney Mooney Trip Overview
Leave the worries of the world behind, and spend the night in the prehistoric wilderness of Marramarra National Park on a kayak adventure like no other in Sydney.
Paddle beneath the towering sandstone cliffs of the Hawkesbury, past shipwrecks and waterfalls and riverside settlements, until we leave all signs of civilisation behind and push up the river into the unspoilt ancient Australian bush, and come to the fertile grounds of a forgotten orchard.
Make camp by the fire and settle in for an evening under the stars. Wake up to bird song and some hot coffee and a hearty breakfast before making our way back downstream to where we left.
Hear the story of the land unfold over the course of the tour, from thousands of years of indigenous heritage to the few short centuries of early European explorers.
All food and equipment provided, no experience required. Our double kayaks are comfortable and easy to use, just bring an adventurous spirit.
Additional Info
Duration: 2 days
Starts: Mooney Mooney, Australia
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
Explore Mooney Mooney Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Mooney Mooney, New South Wales, Australia
Leave the worries of the world behind, and spend the night in the prehistoric wilderness of Marramarra National Park on a kayak adventure like no other in Sydney.
Paddle beneath the towering sandstone cliffs of the Hawkesbury, past shipwrecks and waterfalls and riverside settlements, until we leave all signs of civilisation behind and push up the river into the unspoilt ancient Australian bush, and come to the fertile grounds of a forgotten orchard.
Make camp by the fire and settle in for an evening under the stars. Wake up to bird song and some hot coffee and a hearty breakfast before making our way back downstream to where we left.
Hear the story of the land unfold over the course of the tour, from thousands of years of indigenous heritage to the few short centuries of early European explorers.
All food and equipment provided, no experience required. Our double kayaks are comfortable and easy to use, just bring an adventurous spirit.
Itinerary
Day 1: Up river
Stop At: Bar Island Historic Site, Berowra Creek Hawkesbury River, Berowra Waters, Hornsby, New South Wales Australia
Find ancient middens, the ruins of the old church, and the cemetery with dozens of graves of early settlers
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Marramarra National Park, Canoelands, North Sydney, New South Wales 2157 Australia
This used to be one of the food bowls of Sydney. Port Jackson (Sydney harbour) gave the early settlers little love, so they tried the more fertile banks around the Hawkesbury. An orchard still remains.
Duration: 12 hours
Stop At: Hawkesbury River NSW Brooklyn NSW, New South Wales 2083 Australia
Our adventure begins on the mighty Hawkesbury River, beneath the towering sandstone cliffs and rugged bush that lines its shore.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Marramarra Creek campground, Smugglers Ridge Track, Fiddletown NSW 2159, Australia
Our home for the night – under the stars amongst the orchard
Duration: 12 hours
Stop At: Muogamarra Nature Reserve, Old Pacific Highway, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
This highly protected piece of bushland provides habitat for countless bird and plant species. We can take a short hike up the path, or a longer hike up the spur through the bush, to an incredible lookout over our paddling route up the river
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: HMAS Parramatta, Hawkesbury River, Bar Point NSW 2083, Australia
See this remarkable shipwreck, and hear the story of its incredible life. How it went from a war ship, to a cargo boat, to being washed up on the banks of the river.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Popran National Park, Ironbark Road, Mangrove Mountain, New South Wales 2250 Australia
Stop in at a beach in this National Park for a rest and some light refreshments
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Bar Point NSW 2083, Australia
Paddle past this fascinating riverfront community, where life goes at a different pace with no roads
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Marramarra National Park, Canoelands, North Sydney, New South Wales 2157 Australia
Paddle into the heart of one of the wildest National Parks there is
Duration: 18 hours
Pass By: Fishermans Point, Berowra Creek NSW 2082, Australia
Paddle past this forgotten destination
Stop At: Friendly Island, Fiddletown NSW 2159, Australia
Scale this wildly charming rock surrounded by bush
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping at Marramarra Orchard Campground. All food and equipment provided.
Day 2: Down river
Stop At: Marramarra Creek campground, Smugglers Ridge Track, Fiddletown NSW 2159, Australia
Explore the area before heading down the river
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Peats Bite, Sunny Corner, Hawkesbury River NSW 2083, Australia
Option to stop at this iconic restaurant for a well deserved lunch
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Milsons Passage NSW 2083, Australia
Admire the riverfront lifestyle of one of Sydney’s most special communities
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Milson Island, Milsons Passage NSW 2083, Australia
Formally an asylum, now a camp for kids, this incredible island has a story to tell
Stop At: Muogamarra Nature Reserve, Old Pacific Highway, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
A short hike to an incredible clifftop offers breathtaking views of where the three rivers meet.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Mooney Mooney, Mooney Mooney, New South Wales
The northern gateway to the Hawkesbury
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Nothing quite like a camp breakfast in the bush
• Lunch: We provide wraps, but for something special, guests can choose to purchase a lunch to remember at Peats Bite
No accommodation included on this day.
